Not really a biggie mod but a new aftermarket bonnet damper has just been announced in Japan by the tuning garage Augment: http://www.jdmtuningnews.com/articles/7908a.htm
It looks like it is working again. On an aside, I wonder if there is a product like this for the Prius on the market in the usa already?
Ok, I still can't really get to anything of much use. The picture is great...except I don't know what I'm looking at. Is it that black thing on the underside of the hood/bonnet? What's the damper supposed to do that the OEM one doesn't? Why would I spend money on it?
With a damper, you can pop the hood on your car and the damper will raise the hood. You effort to hold the hood up until you can get a support will not be required. I think your hihy should have a damper supported hood.
You still have to release the secondary latch, but yes, it is a pneumatic spring/support, similar to the rear hatch. So you don't have to use the manual hood support. It's more secure in windy situations as both ends are permanently attached. Then there is the "cool factor".
There are many advantages to using a damper over the traditional metallic rod hood prop. Dampers are designed to eliminate the OEM hood stand. It's really a wrenchhead and convience item. For the people who are always tweaking stuff under the hood this allows for more workspace as it removes obstructions. Those looking for something simple, it also allows opening and closing the hood to be quick and hassle-free. It's especially useful on vehicles equipped with large OEM hoods, and for situations with high wind, as more stability is provided. As the fuel economy gurus on here should already know if your hood has better rigidity and stability against movement, g's and wind that translates into better aerodynamics and ultimately better mpg.
I lift the bonnet once every 3 months or so because it's a Toyota. For $163AU plus shipping I think I'll pass.
Just how does this damper add stability and better aerodynamics? Looks like it just assists in opening the very light aluminum hood. An open hood does not provide better areodynamics if it did we would see the MPG obsessed driving around with their hoods open.
