Ram Air Hood Pans

Q: Ram Air Hood Pans

I was wondering if anyone has ordered and installed a reproduction Ram Air hood pan and air cleaner from either Ames or Year One for a 1968 Firebird? How was quality and fit? Thanks.

A: …The reporduction ’67/’68 Firebird Ram Air Hood Baffle was orginally from a Barry Martin (Sonic Motors) project about 8 years ago. At the time, he had hired a retired die-maker to reproduce the Baffle with a Kirksite Die. The Die Maker was surprised when Barry said it must have all original ‘Draw-Marks’ because with today’s technology, the ‘draw-marks’ do not occur as they did 30yrs ago. Anyhow, he duplicted all draw marks and stamped out less than a 100 pieces. I believe the original price was $450 and then was reduced later. I do remember going by to see the first batch of Baffles and comparing them to the original that was used as a template. The large hole was cut out using a Laser Cutter. This produced very clean edges. At the time, I couldn’t tell the difference between the two. One note though is that Kirksite material is softer than most production Tool Steel used for dies. It’s cheaper and will only last for 75 or so hits until the sharp definition starts to diminish. The last thing I remember about this project was seeing the Dies sitting on a flat bed trailer (uncovered) about a year later. Who knows how many total pieces were produced (I saw the first 50). Perhaps Year One or someone else popped out a few more. I do know from speaking with several Die makers, showing them the part, that the work required to produce this die would not have been that involved; as with everything, quantity dictates the total investment.

A: Barry Martin (Sonic Motors) did have Kirksite Dies made several years ago for the 1967-1968 Firebird Ram Air Hood Baffle. I believe he worked with Performance Years and they stamped out approx. 75 pieces and retailed them for $375-$450 ea. As for the Lower Ram Air Shroud, I’ve heard rumors of several dealers reproing this piece but have never seen one. Used, these items have been selling for close to what they went for on the recent auction. $400-$500 for the Carb. Shroud and about the same (or more) for the Hood Baffle. Scoops, wellll….. they’re all the same; Closed/Open.. doesn’t matter since the factory Ram Air Scoops were actually regular closed scoops, milled out and repackaged in a Ram Air Part Numbered GM Box. (So, don’t pay big bucks simply because of the ‘Ram Air’ label unless you’re a collector of NOS GM Boxes). If you are able to find an experienced Die Maker/Stamping facility and have the Hood and Carb Pans reproduced AND be able to sell these pieces for $400 a pair, you will have plenty of customers… no problem. Plus, remember the usage here:

Hood Baffle: 1967-1968 Firebird (and 1969 for those non-pursuists) Carb. Shroud: 1967-1968 Firebird, 1968 GTO (and 1969 F, 68-69 non-pursuists)

Thats a big market.

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