My 280zx when i got it had the vents on the hood taped closed from underneath. i am skeptical to remove the tape as i dont know if there is supposed to be any duct work underneath or just straight open to the motor, i dont want water getting in to cause a problem if something goes underneath.

 

they are just open

 

I was curious about this too. I recently picked up a 82 NA, and thought it was odd to have such a huge open vent that would allow rain water to drip inside the engine compartment.

 

^^^ There are also gaping holes at the front (radiator) and bottom of the engine bay that would also allow in water. The purpose of the hood vents is to "vent" or cool the engine bay. Also the 81T / 82-83 NACA hood ducts help cool the turbocharger area.

 

umm. yeah. I guess the tradeoff was worth it for Datsun

 

I don't think too many 280zx's went to the junk yard because of water going through the hood vents.

 

They are designed not to damage the engine.If you see what under the openings,you will see no vital parts under the holes!!

 

Ive seen a lot of engine bays trashed and rusted, some of it I'm sure from these open vents, why have a hood if it doesn't really protect the engine bay, sure its open at the radiator, and from underneath, but having a vent that lets rain pour into the engine bay exposes it to continues moisture. As we all know, not good for the older Z's, moisture aides corrosion. Just saying, there should be a smarter solution for cooling or venting the engine. I like the cosmetic look of the vents, just not the practical function. Just like the turbo scoop on z31's, always a mess under the scoop. Which I always thought looked odd offset to one side, again strange design / engineering IMHO.

 

What about the giant hole at the bottom in 99% of all cars lol. If anything the vents let the moisture that comes from the ground get out past the vents. Trust me there are a lot of other areas that are a rust issue on an S130 and it's not the turbo/manifold