[JimT]

Hi all, new owner. Magnetic Grey H4142
I was wondering, I find the hood brace a pain in the a**, and was thinking about buying a set of hood struts. I see multiple venders, any suggestions? I would like them metered so the open rate is reduced upon full open position.

Thx!

 

[3yellowgt350]

JLT , make sure it is for the gt350, brackets on the hood are dif
ferent from the s550

 

[Dawgman]

I have a set of GT 350 Red Line struts for sale. See my thread under Parts for Sale.

 

[smokum]

the car I traded in had hood struts .... a GT500. Did it because the motor in my opinion was done right with
accessories

I may do this to the GT350 but got to get some bling out of that blaze engine compartment first

don

 

[Coolpixer]

I think i heard someone say there is a somewhat of a significant interference and cobbling when installing that people are opting out of installing. Just FYI.

 

[Dawgman]

They are very simple to install.

 

[HotLap]

To the OP, go to Youtube and you can find detailed vids on installation, Very straightforward with the exception of drilling the battery cover, but still nothing difficult. I've had good luck with the Red Line Tuning hood struts on several cars in the past and already have them here awaiting the arrival of my gt350!

 

[JimT]

Any problem with Hood strength against struts (Aluminum...).

 

[HotLap]

Jim, while I haven't installed mine yet, I didn't have any issues on my 2007 GT 500 install...IIRC that hood was aluminum as well? The Red Lining Tuning are stiff enough but not overly so...

Any problem with Hood strength against struts (Aluminum...).

 

[Dawgman]

Reason I'm selling my brand new set of Redlines is I'm a bit concerned over the strength of the aluminum hood as it takes a bit of pressure against the struts to close the hood. Since I leave a battery tender on my battery, I open and close the hood every time I drive the car, otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure I'm over reacting, but in my mind, the peace of mind factor overrides the benefit of the struts. As info, I had Redlines on my GT500 and they were fine. The location of the fender mount bracket was a bit further away from firewall than on the 350 so the required effort to close that aluminum hood was less.

 

[JimT]

It appears in reading specs on these struts that they are metering them to reduce lift at last of stroke. This should reduce effort to close (?). I guess I’m only left with the concern that places strut mount through the battery cover (?). Do you have to release strut to remove cover? Thanks everyone.

 

[Paul350]

I have redline and they work great. You will probably need to work them a bit before install. They come very stiff and pistons needs about 15 compressions then good to go. They are sturdy and have zero concerns about strength. Only thing I regret is they camo out with the ones with 350 logo. But red lines looks good with lettering on them. I'm not handy and no issue installing. Good purchase.

 

[Dawgman]

You do have to drill a hole in battery cover, but they provide a 3/4” hole bit. They also suggest cutting about a 1” slit from the hole extending to the edge battery cover to allow removal of battery cover. Once installed, you don’t notice the slit or the hole. Really neat installation. Send me a PM and I’ll send you additional info.

 

[JimT]

You do have to drill a hole in battery cover, but they provide a 3/4” hole bit. They also suggest cutting about a 1” slit from the hole extending to the edge battery cover to allow removal of battery cover. Once installed, you don’t notice the slit or the hole. Really neat installation. Send me a PM and I’ll send you additional info.

Thx Dawg! Simple answer and understood. And it’s sounds like I want the models with the GT350 logo! Thx all.

 

[nicosuave1]

I installed this mod on my '17, it was worth it. Works great, no hood flex or other issues I see people worried about.

Cutting the hole in the battery cover was a pain. I used a dremel to make it as perfect as I could. I worry that the battery cover is there for waterproofing reasons? If so, there is a freaking hole in it now due to this hood strut kit. Does anyone know if I should be worried driving in rain with this kit installed?

 

[ringmaster]

I installed this mod on my '17, it was worth it. Works great, no hood flex or other issues I see people worried about.

Cutting the hole in the battery cover was a pain. I used a dremel to make it as perfect as I could. I worry that the battery cover is there for waterproofing reasons? If so, there is a freaking hole in it now due to this hood strut kit. Does anyone know if I should be worried driving in rain with this kit installed?

It's not a problem. I have the struts on my 2015 GT and my GT350 and water isn't an issue. The battery cover isn't waterproof to start with.

 

[HotLap]

I too have Red Line Struts, and actually "debadged" them so as to look more stock. There were super stiff at first, I did like 40 compressions each (pre install and they got pretty warm) and they were still very stiff...at first almost felt as if the hood would bend...but just take it slow and once mounted cycle the hood a bunch of times and they'll be fine. Mine work flawlessly now and one of the best mods I made - ditching the 73 Pinto hood prop...shame on you Ford!!

Oh, and I had to go a bit larger with the battery cover hole - not much, but a bit so it would fit perfectly and be sure and slit the rubber to the side (as the instructions recommend) then you won't have to disconnect the strut to access the battery. Sits flush and you can't tell...

 

[nicosuave1]

It's not a problem. I have the struts on my 2015 GT and my GT350 and water isn't an issue. The battery cover isn't waterproof to start with.

Thank you for the reply! Good to know this info, I really appreciate it.

I'm 34 and can barely afford this damn car.

 

[madlag]

Installed my redlines today. Sooo much better. Like others I was worried about hood flex etc. it’s fine though.

 

[HotLap]

Look good madlag, nice tidy install! I didn't think I'd like the bright silver housings, but those look good - especially with the white paint.