I've been planning for some time to upgrade the hood scoop on my 02 WRX for some time to the STI scoop -- need more cool air! -- but I've noticed that the price for an STI Replica scoop painted PSM is pretty high and climbing; most places I've seen this for $185 (PSM never in stock) to $230 (supposedly JDM).

Meanwhile a variety of really nicely-made carbon fiber (some solid, some over fiberglass) scoops are showing up on ebay and other sources, sometimes for the low $100s. I like them for several reasons; strong, no paint to fade, C/F doesn't chip as badly as stock, and they are STIFF -- the 02-03 STI hood scoop flexes visibly when at highway speed. Plus, they don't have those vertical supports, and thus less whistle and more air.

My only concern is if this would be too "ricey" of a look for the car; other than some "painted metallic grey" Kosei K1-TS 17" wheels and some clear side markers (I want the car to be only black and silver) it is a stock exterior. So, C/F hood scoop on a PSM stock hood -- nice or rice?

 

Here's an example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=38658

 

Depends. Do you have the intention of putting any other CF items on the car (wing, sidemarkers, lip)? Is you primary goal looks or cost? If it is cost, I am sure that you could find an unpainted scoop cheaper and have it painted, or just look out for someone that is parting out.

Maybe consider CF hood and scoop?

 

I saw a car this weekend that convinced me that this was a ricey look, and I've made up my mind on the issue -- no carbon fiber scoop, even if I were to put on a carbon fiber lip (V1 limited) to match. RICEY!

Mods, you can close the poll if you want. Thanks to everyone that voted.