Is the hood seal on the outer underside of the hood required? I took my old one off due to it's condition, and you can't notice anything amiss when it's not there. So now I wonder if I even require it.

 

no it is not required.

removing it only makes you more jdm, less weight and it gives you the look and feel of a car straight outta tokyo!

^ i am kidding about that part but seriously No you do not need that rubber seal, it is nice to have one but if yours is damaged then it's ok to just remove it.

 

your mpg will go from 38 to 20. Put it back on, at least a new one.













haha....j/k, I would replace it if I were you. Makes it easier to sell the car if everything is where it's supposed to be. Missing parts deter people from buying.

 

^ true




but the jdm look and feel will be gone if the rubber is re installed...


^ lol

 

I have been told that the seal is required for proper airflow to the radiator. Without the seal there, there is no low pressure zone behind the rad if air goes between the hood and grille or something like that.

That means the engine will run hotter.

 

false ^

 

From what I've seen, the only thing the seal does is stop water from spraying into the engine bay during a hand car wash. Other than that, it's main purpose is to maintain a tight seal of the hood once it's closed shut

 

true.