[gbaltazar84]

Hi everyone, I have a 97 Rav4, 4dr, automatic, 2wd...

And I've seen some newer models with a hood scoops. Love the look!

Is it possible to retrofit another hood with the integrated scope for the 97? Or would it be just better to buy one of those stick-on/drilled-in hood scoops, or is there another hood that I could use to replace the current one? It's more for looks that anything else as I don't think i have the cash roll to turbo/engine swap it. I like the smooth integrated look a lot! Thanks everyone! - GB

 

[demoder]

I agree that the scoops on the Gen 2 Sport Editions look great, but remember that hood scoops are at least nominally functional in the lightest use, and very important in the heavier applications. Hood scoops were not offered on Gen 1 Rav4's and our little 3SFE (that I am aware of), and the air intake is just a standard style that breathes behind the radiator on the driver's side. If you install a scoop for functionality, you will be making some extra modifications. If you install it just for looks, then you'll be introducing a place for water to get in where you might not want it.

Here are some posts regarding this idea, from over the years, in which many of the downsides are discussed:

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/94-...5986-new-hood-scoop-kinda-edit-now-built.html​

Rav4hunting's pictures on this thread are gone, but I remember that he did a really good job making his own, harvesting the scoop from another hood. Maybe you can PM him for the pictures, if you are serious about the project:

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/94-...70217-scrapyard-gold-wrc-3sgte-rav4-hood.html​

Rav4GTT does builds where he swaps the 3SFE engine for the Caldina 3SGTE engine, and turns our Ravs into little rockets! Search these forums, site site, and youtube and you might get some more ideas:

https://rav4gtt.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/why-the-caldina-gen4-3sgte/
​