Superman09

iTrader: (65)

Ok, not planning on changing my underhood or anything, just thought i'd make a poll to see what most of you like better/think would draw more attention or better results at a show. The last show i was at, the true fire intake/FRC's/airbox really brought a lot of attention, but i'm curious as to how people compare it to the polished look. So what do you prefer....

True Fire on intake/FRC's/Lid
or...
Weiand polished alum intake/coil relocation kit and polished valve covers/clear lid or soon to be my case (polished turbo intake pipe)

So what do you like better.... Vote and post up opinions.

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

I think polished parts mixed with the true fire would look killer.

Get a polished throttle blody, maf ends, waterpump/belt tensioner/thermostat, and that true fire would really pop!

BlackBADaSS02

iTrader: (17)

Polished would probably get better results at a show b/c of the upkeep of it.

Adam_346

I've always liked polished better.

quiet_storm98

iTrader: (48)

i like the fire..lots of people have polished so the fire is more unique

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

Food for thought.... a bit pimptastic...but in a good way.

Superman09

iTrader: (65)

yea Josh.... i reallllly want your engine bay with a nice polished turbo intake pipe to set it off.... however, doesnt the weiand get really hot? thats one thing i dont really like and also... how involved is the coil relocation kit?

addition: I've never seen another bay like Josh's so i wouldn't say polished is more played than fire by any means. When i'm talking polished here, i mean most visible parts of the whole engine and accesories..... Maybe josh if you get a few seconds, would you mind posting a list of which parts you polished, which parts you had to upgrade to make polish-able, etc? Thanks

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

I don't have any brand new pics with the ceramic coated twin turbo airhorn in place. I'm going to strip off the ceramic coating and polish the turbo's airhorn, add the polished radiator support, and chrome all the hinges/brackets, and add some carbon fiber prototype pieces. I'll post more photos then.

As far as engine heat... on a 500hp engine you'll lose maybe 3hp to heat soak. Think about it.... do you have any idea on the volume of air passing through the runners? It doesn't have time to heat up to any extent that will make a difference. Once (more like when) you add forced induction do you really think you'll have a cool charge anyway?

On the coil relo-kits... even though it has instructions and all supplies (minus the spark wires) you'll still need to spend a full weekend taking your time. Even though I've done a couple I'd still take a full day. Most of it is fun, but there are two steps that can peak your stress level.... accurately locating and drilling the holes for the bracket hanger.

On the engine... I painted the fuel injectors, the crummy headers are now replaced with twin turbo manifolds, and the valvecovers are now billit instead of factory.

Polished parts...
1) The Weiand intake was satin, I polished it better than the Weiand factory! Then made a custom polished egr block-off plate.
2) Maf ends (inside/out)
3) Throttle body (inside/out) with the spring and cam, iac motor,
4) Waterpump
5) 160* thermostat
6) Belt tensioner (bolts to waterpump)
7) Valve Covers
8) Cylinder heads
9) Valley cover plate (under the intake)
10) Timing cover
11) Coolant crossover line
12) powersteering pump mounting bracket
13) Fuel rail
14) Coil relo brackets are polished... you can barely catch a glipse under the cowl
15) Part of the engine block that shows.

Superman09

iTrader: (65)

so josh, which parts off that list did you have to buy so they could be polished... surely some of the parts stock couldnt be polished to that finish.... great list though! Engine looks amazing

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

Every part of that engine was how it came from the factory (except the Weiand intake which I polished from a rough satin finish.)
The car had 40k miles on it.....


Take this part I just finished... this tensioner was so disgusting , it was the worst case of oxidation I'd ever seen. It was so dark that it was beginning to become a shade of black.

Now look at it....

Xx01CamaroZ28xX

iTrader: (1)

I agree with Josh, do a mix of true fire and polish.

tbs98z

iTrader: (1)

+1

Superman09

iTrader: (65)

wow Josh, that takes talent.... simply amazing.... mind sending me a PM with the products that you use and some steps you take on completeing each item? I may look into getting some products to polish up some of my parts sinc ei have a lot of extra time. Thanks in advance..... Just whenever you get a chance. Thanks!

EdwardL

You are the biggest ***** on these boards. And not in a good way.

sleek silverado

iTrader: (2)

Polished look is killer!

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

I remember in the past (almost a year ago) pm'img some budget tools/supplies that you could get from Eastwood. Just give me a call and I'll walk you through the website and tell you the tips as you look at the items needed. Anytime between 6 and 11 pm eastern I have time. 678/492/6843

The stuff I'm using not aren't obtainable normally (10,000 rpm 5hp electric buffers, custom made sanding rolls that let you go finer than 320 grit. We make up to 800grit sanding rolls so it cuts down on wet sanding up to 2000 grit, the supplies can't be purchased in small quantities, etc)

This is a black art, it's not easy to do, even if I showed you during the whole day on my equipment. That's why you don't see much polished work, and the stuff you see is usually kinda dull.

I'm not trying to burst your bubble, I'm trying to save you from the steep learning curve and money spent... on something that may... or may not pan out.

Superman09

iTrader: (65)

haha well then... what do you charge to polish an ls1! lol actually kind of curious if someone send out the bulk of the parts... no block of course, what it would cost to have most of it done....

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

Awww. some little girl is having a hissy fit.

And what have you contributed to this site?

Superman09

iTrader: (65)

no crap, you are a supporting sponsor that sells dress up items and polishes items..... i think you should be aloud to show off your work... which is amazing, if i spent that much time into detailing my engine, i'd show it off a hell of a lot more than Josh does, lol. Rant off, back to topic

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

For ***** and giggles the block would cost $1,500 to look like chrome (all of it)

On the other stuff lets see...

(Cores not included)
rough idea on the misc stuff please don't quote exactly.

1)Weiand intake if it was satin... $300
2) Maf ends $60 outside only
3) Throttle body $80 outside only
4) Waterpump $350 new in the box (no core required)
5) 160* thermostat $15
6) Belt tensioner (bolts to waterpump) $80
7) Valve Covers $130 pair
8) Cylinder heads $185 each
9) Valley cover plate (under the intake) $100 (or you could have the 1st 4 inches that shows for a bit less)
10) Timing cover $100
11) Coolant crossover line $10
12) powersteering pump mounting bracket $45
13) Fuel rail $50


So not counting the intake there's roughly $1390 worth of work. And I would have earned every penny.

If somebody did the block too $1500 plus what I've quoted ($1390) plus buying a new polished Weiand manifold ($800) they would have something that looks like it was hung from a chain and dipped in a vat of chrome. $3690 Can you imagine?