[lineslinger]

Kristen,
Good question, I really was not addresing a Cobra specificaly but one of todays modern hood configurations. The hood scoop on a cobra is a really good access point IF the engine is not in full flame, or burning too hot. I guess what I am saying is this is a judgement call that is tough to make because you can't really see whats going on inside the engine compartment. If you can go through the scoop and then underneath and then the scoop again, back and forth, this would be the process to use, but that seldom occours.
If the fire is burning hot enough the force of the heat coming out the scoop may very well keep the extinguishing chemicals from reaching the fires fuel source.
But for an answer...yeah go through the scoop first and keep alternating scoop and underneath, remember the force of the rising heat coming out of the scoop is acting kind of like a chimney, if you introduce fire retardent from underneath it will be drawn up into the compartment simply because of the rising/venting force of the fire trying to escape through the hood scoop.
I hope my explanation clarified and answered your question rather than confuse the issue further.
Mark