Bonnet
What is a bonnet?
The bonnet is the panel that sits on top of the engine. It’s designed to cover the engine up for safety reasons and to improve the overall look of the vehicle.
Why would I want to modify my bonnet and what can I do to it?
There are several reasons why people modify their bonnets the original and most useful reason is to vent the bonnet to allow the cooler air to release from the engine bay more easily. Bonnet scoops came along to help suck cool air in to the engine bay and more directly into the air filter on some cars.
It is now part of the fashion to have a modified bonnet. There are bundles of vents and scoops available for all vehicles as they also improve the look of the ride. Its got to the stage now where just adding a scoop isn’t good enough this where bad-boy style bonnets come in and more recently suicide bonnets which open sideways or from the middle or backwards or anyway you can think of to be different to be honest!
There are also a range of replacement bonnets available nowadays which include full carbon fibre bonnets, fibreglass skins that fit on top of your bonnet and also full Perspex (see through) bonnets.
What are the benefits of modifying my rides bonnet?
As mentioned earlier vents and scoops allow hot and cold air to be released and sucked into the engine which helps the engine perform a little better. Modifying your bonnet also adds style to your ride and is a common modification on the car scene nowadays.
What are the disadvantages of modifying my rides bonnet?
There isn’t so much as a disadvantage that would put you off modifying your bonnet, they are all little niggly points that don’t really effect the overall effect. Depending on how you have modified it depends on the downfall. For example a mk2 Citroen Saxo has a built in grille with its bonnet. It’s common for people to smooth that grille off. This will decrease the airflow entering the engine bay and may affect the temperature within. A simple solution here would be to have an alternative scoop or cold air feed at the front of the ride to make up for the loss of the grille.
What is the legality of of modifying my rides bonnet?
There is no law against modifying your bonnet providing it is safe. It needs to have no sharp edges or anything that might cause danger to other road users. If your MOT tester is happy with you modifications then you’re free to go!