Louvers in the Hood

Clark Lincoln

Clark Lincoln

Well-known member
Earlier models of the GT6 had a small set of louvers in the hood (and on the front quarter side portion of the "bonnet"). The question is, can I add these to my hood, which did not have them, and do they have to be duplicates of the original in size and location? (as per Prod rules)
 
All years of GT6 production are together - there was never any displacement change - just minor rear suspension and body changes throughout the build cycle.
 
Well, initially it sounds OK to me anyway.

The only other issue I can think of - remember all these cars are classed on the Base model - so the base model hood had to have those louvers.

You are legally allowed to replace the stock hood with a fiberglass replica... but there's no rule allowing you to change the size or location of the louvers, that I know of.

YMMV - hopefully someone else will chime in.
 
I think you would be hard pressed to convince a tech guy/gal that the louvers from a MK 1 GT-6 should be allowed on a Mark IV Hood. Also, they kind of frown on holes in the body work that were not stock. However the front date-back date same model regs might apply. I'd say "Grey Area" at best! Based on the cooling research I have done for my GT-6 a good radiator and adequate ducting should keep your big 6 lump cool and happy!

Rap
 
I agree with Bob. A good radiator and ducting go a long way.

But, if you can update/backdate, add the louvers. They should help with engine heat venting or maybe slightly reduce your front end aero lift. Just be prepared for more conversation than you are anticipating...
 
I agree with John...getting hot air out from under the hood is VERY helpful with any race car but particularly with a British car...as he mentioned, you had better carry a current copy of the GCR/PCS with all of the references that support your louvers install tabbed, indexed and highlighted, because questions will be asked when you tech. Keep me posted on your success or failure with this idea. My GT-6 is still far enough away from the track that I could hop aboard the louver bandwagon should your efforts prove successful.

Rap
 
I agree with James in that no one under 60 would know but most of the tech barn people tend to be retired and over 60 (and God bless all SCCA workers)! Go for it but keep your ammo handy.
 
Thanks guys, all good advice. When I make my carbon fiber hood I will add louvers as separate inserts (same size as OEMS) that I can replace with blank panels if necessary. Most of the earlier cars had vents on the sides of the hood, just behind the wheel opening- and I would like to reproduce these as well.
The radiator I am using is an aluminum dual pass that is at least 20% larger than stock, and of course an oil cooler to help with overal cooling.

I will report out how things work out.

Clark
 
Want to buy a GT6 engine core? Someone offered me one the other day. Didn't look close, but appeared to have most pieces... NW Florida, not sitting in a puddle. Must be getting rare, hard to source...but not cheap to ship. PM me, for contact info.

Bob L.
 
Here is your Hemmings description of when and where louvers were added to the GT6
GT6 Article. See if that is what you're looking for as a way to show the where and how many argument.

James Rogerson
BP '65 Mustang
 
The GCR states (in the Prod car Specifications Para C 2 ).

Cars can be updated or backdated within the specifications for the makes and models listed on the same specification line of the PCS.

The PCS has only one line for the GT6, and no model years are listed, so I assume any part of any model is fair game. Right?
 
I'd say YES! You have the foundation for a rightous discussion if the question ever came up. Would require at least a national championship to be worthy of questioning. Do it.

Just don't bring those carbon fiber parts to any vintage groups....well, maybe HSR?

Bob L.
 
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