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I've seen these scoops just above the windshield on the roof. They would have to serve some really useful purpose to justify putting something that homely on a car, so what are they?
-tom

They're roof scoops.

Rally cars don't have A/C so they have the scoops to help keep the drivers cool.

Steve

Ahhh. OK. That justifies the appearance. Thanks.

Some mid-90s accord in my town has a full body kit, all the rice goodies, and the last thing he added before selling it was a roof scoop from a WRX. Looks very garish. It's stupid on a street car, that's all I have to say.

Your also not allowed to open your windows in rally. In 100 degree weather, they make a huge difference.

I guessed the part about not opening windows in rallies, but didn't know it was a rule - just a common sense thing to do. Do they keep water and stuff out somehow? Not that I'm going to put one on my car, I'm just curious about them.

Really? You can't open your windows in rally? I mean, I guess for the guys with the plexi-windows, it may not be possible, but why not? What's better than the bugs-in-the-teeth-wind-in-your-hair-fresh-forest-air?
Basically, with them, you cut your roof open for it, and then have some kind of deal on the bottom that allows you to 'vent' or open it similar to a non-power sunroof.

Imagine the dust, debris, etc. coming in unabated? That's why they need to have the windows up.

Steve

actually roof scoops keep the dust/dirt out of the car when you have any of the windows cracked open... it essentially pressurizes the interior

... provided you're not following anyone

Sort of the opposite of driving with the sunroof out at high speeds. I had mine out when I saw 133 and the pressure fluctuations created a loud pulsing beat and inner ear felt like I was at high altitude.

Steve

You guys and your half truths.

They're roof scoops.

True.

Rally cars don't have A/C so they have the scoops to help keep the drivers cool.

Partly true, partly false. Some rally cars still have AC, it's VERY nice when ya have it, much better then any roof scoop.

Your also not allowed to open your windows in rally.

Kelly, you are incorrect on this. Please re-read your rule books if you have them. If not, go download them then read them. Do not post with so definitive an answer unless you are positive it is true.

Imagine the dust, debris, etc. coming in unabated? That's why they need to have the windows up.

If dust wants in, it WILL get it. No amount of rolling up of windows will stop it.

it essentially pressurizes the interior

Good!

When you have the sunroof open, and no air diverter(or you're going 133), the air cavitates in the cabin, much like dragging an empty grocery bag through air really quickly

evolutionmovement wrote:I had mine out when I saw 133 and the pressure fluctuations created a loud pulsing beat and inner ear felt like I was at high altitude.
Steve

Anybody have a sound or vid clip of this? I'm not doubting, I just want to hear it. I have no sunroof, otherwise I'd try it.

I have a sawzall you can borrow if you would like to try it out for yourself.

I had the sunroof open on the altima doing about 90 and it was just this loud (annoying) humming sound. Sorry no popping.

OK, I dont remember the rules exactly, if you can roll down the windows, its not more than a couple inches. I was explained this rule today, by a safety steward. He said it was because windows stop body parts from flying out the window, and getting crushed in rollovers.(during which, many people will try and "hold the car down")

I didnt read all of the rule book,(as most of it doesnt pertain to me) I based my reply on assumption, my bad.

Even with the windows rolled up, dust always finds a way into the cab through seals n stuff, and the roof scoop will add a positive pressure in the cabin, and keep it moving. I know people who have drilled vent holes in their lexan windows, and regreted it come summertime, cause all it did was let more dust in.

So while my reply was not rule based, it is based on the drivers I talk to, and the drivers I crew for. Sorry for the confusion.

isotopeman wrote:Ahhh. OK. That justifies the appearance. Thanks.

justifies the appearance? they look bad @$$ anytime!

oursTOdestroy wrote:

isotopeman wrote:Ahhh. OK. That justifies the appearance. Thanks.

justifies the appearance? they look bad @$$ anytime!

They look silly. they look ass, bad not bad ass.

I would certainly take the new subaru rally car and drive it on the road with its roof scoop.