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Stop Fighting a Falling Hood Prop Every Time You Pop the Hood
The factory hood prop rod on the classic Impreza chassis is slow, awkward, and always seems to slip loose at the worst moment while you're working under the hood. GrimmSpeed Hood Struts replace that prop rod with a pair of gas struts that open the hood roughly 35 percent higher than stock, giving you more light and room to work while eliminating the risk of the hood dropping on your hands. Each kit uses CNC machined steel brackets with a durable black finish and stainless ball studs, and the struts themselves are made in the USA and tuned specifically for the weight of the classic Impreza, WRX, and STI aluminum hood.
Key Features
- Opens the hood approximately 35 percent higher than the factory prop rod
- Eliminates the OEM hood prop and the risk of the hood falling while you work
- CNC machined steel brackets with a durable black powder coat finish
- Stainless steel ball studs resist corrosion at the mounting points
- Struts are made in the USA and balanced specifically for the GD chassis hood weight
- Direct bolt-in installation using factory hardware locations
Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-2007 | Subaru | Impreza |
| 2004-2007 | Subaru | WRX |
| 2004-2007 | Subaru | STI |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | GrimmSpeed |
| Part Number | 097016 |
| UPC | Not published by manufacturer, contact Black Ops Auto Works for verification |
| Type | Hood Strut Kit (pair) |
| Bracket Material | CNC Machined Steel |
| Bracket Finish | Black Powder Coat |
| Ball Stud Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | Approximately 1.95 lbs |
| Country of Strut Manufacture | USA |
What's Included
- 2 x GrimmSpeed gas hood struts
- 2 x CNC machined mounting brackets
- Stainless ball studs and mounting hardware
About GrimmSpeed
GrimmSpeed designs and manufactures performance and convenience parts specifically engineered around Subaru platforms, mapping components like this hood strut kit directly from 3D CAD scans of the factory hood and engine bay for a precise fit.
FAQ
What is the GrimmSpeed 097016 hood strut kit?
It's a pair of gas hood struts with CNC machined mounting brackets that replace the factory hood prop rod on the 2002 to 2007 Impreza, 2004 to 2007 WRX, and 2004 to 2007 STI, opening the hood roughly 35 percent higher than stock.
Will this fit my 2005 Impreza WRX STI?
Yes, the 097016 kit is designed for the 2002 through 2007 Impreza chassis, which includes the 2004 through 2007 WRX and STI trims that share the same GD platform hood.
Do I need to modify my hood or fenders to install this?
No, the 097016 kit's CNC machined brackets are designed to bolt into the existing factory mounting points without cutting or drilling.
Will these struts hold the hood open in windy conditions?
The struts are tuned for the weight of the factory aluminum hood and provide firm support under normal conditions, though very strong gusts can affect any hood strut system.
Can I still use my factory hood prop rod after installing this kit?
The 097016 kit is designed to fully replace the factory prop rod, and most owners remove the rod entirely once the struts are installed for a cleaner engine bay appearance.
Do these struts work with an aftermarket carbon fiber hood?
These struts are calibrated for the weight of the factory aluminum hood, so a significantly lighter or heavier aftermarket hood may open faster or slower than intended.
Is any special tool needed for installation?
Basic hand tools are sufficient, and the 097016 kit includes all mounting hardware needed to complete a bolt-in installation.
How long do gas hood struts typically last before losing pressure?
Quality gas struts like these commonly perform well for years of normal use, though like any gas strut they can eventually lose some lift force over a very long service life.
Install Instructions
- Open the hood and safely support it while you work
- Remove the factory hood prop rod and its mounting clip
- Install the CNC machined brackets at the factory mounting locations on the hood and chassis
- Attach the stainless ball studs to the brackets according to the included instructions
- Snap the gas struts onto the ball studs at both the hood and chassis ends
- Test the hood operation through several open and close cycles before driving
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