Did searches using a couple various terms, but surprisingly found nothing on this subject. I have a 1995 Z28 with an aftermarket SS hood. The previous owner had the hood installed so I have no idea of the brand but do notice the screen or grille from the scoop is missing. I have seen some replacements online for $40 which I think is just bullschit. There I said it. Anyway, I'm wondering why no one seems to be as paranoid as I am to have rain have a direct portal into the engine compartment, right over the opti-spark. Is this issue not perceived as a problem with the vented optis? Even with the screen, if you're driving in rain, water is going to get through the holes, working its way into the engine compartment and the opti. Should I fabricate a piece of plastic to cover the scoop opening? It's not functional anyway and I currently have a towel and garbage bag in there every night. Let me know what you all think, here's a pic. Thank you.

 

I know everyone says that you have to keep the opti dry as water will kill it but that just isn't true...water doesn't hurt them, antifreeze does. If you drive in the rain there just isn't any way the opti stays dry anyway...just from water on the road....

 

I have driven mine in the rain several times and after popping the hood there was no water anywhere. I assumed the air going in through the scoop was just helping to keep the engine cool.

 

I find water on the intake elbow after a good hard rain (with the car parked), something we have had lots of in New York this year. I have actually driven the car with my redneck towel and garbage bag still under the hood and I have NO cooling change. Previous owner must have a cooler thermostat in there because I don't remember my 94'Z running so cool.

 

I would imagine you dont hear anything about this because most people with SS hoods actually have SS's or their intake is functional so the scoop passage would be to the intake and TB not the engine.