Reader Question: Making it Scoop?

Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!

Ali asks: Is the kit you used to make your Trans-Am’s scoop functional still available? 

My reply: This question (for those who don’t remember) is prompted by the article I wrote several years ago – see here – about converting the “shaker” hood scoop of my 1976 Trans-Am from decorative to functional. 

Many people don’t know that while every ’70-81 Trans-Am came with a hood scoop (or a hood bulge, in the case of the ’80-81 turbo Trans-Ams) the only Trans-Ams that came with a functional shaker scoop – so called because the assembly was mounted to the air cleaner and shook with the engine, even it didn’t scoop – were the 1970-’72 models.

A solenoid-actuated flapper door opened when the driver floored the accelerator pedal, admitting cooler outside air to the engine. It also looked cool to actually see the engine gulping air. 

But it allowed more engine noise and – of course – the Clovers could not abide this (see today’s longer rant, inspired by this question). 

At any rate, the kit is available to make the scoop operational. Year One and Ames Performance (Pontiac-specific) sell it.

If you have a ’73-’76 TA, the swap is an easy bolt-in. If you have a ’77-81, it will require cutting open the hole in the back for the flapper door. Not a big deal, but it does mean permanently altering the scoop.

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Got a question about cars, Libertarian politics – or anything else? Click on the “ask Eric” link and send ’em in!