I've tried to read all the hood strut posts in this forum, many of which by this time are somewhat dated. I have a V6 with factory hood. I have looked online until my eyes are spinning in my head. This is some of what I would like to have.

Redline says theirs raise up with just a little nudge. However, you have to do some drilling etc... I have the ability to do that but would prefer not to drill but like the self raising.

I would like no drilling and use all factory mounts. Small relocations like the washerfluid hose are ok.

I like it when you can get them pre-painted to match your car and thus make them look more like factory install. I would like them to last at least a few years. I seem to remember some complaining about some of the different type of shocks.

Suggestions are appreciated.

 

I use these from AM. They are solid black so they look like they could be factory. No drilling required and are on sale this month. I take my cars to car shows and have had no problems with these. Also very easy to install by yourself.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/black-hoodstrut-0511.html

 

I got mine from Nino sport. Got the natual finish since I already had paint.

http://www.ninosport.com/CalPony-Pai...-058-gtv6p.htm

 

ETNOATS,
How long have you had them installed and do you have to lift the hood all the way up or do they lift themselves?

 

Ive had them for about two years with out issue. I have to lift the hood about half way. I didnt buy them to lift the hood, just to keep it open and get rid of the ugly *** prop rod. Im sure you could get some higher tension struts and it would lift earlier, but is it really needed?

 

No, but imagine if you pull on the inside hood release and it works like normal. Pull on it a 2nd time and it automatically opens to full height. Of course, it would only work with car in park or with hand brake engaged.

 

There are several brands/manufacturers of hood struts out there. I have had CDC ( Classic Design Concepts ) hood struts on my 07 GT for nearly 4 years and they work flawlessly. I think I see more CDC hood struts on Mustangs at car shows, club nights, etc than any other brand. CDC makes them in either black or silver, easy install with no drilling required. I won't hesitate to recommend them to anyone....and they will fit your V6 factory hood, perfectly.

Just my experience and $.02 worth

 

I've had the MRT's on my 06, then moved them to my 08. No drilling, no issues and the hood props up higher than stock. That comes in handy some times.

 

Sabre and ARBO,
I understand you both had no install problems, the only other thing I would like to know is do you have to raise your hood almost entirely by hand. I see videos on Redline and after maybe a 6 inch start by hand they seem to go the rest of the way by themselves. Of course, you have to mark and drill and rivet. I can do all that, I
just don't want to. Let me know if you can if you open it all the way by hand. It's not a major thing, just curious.

Thanks.

 

Yes you have to mostly open it by hand. The last foot or so goes on it's own. I had Redlines on two other cars (SN95's)and would never go that route again. To each there own. I'm not against drilling or modding my car by any means. But not for an inferior product. MRT's open farther than the Redlines do, and look much cleaner, like factory to me.
That's just my .0 worth.

 

ARBO,
Thanks for your input.

 

Just an FYI, the ones from AM have to be lifted about halfway before they open on their own. They do open much higher than the prop rod.

 

I've had the prepainted NXT Generation's from CJ Pony Parts for a couple of years. You have to lift about halfway before they take over. More clearance than with the prop rod. Super easy to install (no drilling) and they look factory.