Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood & Aerocatch

Pic 1: ER34 with Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood & Aerocatch

In continuation from my previous entry on "Bodykit Options for The ER34", I've finally decided to go the easy route that cause me the least amount of downtime on the car usage and also one of the more cost effective options. 

I've decided to just install the ultra rare Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood and also Aerocatch locking decide to secure it down.

Before fitment, I sent in the hood to have it re-lacquered to give it that brand new look. I've also repainted the underside of the hood. Yes I know no one see underneath but I like everything to look good inside out. Cost me a fair bit as I use good lacquer that are able to withstand the hot Malaysian sun. Slap on a couple of layers too for good measure. The end result is pretty nice. :)

Pic 2:The vents

Pic 3: ER34 with Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood

Initially I have my doubts on the hood as it's a tad too aggressive looking for me. After fitting in, it took me a while to get used to it. Something new to me to be able to see vents staring at me from the drivers seat. After driving it for sometime, I guess I've now gotten pretty much accustomed to it. Also getting 'friendly' with the white car, black hood look. Not particularly fond of it yet though.

Pic 4: The view underneath

Pic 5: Yes, it is an original Veilside item

With the hood on, it's a good idea to have additional securing device aside from the stock factory catch. Being so much lighter than the original hood, chances of it catching air and lifting up is not something unheard of. Plenty of cases where FRP/CF hood flew out from the catch and slam onto the windscreen and roof. I am not about to take those chances at all.

Traditional hood pins? Nah, those are so old skool already. Nowadays everyone uses Aerocatch. Even race teams in Le Mans uses them. But make sure you get the original Aerocatch as the market is flooded with cheap knock-offs. For additional strength, I also fitted in the optional Aerocatch Fixing Nut Plate Kit. This is basically an additional 'ring' of aluminum fitted underneath the hood for added mounting strength. 

Here are some of the pics. So what do you think? 

Pic 6: Vents

Pic 7: More vents. These are pretty unique

 

Pic 8: Drilling hole for the stud strikers

Pic 9 And another one

Pic 10: Stud strikers and bump stops fitted

Pic 11: How Aerocatch looks underneath with the Aerocatch Fixing Nut Plate Kit

Pic 12: All fitted and ready to go

Pic 13: All done up

Bodykit options for the ER34

 

Pic 1: This is how the ER34 looks like now

For quite a while, I've been itching to try to do some changes to the ER34's exterior. I love the clean look most definitely but am toying with a few ideas for the past couple of months. The problem with thinking too long is that one ends up with too many options and gets oneself confused. In my case, I am totally lost as to what should I do, so much so that I've gotten hold of too many parts due to my indecisiveness.

So in the past few months, I have collected and purchased the below:-

1) BNR34 Front Bumper

2) BNR34 Tommy Kaira Rear Bumper

3) BNR34 Aluminum Fenders

4) BNR34 Aluminum Hood

5) ER34 IMPUL 534S Front Bumper (modified to include nose)

6) ER34 Duke Racing Carbon Fibre Z-Tune Style Hood

7) ER34 Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood

8) ER34 East Bear Front Bumper

9) ER34 East Bear FRP Hood

10) ER34 Origin Wide Fenders (+20mm) with Vents

So what are those options that rummaged through my head?

Pic 2: BNR34 Front Bumper

 Pic 3: BNR34 Tommy Kaira Rear Bumper

Pic 4: BNR34 Aluminum Fenders

Option1

As you can see, I have all the necessary parts for a BNR34 look conversion. I can just bolt on the BNR34 Front Bumper, BNR34 Tommy Kaira Rear Bumper, BNR34 Aluminum Fenders and BNR34 Aluminum Hood.

Although it would look awesome but is not really my thing. Don't want to pretend to be a BNR34 when it is not one. So I guess those parts are now surplus.

Pic 5: ER34 Duke Racing Carbon Fibre Z-Tune Style Hood

Option 2

Keep it as it is and just slap on the Duke Racing Carbon Fibre Z-Tune Style Hood. End of story. But I'm quite afraid of water seeping into the engine bay via those huge vents. And it rains a lot here!

Pic 5: ER34 Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood

Option 3 
Keep it as it is and just slap on the Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood. End of story.

Pic 7: ER34 IMPUL 534S Front Bumper (modified to include nose)

Option 4

Another option is to fit in the Japanese modified IMPUL 534S front bumper which sports a nose job. The same bumper on the ER34 now does not have that. With that nose, I can fit in the BNR34 Aluminum Hood, which will require BNR34 bonnet hinges and locks.

Pic 8: ER34 East Bear Front Bumper

Pic 9: ER34 East Bear FRP Hood

Option 5

Or as with option 4, fit in the Japanese modified IMPUL 534S front bumper and top it off with the ER34 East Bear FRP Hood which will bolt straight on.

Option 6

Fit in the East Bear Front Bumper and East Bear FRP Hood. End of story.

Pic 10: Origin Wide Fenders with Vents

On the Origin Wide Fenders with Vents, that can go in together with option 2 till 6. Still a bit unsure if I can accept that look.

As you can probably imagine, with so many options, one will tend to get confused and lost. So at the moment, the ER34 remains as it is until I figured out what to do. Perhaps you guys can give me some ideas? Comments appreciated. :)