I have posted my hood scoop project on a couple of different threads. So I decided to make a thread from start to finish with photos and comments. I want to thank the clubLexus members who posted their experiences and helped me with their photos.

This is where you start. Remove the 6 fasteners that hold the baffle to the hood. The fasteners can be stubborn to remove. I suggest that you order 6 new fasteners from Lexus. Try a Toyota dealership if a Lexus dealership is not close. The part number interchanges with Toyota.

The baffle removed.

Using a dremel with a cutting disc, will take about 5 minutes to cut out the unwanted obstruction.

These are the replacement fasteners part number. Also using new fasteners, it will look cleaner than reusing damaged fasteners. These are approximately $1.75 each. You will be lifting your hood many times so using new fasteners will make your project look professional.

I used some parts store black door edge guard molding(with adhesive in the molding) to clean up the jagged edges.

Here’s a close up of the molding and jagged edges

Here’s the finished modified air baffle ready to install.

Using the 6 new fasteners, it took less than 60 seconds to attach the modified baffle to the hood. Looks clean and factory.

 

Looks great! Post a link to the weather strip as well.

 

Thank You for your nice comment. What I used was bulk material from a roll. You can purchase this black door edge guard molding from any shop that sells and installs accessories. Many dealerships use this for their new and used cars. I bought 8 feet for a car of mine and had a couple of feet left over. I’ve had it for several years. I was going to use vacuum hose but found this in the same cabinet. I would even guess that you could get it from your local parts store. Napa will special order anything. Just ask for black plastic door EDGE guard molding.

 

What's the reason for cutting the black piece and put back the outer frame. Did the lining sag down without it? If not, why don't you leave off the entire piece altogether?

 

You don’t need to cut out the baffle at all to achieve the same outcome, more air. It looks a little cleaner when your hood is open. It comes down to personal preference.

With air baffle completely removed

With air baffle modified

 

Has anyone experienced any crazy or unforeseen issues with water now getting puddled up inside due to this "mod"? Like from washing your car to driving it in the rain? Or more dirt and debris getting into the engine bay and resting on top of the intake runners?

 

I've had that cover completely removed for over 2 years now, the short answer is no. Driven in all weather conditions and I also have an unlimited car wash membership. I do wipe dust from the surfaces in the engine bay, but I wouldn't consider it to be any more than normal.

Due to the shape of the hood, not much water actually goes into the opening, only direct flow when stationary, like parked in the rain or at a car wash. Nothing really flows down the hood and into that opening for example. Even then it all drips down in front of the engine. When moving, there's so much airflow escaping that no water is getting in the opening anyway.

 

Do you happen to know the part number for the baffle itself? I would like to be able to swap to the original part if needed after performing this mod.

 

Be prepared to pay about $97.00, I got my
new baffle from Lexus for a discount at $77.38. Remember to get new 6 clips (1.70 each) too. Part number for the baffle(insulator Lexus name) is 53342-24010 and the clips are 90467-09185. I paid total of $94.52 including tax for baffle and 6 clips. Part numbers taken directly from the Lexus invoice. The Lexus parts breakdown below.

Only the lower highlighted part is the baffle and clips next to it