VIS AMS CF Hood
 

Hey, so I'm not exactly sure where to put this, so I apologize if it's in the wrong spot. I just got off midshift and I'm real tired...

So I am purchasing a VIS AMS style carbon fiber hood from a dude on the Palmetto Z Club Facebook page tomorrow. I like the hood style and the carbon fiber look, it's normally around $800-900 after shipping and this guy has it for $700 brand new, never installed and is really close by. The reviews I've seen for this hood talk about all the fitment issues that I could face since these are apparently notorious for that. I asked the person if I could test fit the hood but he said that he does not have time for that. I can't fault someone for not wanting me to install a body piece before paying for it, so I'm definitely not hurt by the negative response. With that said, is there any advice you guys could throw me with regard to buying the hood? For example, other ways to ensure it will fit, any marks of authenticity I should look for, signs of "this thing's gonna break as soon as I install it," etc.

It's not that I don't trust people, I am just a little nervous about shelling out that kind of cash for something that may not fit properly. I've also somewhat little experience with buying things from people via forum, Facebook, etc.

The guy said he bought it for his Z but before he installed the hood, his wife and him decided to get a bigger vehicle.

Thanks a lot in advance for any input, I really do appreciate it!

-Brett

When I sold my Hood I allowed the person to test fit it. If he doesn't have time for that, then make the purchase on a different day. It doesn't take long at all with two people. I don't see a reason he can't spare 20min.

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

I wouldn't feel comfortable buying Vis, seibon, or any mass produced hood without a warranty to exchange for defect


On my s14, I bought a brand new seibon hood that fit horribly, and even then, it was a bitch to get them to replace it

I would also do the test fit as mentioned above

its completely understandable to NOT trust a stranger, especially someone selling "used/new" car parts since you have to take their word for it.

If I were in your shoes, after he wasnt willing to let you test fit it Id tell him this.

"Iam very interested in it but I wont buy it unless I can test fit it. It wouldnt take us more then 20-30 minutes".

Otherwise I would search on here about fitment issues and if there were issues that were detrimental to good fitment, I wouldnt buy it. By denying you the test fit hes only causing suspicion.

He probably did test fit it on his car and thats the reason he's selling it...my seibon hood isn't a perfect fit either especially where it lines up with the seibon a-pillars. There's more of a gap than there should be and where it connects to the bumper also...its like its an eighth of an inch to small on the top and bottom

I purchased the same exact hood and have no fitment issues at all. We were amazed at that. After a year a half I have some slight hazing of the clear coat in a spot tbat is being taken care of. That at the moment would be my only complaint.

Thanks for all the replies! I did google it a few days ago, which led me to several threads here about the hood, which in turn led me to ask for the test fitment. He offered to let me return it to him should it end up not fitting, so that makes me feel a little more comfortable. I intend to put it on immediately after purchase whether he hangs out or not, just to make sure it's snug and remove any ambiguity that waiting could create.

Will this easily bolt up to the existing holes with the oem hood hardware? And the VIS website says to look for their "badge of authenticity." Do you happen to know where I might find that? Thank you!

VIS having a "badge of authenticity is funny, isn't it just a copy of the Amuse hood?

It is not exactly the same as Amuse, so they could probably get away with that. Teh vents are a different shape on the VIS.

VIS.

https://www.z1motorsports.com/images/VIS%20Hood.jpg

Amuse.

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/e...z20-3.34b7.jpg

oh, you're right

its fly1 that has the exact design

The picture of it that he posted is attached

Really? That is what he is selling? That looks more like Fly1 or Amuse.

This is supposed to be VIS. The edges are much sharer on the vents much more angular.

http://cdn3.volusion.com/ekkgc.vgkbd...jpg?1479650447

The picture you have posted, the vents are more fluid and follow the shape of the hood like Amuse. FLY1 also calls theirs AMS. I think he is selling a Fly1 AMS hood. Which I think is a better option. FLy1 hood is $1100.

Fly1/Amuse.

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1485145194

wait thats not the Vis AMS

thats the Fly 1 amuse copy. look at the rounded edge

:iagree::bowrofl:

Yep, looking back at the sale post title, it's:
"VIS Hood Amuse 370z Carbon Fiber
700$"

He said he bought it because it was the last one, so maybe VIS did a copy for awhile and then stopped? I'm meeting him this afternoon, so we'll find out lol

Did you get him to agree to allow you to test fit it? Cause if he still won't, I'd call it off.

He said he would refund the money if it did not fit.

I wonder if fly1 briefly sold the VIS design or vice versa

Thinking back this isn't the first time I've seen this labeling mixup

Maybe Im a glass half empty guy, pessimist or a**hole... But I still wouldn't trust it lol. No reason he just wont pick up the phone after the deal is done.

good luck op! Report back and post pics :tup:

@ you guys with the vented hood... Did you notice any changes in engine cooling performance when adding the hood?

for my G37 I noticed slightly lower temps, and a way dirtier engine bay. Enjoy the rain :tup:

It took about 10 minutes to install using the OEM hood hardware, I know mine has some kind of badge under it, raining today and car is undercover so I can't check. Mine is the one that has more sharper edges and bought directly from VIS.

how do you get both hoods home doe

what if its broken on test fit who pays for it

Bringing the wife's SUV along for the other hood. Part of the reason I wanted to test fit it, especially with him there, is that if a problem happened, we could be in agreement on what happened and who was responsible. I can't in good conscience break something and not buy it. I'll probably just record the initial hood exchange for objective evidence in case something goes wrong. He lives less than 10 miles away and told me via a save-able, printable medium that he would take it back.

Thats a great deal on that hood.

Great guy, pretty good fitment. I'm pretty happy with it, I gotta say! I just have to remove some of the tape residue and it'll be pretty much done.

Photo Album for it:
https://goo.gl/photos/MCm2kZQqSeFi6kHV7

Issues (Mainly cosmetic, invisible to anyone not specifically looking for it):
It is raised about 1/16-1/8 inch on the passenger side
The gap between the hood and the headlight on the driver's side is maybe 1/16 inch bigger
They didn't punch out the hood strut hole well enough, so some paint came off (easy fix)

Things that I did:
I can't get the two rubber cylinders back into their spots (pictured in my hand). Can I order some better fitting ones or should I just try to screw those ones into the new hood?
I broke the nipple on the passenger side windshield wiper dispenser. Are there any recommendations or tips on how to transfer those things to the new hood? Those tube clips suck! lol. Also, can I get the replacement windshield fluid hardware at an auto parts store or do I need the dealership :(

Thing I wanna do:
Paint the vents black

I appreciate you guys coming along for the ride and all the tips!

So is it a VIS?

looks pretty clearly like the fly1 amuse copy

May I suggest doing the very opposite and painting everything but the vents black for a clean look?

I believe he is talking about the mesh?

That makes a lot more sense :tup:

i would like to see an amuse style hood that was completely painted but for the vents (not the mesh, the vents).

i've seen it on the Vis version with much bigger openings, i didn't like how much "black" it left

I would paint it all. But I have a PW.

I'm sorry, I was talking about painting the mesh black. Along those lines, the seller said something about needing a clearcoat before everyday use? This is my first piece of carbon fiber anything, so I have looked up the care guidlines, but I didn't see anything about adding a clearcoat initially prior to installation.

Today is my last day of mids and sleeping all day, so I will give the hood a thorough inspection tomorrow in the light to look for any identifying markings. My inspections to this point were more for damage and fitment.

^^^^^

Clear coat is a good idea.

Here is the VIS badge it should have if it is a VIS.

http://www.tdamotorsports.com/pictur...GENERAL_03.jpg