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Many Donaldson users also buy a hool seal, which is simply weatherstriping to put on the front of the hood. The Hood seal is avaiable from forum vendors, usually around $15, or you can just buy weatherstriping from lowes/home depot. You still have to be careful opening the hood when its wet from rain or washing.
I've had the Blackwing installed for several months; no problems with water leaking in from the hood gap, and it's been out in at least one big downpour. I do agree with getting the water off of the hood before opening it - it'll drain right on the filter if you don't.
I have a Donaldson Blackwing to MAF to a Halltech MAG connected right up to the factory throttle body. I haven't dyno'd the combination, but it allowed a bit more straightaway speed at my local track. I haven't had a problem with this combination and like the performance and looks. I can take some pics and send them to you if you want.
How does the Blackwing compare to the whole Halltec setup? Is it really necessary to spend that much money on air intake?
Cost, I think are about the same, someone will have to check me there. Power, probably the same too. I have never seen supporting numbers consistantly one way or the other. Maybe someone else here has more data. The Halltech system may have a better "ram" effect at speed.
And ,of course its not necessary to change the intake, but I for one, just keep wanting more power. Headers for me are next, just when and what type is the only question. It is just a personality thing. Believe me, the car is quite a capable piece of machinery without mods. It just depends on what you bought it to do. Look good, street driving, 1/4 mile stuff or weekend track events. Me, more power the better :D