Ram Air Hood Experience

[morgantz]

Gang,

It's been a while since I've been on the forum, and I'm seeing a lot of you going throught he same thing I did with my Ram Air hood. Thought I'd pass along my experiences to help those with problems, and those considering the purchase. One disclaimer: I have a good bit of auto body experience and have an excellent body man / painter that assisted me with my hood.

Anyway, I bought my ram air hood over six months ago and had the same problems with fitment.

Unfortunately, the hood interferes with the plastic cowl underneath it. You will need to grind this down (do the cowl, not the hood) about 3/8 of an inch at the highest point of the cowl under the center of the hood. After doing so, you will be able to get the back height down to match the fenders. After that, the width of the hood also is an issue. Unless you want to see huge gaps between the fenders and the hood, you will need to adjust the fenders. I used some simple washers as shims to move the fenders in at the front of the vehicle. The nose of the car is attached to the fenders, but is flexible enough to move with the fenders. After these adjustments, I am happy with the way mine looks.

You should definately complain about the quality of your hood. I did not, thinking that fiberglass hoods are always a bit finicky. But it does sound like they have some major quality issues with their product.

Also, I have the GoMango Daytona. I was not happy with the paint match on mine. Because that paint has a pearl in it, it is going to "lay down" differently and you will see it when looking from different angles. I would suggest to anyone considering the Mango hood to purchase it unpainted, and have a reputable body shop paint not only the hood, but the tops of the fenders as well.

Bottom line, don't purchase this hood for a Mango Daytona unless you are prepared to spend a bit more to make it look professional.

Regards.

[zxe003]

Thanks for the info. Any pics?

[06Daytona]

When I talked with "Jeff" - their body guy and described my fitment issues, he said that was not normal and that they would send another hood. It would be really good if everyone that got a hood could write a simple post describing any issues that they had. I would also like to know the number/4000 or /2000 and the build date of the car. I am thinking that the car changed a bit mid-year and RAM AIR fitted the molds to the earlier cars.

I did think of grinding down the plastic piece but was afraid of chewing through it. This also acts as the seal so water does not penetrate to the engine at that point. Is this solid throughout the high areas?

I'LL START:

Type 2 Hood (Uses RAM AIR's airbox)
Large gaps between hood and fender (almost 1/2"). Front and rear are not adjustable below the line of the fender. Front sits about 1/4" too high, rear sits 1/4 to 1/2" too high. Front bolt holes for latch smaller than stock necessitating buying new bolts. Air box not a great fit and required a bit of muscleing to get it to seat properly.

TB 2700/4000 1/06 build date.

[boogie]

I had the same problems most everyone else has had. I just couldn't get it to fit right. I ended up having the dealer send the car to the body shop that they use. The shop owner told me that most aftermarket fiberglass hoods won't fit perfect. He said that they would need to move some metal around to make it fit. He said this is a common thing that has to be done. Funny, I've got a coworker who's been building hot rods for over 30 years and he had told me pretty much the same thing. It cost me 125.00, but they got it to fit perfect. I don't think that if you have a Mango you shouldn't buy this hood. These fitment problems aren't just related to Mango's. I think the question is, do you want RAH to paint it or have it done locally. I know the Top Banana is a hard color to match. Even for a body shop. Just ask BigPhil.

I am, very happy with my hood and the money I spent at the body shop was well worth it.

[daytona3509]

I would think that company selling these hoods would either drop the price or give a re-bate to the peoples having problems with their product to somewhere around the cost of getting it to be right. Just my 2 cents

[boogie]

I would think that company selling these hoods would either drop the price or give a re-bate to the peoples having problems with their product to somewhere around the cost of getting it to be right. Just my 2 cents

I'm not defending them at all. But I trust the the friends I have that I get my info from. They are very experienced with this type of thing. They all tell me the same thing. Fiberglass hoods almost never fit completely perfect. It's just the nature of the beast. Also everyones abilitly to adjust these isn't the same. You may be better at it than me. I'm pretty sure I proved that :frown: That's why I had a shop finish it. All and all, in the end these are great hoods. The body shop that fitted mine wanted to know where I got it and who painted it. They were very impressed with it.

[daytona3509]

Wasnt baggin on them I am sure the hoods are great that is why i ordered one plus I spoke with bobby at the company she had no idea that these problems exist. I told her that she should pick through these post and see what the customers are saying about their product. I have had 3 or 4 on different cars and loved them. But, Its like buying a rum and coke from a bar, then finding out that its got no ice and you have to pay extra for the cubes.

[morgantz]

Gang,

I want to clarify what I was trying to say. New buyers need to be aware that these hoods are not perfect - it is the nature of the beast. However, there are ways to make minor adjustments to make the fitment of the hood better. You can tweak the fenders and cowl to make the hood fit right.

If you run into the same problems, send feedback to the manufacturer so they can improve their product. Simply, the hood needs to be a tick wider and modified a bit so as to not interfere with plastic cowl underneath it at the top close to the window.

That's it. I would buy another one of these hoods as they provide the best look for the car. But keep in mind, if you are a perfectionist, you will need to spend at least another $350 to make it right. Particularly with the GoMango paint.

