CS-style carbon fiber hood for 2015-2021 Subaru WRX/STi

A CS-style carbon fiber hood for the 2015–2021 Subaru WRX / STI (VA chassis) is one of the most popular exterior + functional upgrades, especially for owners chasing a motorsport look with real performance benefits.

Here’s a clear breakdown 👇

What “CS-Style” Means (WRX/STI)

“CS” = Club Sport–inspired design, typically influenced by Subaru motorsport and track-focused builds.

Key Design Traits

• Aggressive center vent (or twin vents)
  → Improves hot-air extraction from the turbo & radiator
• OEM+ body lines
  → Matches factory fenders and headlights cleanly
• Race-inspired aesthetics
  → Similar to time-attack and Super Taikyu builds

Material & Construction

Most CS-style hoods are:

• 2x2 twill carbon fiber weave
• Vacuum-infused or pre-preg (higher-end)
• Clear-coated with UV protection
• Carbon top + FRP or carbon underframe

⚠️ Full carbon (inner + outer) is lighter but more expensive

Performance Benefits

✅ Weight Reduction

• OEM steel hood: ~18–20 kg
• Carbon hood: 6–9 kg
• ~10–13 kg weight savings (front-end bias reduction)

✅ Cooling Efficiency

• Vents reduce:
  
• Heat soak
• Turbo inlet temps
• Engine bay pressure at speed

✅ Aero Stability

• Proper venting reduces front-end lift during high-speed runs

Popular Brands (VA WRX / STI)

Ranked by fitment + quality reputation:

🔥 Tier 1 (Best Fit & Finish)

1. Seibon Carbon
   
• Excellent OEM alignment
• Strong UV clear coat
2. Varis (Japan)
   
• True motorsport-grade
• Very expensive, best aero design

⚡ Tier 2 (Value Performance)

3. VIS Racing
   
• Aggressive vent designs
• Good price-to-quality ratio
4. Carbon Creations
   
• Thicker carbon, heavier
• More budget-friendly

💰 Tier 3 (Track / Budget Builds)

5. Duraflex Carbon Hybrid
   
• Requires prep & alignment
• Not ideal for show cars

Fitment Notes (Important)

• Direct bolt-on for 2015–2021 WRX & STI
• Hood pins recommended (especially at track speeds)
• Reuse:
  
• OEM hood latch (most models)
• Windshield washer nozzles (varies by brand)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ No UV protection → carbon yellows fast

❌ Skipping hood pins on vented hoods

❌ Poor sealing around vents → water pooling on ignition coils

❌ Cheap replicas with warped underframes

Who This Hood Is Best For

✔ Track-day WRX/STI

✔ Time-attack & aero builds

✔ Engine bay heat management upgrades

✔ OEM+ aggressive street builds

CS-style carbon fiber hood for 2015-2021 Subaru WRX/STi