Engine hood mat………to install OR not

Recently discovered aftermarket Engine Hood Mat available thru Amazon…….the ZEK ZOOP sold out, and the other available is pricey @$120……

I like the new lightweight hood, a little too thin and it shimmies/flexes while driving….

BUT the bigger question is it a good idea to install one. (The only model to bring one is Limited).

Turbos run hotter than non turbo engines, but I can see benefits in colder climates…….

fire away.

 

Just picked up a 25 TRD OR a couple of days ago and it has the hood mat.

My experience with turbos and superchargers is to have a hood mat to mitigate heat off the hood and away from baking the paint from the underside.

Had a Volvo with the T6 turbo/super combo that cooked the paint on the passenger fender. Have a 23 Bronco with the 4 cylinder/7-SPD and a hood mat, hood never seems too hot and the Bronco is white which usually has a bit more sensitivity to heat and color change.

 

Sounds like it would be a good idea for the right price.

But $120 is not that price.

Then again, maybe that’s our only choice, given where these things tend to be made.

 

What is a hood mat?

 

Unless I’m mistaken the optional insulation affixed to the underneath of the hood of certain models?

 

As I noted in another thread, the only concern I have with the Zek Zoop is whether or not it'll handle the heat (mainly melt, but also potentially catch on fire). The description says it's made out of PET, which is recycled plastic bottles.

I might buy an OEM one if I catch it on sale.

I think heat retention concerns are overrated. The engine cools itself through the radiator and electric fans - not by releasing heat through a metal hood.

 

How about the high heat, self adhesive DynoMatt? Made just for this kind of application. Ages ago it was popular with hot rodders. IIRC, the stuff was pretty high density and would probably offset any “wavering” from a lightweight hood.

 

Yeah, if I do this mod, I am absolutely not installing anything other than the OEM insulator.

Not willing to risk such a large piece of uncertified, potentially flammable material in the engine bay.

 

And it is not like Toyota hasn't made some turbocharged vehicles and pickup trucks before the year 2024. First turbos in pickups were 1986, and my recollection is 1930s for their first pickup trucks.

 

They said price will stay the same ($60 with code) and 300 units inbound.

 

Better waterproof, heat-reflective sound insulation is available aftermarket, for example

$75 KILMAT 80 mil 36 sqft Car Sound Deadening Mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening

https://www.amazon.com/Deadening-Automotive-Deadener-Insulation-dampening/dp/B0751CBXBT/ This also has the benefit of being less chewy for mice.

 

Hopefully someone will post on TW, when the units arrive and discount code……

 

The turbocharger is water cooled. We aren’t relying on heat radiating through the hood to cool it. The cooling is done at the radiator.

 

This would be me but our 24 Sport came with it so I don't need to fuss with it.

 

Given that the OEM one is $400, $120 sounds like a good deal if it's good quality, shaped correctly and has the proper holes for the retainers.

 

Must have been an “option” or part of a package……..standard equip does not include it on 24 TRD sport

 

Could be. I got just about every option.

 

Like a Hood Rat but not as much fun.

 

The other brand (Zekzoop) is $60 after coupon. Fits great.

 

Did u get thru Amazon or direct…