[daytona3509]

1200 + 350 = 1550 what is the purpose of a group buy?

[TorRed]

Buy an SRT hood. It fits as an OEM hood should, no problems. Yeah, the RA hood looks badazz, but I don't have the patience for that kind of thing.

[Black Hemi]

I guess I was lucky. Mine seemed to fit just fine with minor adjustments.

[Bradbxyz]

My Hood adjusted 99.9% perfect in just two 1 hour sessions with the assistance of my teenage daughter. My neighbor two doors down liked the look - but went with an actual SRT hood for his 06. In the end he paid 1850 for the hood (including paint) and has spent all weekend trying to get it lined up. Guess what ! The front is still a quarter inch high, with gaps on both sides and the rear is high - just like mine was a month ago. The dealer said they would have their body shop install it for 150. OEM or not- a diffrerent hood will REQUIRE adjustment to get it perfect. If you don't have the patience or the skill, then you have to pay somebody else - just like window tint or getting a ding fixed. Some can.... and some can't. These hoods DO fit - why should the company charge you less just because you can't make it sit straight?

[Dan]

1200 + 350 = 1550 what is the purpose of a group buy?

Because 1400 + 350 = 1750?

1550 < 1750

[BLUE-MIDNIGHT]

I'm not 100% sure why every one is up in arms over these hoods.They are the best looking hoods on the market and are top notch quality.And any aligned body panel Hood, Fenders and even doors OEM or after market need to be aligned they will never just bolt up and be aligned.They need to be finessed while frustrating its just the way it is.Knowing you own mechanical limits and talent is helpful and if beyond you seek help (I did):confused:

[06Daytona]

I have done quite a bit of body work in my day but did not expect a custom fit hood to fit so poorly. I doubt when they built these that they intended for you to have to grind down the cowl and unbolt the fenders.

Yes, these are the greatest looking hoods available and they are very high quality fiber glass, but they do not fit like they should. I still maintain that they fitted these to earlier runs of Chargers and the later ones were slightly different.

In any case, Ram Air is sending me another hood because they do not believe that my hood is fitting like it was designed.

I don't mind a bit of adjustment up, down, right, left, etc, but when you have to start grinding down OEM parts and shimming the fenders, something is wrong!

[daytona3509]

Just got mine tonight!!!!!!!! YEEEEEE Haaaaaaaaaa. But I have pregant wife can expect her to help me put it on. So I have to wait for help. I did get my wife to let me keep it the bedroom :). Kinda dark so I dont know about swirls or anything but with a quick inspect IT LOOKS GOOD!!!!. Tomoorrow I will get a good look at it and maybe buy a camera lol

[06Daytona]

Just got mine tonight!!!!!!!! YEEEEEE Haaaaaaaaaa. But I have pregant wife can expect her to help me put it on. So I have to wait for help. I did get my wife to let me keep it the bedroom :). Kinda dark so I dont know about swirls or anything but with a quick inspect IT LOOKS GOOD!!!!. Tomoorrow I will get a good look at it and maybe buy a camera lol

Please post some pics because I am getting the feeling that I am the only one that has a f'n camera!

[BLUE-MIDNIGHT]

I have done quite a bit of body work in my day but did not expect a custom fit hood to fit so poorly. I doubt when they built these that they intended for you to have to grind down the cowl and unbolt the fenders.

Yes, these are the greatest looking hoods available and they are very high quality fiber glass, but they do not fit like they should. I still maintain that they fitted these to earlier runs of Chargers and the later ones were slightly different.

In any case, Ram Air is sending me another hood because they do not believe that my hood is fitting like it was designed.

I don't mind a bit of adjustment up, down, right, left, etc, but when you have to start grinding down OEM parts and shimming the fenders, something is wrong!


Hey daytona this wasn't directed toward you i looked at your pics and i have to agree theres a Little more going on there should be.Mine is just finessing yours would have bin remolding LOL j/k.My brother has bin to busy to mess with the hood since he Had originally so when its 100% ima take allot of pics.He did however do the trunk TSB and is making DC pay to repaint the rear bumper from all the rubbing.

[daytona3509]

INSTALLLED ya baby. 1.5 hrs. Bradbxyz and I installed fast. Just had to grind a hole out a little bigger. BAM on. Pics will be posted as soon as brad sends them to me.

[Bradbxyz]

Pics are in your inbox!!

[Bradbxyz]

Here are a couple of daytime shots of mine while we wait..

[Bradbxyz]

Here is Daytona 3509s Top Banana, in a few night shots, some with my Mango

[Bradbxyz]

few more..

[pdogg57]

crazy, I didn't know there where so many issues with the hood. thanks for the info.

[Dan]

Looks great. Now we need some more data on any performance. aarcuda is the only one I've seen post any.

[Bigphil]

this isnt a performance mod though.


so did 3509 have ram air paint his?

[jasonface]

Hmmm, strange. I was more than surprised at the fitment and paint match on this hood. Having bought aftermarket hoods in the past, I was completely ready for fitment issues, that's just normal. Not only did mine fit PERFECT, but the paint match (Inferno Red) was near dead-on. It took me about 2 hours to adjust it correctly, but I'm no bodyman either. Just lucky I guess...

