More so, stock hood pad has no AL foil (just foam) (archive)

: Why does everybody want to put in an underhood pad? If the goal is to "look cool" then (based on what everyone seems to consider "cool") the foil-backed adhesive foam seems to be the answer.
: But functionally, what does this do?
: Insulate the engine bay for better heat retention? (now why would you want to do that?)
: Protect the hood paint from heat? (how many 2002's w/o a pad have you seen with heat-damaged hood paint?)
: Provide sound insulation? (I'm extremely doubtful that the flimsy foam absorbs any sound whatsoever-- probably about as much as the foam covers on home stereo speakers. Somebody please correct me if i'm wrong)
: Provide a constant threat of electrical shorting? (yes).
: But if the goal is sound insulation, the stock underhood pad from VW rabbit/jetta diesel cars is somewhat effective, particularly if you want to reduce intake noise from aftermarket air filters.
: This pad can be slipped under the spring tube toward the front of the hood, and tucked under the metal channel that holds the rubber seal, toward the rear of the hood. That's all the mounting thats necessary. These can be picked up at your local pic-a-part yard for next to nothing.
: And they don't even look bad under the hood.. they look OEM, instead of like a cheap aftermarket strategy to get your money.

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