[Bigphil]

lucky bastard. im still debating repainting the whole front end of the car.

[air3medic]

Wow. I am kinda surprised with the issue of how they fit. At first glance the last pic that bradbxyz put on in his gomango look pretty good, but when you look at it close it appears as though the gap where the front quarter panel, the hood and the windshield meet is reather quite large, like maybe more than 1/4"??? I like the hood ... but fitment is a huge factor. I almost bought one of these for christmas, but I think I am going to have to wait to see some more picks and hear more positive testimonies ....

[Dan]

this isnt a performance mod though.


so did 3509 have ram air paint his?

Says who? aarcuda gained .3 in the quarter. That's why I'm looking to see if anyone else has noticed any gains.

[06Daytona]

It might be that Ram Air has a bad mold(s). Me and a few others got our hoods from the bad mold and a few got theirs from the good mold.

[jasonface]

It might be that Ram Air has a bad mold(s). Me and a few others got our hoods from the bad mold and a few got theirs from the good mold.


Good call, you listening RamAir? That would make perfect sense, I don't see how my hood could fit so good while others have had the problems I've been reading about. The cowl interference issue should be a total giveaway, there's no way the Chargers from the factory are that far off from car-to-car, it has to be variations in the hoods themselves.

[daytona3509]

3509 says he ordered it painted and said that it went on pretty easy. I think it was damm near a perfect fit. Didnt take much tweakin but it seems that the fit changes with the weather and the engine temp. Its only been one day butt I am satisfied so far i fell that it will be just fine.

[Dan]

3509 says he ordered it painted and said that it went on pretty easy. I think it was damm near a perfect fit. Didnt take much tweakin but it seems that the fit changes with the weather and the engine temp. Its only been one day butt I am satisfied so far i fell that it will be just fine.

Pix?

[daytona3509]

LOL scroll back a page or two :)

[BLUE-MIDNIGHT]

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/Takaad101/102_1120.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/Takaad101/102_1122.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/Takaad101/102_1119.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/Takaad101/102_1124.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/Takaad101/102_1129.jpg

as you guys can see mine fit really well:D
Im 100% satisfied with mine Paint,fitment,quality,performance over stock airbox:D

[Dan]

That looks amazing man! Mine comes today but I can't install it until Christmas. It's my present :)

[merlin1]

can anyone post hp increase results if any please? someone said it isnt a performance upgrade, but the websight www.ramairhood.com says it increases horsepower anywhere from 25-30 horsepower. is this correct, or is it just a scam to get u to buy it?

[Dan]

can anyone post hp increase results if any please? someone said it isnt a performance upgrade, but the websight www.ramairhood.com says it increases horsepower anywhere from 25-30 horsepower. is this correct, or is it just a scam to get u to buy it?

You wouldn't really be able to measure it on a dyno cause a dyno is stationary. aarcuda said he lost 0.3 in the quarter mile with it. The test was done on the same day within the same hour. 4 runs with and 4 without. That's the only reports we have that I know of. Others dispute it helping at all.

[daytona3509]

be careeful of the foam around oil cap. you guys with the ramair box mine got sucked into the intake to day

[bremo76]

Because 1400 + 350 = 1750?

1550 < 1750

New SRT8 hood $1490 plus shipping unless you are local. Factory product=factory fit....my :2cents:

[Bradbxyz]

I ordered my hood nearly a year ago, and still love it. The color match is perfect, you can see the paint lays down a bit different when you get about 6 inches from the hood / fender joint- from being painted at different times. Mine aligned real easy with the help of my daughter. Set it up first ( at night ) in about an hour, then fine tuned it about a month later after it had been ran and heated / then cooled overnight a couple of times. Have not had to touch it since, except to change out the washer nozzles which were both overtightened when installed, and they cracked.
From what I have been hearing, and after seeing Daytona3509's hood, Mainly the problems are coming from the hoods designed for their airbox. I may be wrong, but it sounds like the hoods designed to match up with a CAI may be a slightly different mold that lines up better, and sits down better without having to shave anything...

Brad

[HISFUN]

Has anyone had any problems with Ramairhood.com's type 1 hood?

[Daytona 226]

Style II... No Problems...

[Stercrazy]

Style II... No Problems...
Did I see you on 72w today? Me and the wife went to LBI and I spotted a Bee just like yours. Nice car! We weren't in the Charger, we were in her PathFinder.

[Daytona 226]

Did I see you on 72w today? Me and the wife went to LBI and I spotted a Bee just like yours. Nice car! We weren't in the Charger, we were in her PathFinder.
Hi Stercrazy,
No it wasn't me. BTW, it's not a bee, it's a Daytona, but I'll take that compliment anytime! Lol! Boy, that made me feel good!

[daytona3509]

I cant rember which one I had but its the one with the airbox. I wish I would have went with the cia. Then boc is ugly and covers the engine. I am really thinking about selling it and going with a different one or going back to stock hood. Are they still in business I would love to trade it back for the cia version. The airbox has be rubbing on the hood with make it a eye sore where the rubbing occurs.