Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks
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From: Texas
Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks I have a black 2000 Camaro SS and the SS emblems have red trim on them and so I did a black and red scheme. I have a ported and polished throttle body that was powdercoated red, I have red Holley wires, the Whisper lid with the red LS1 logo, red MAF ends, and a red Hotchkis strut tower brace. I need some more ideas on what engine components I can paint or powdercoat, thanks. Please post ideas and pics.
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 280
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From: North Royalton, Ohio
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks I painted my valve covers red after I saw them on the '02 ZL-1. Looks pretty good, even with the coil packs and stuff on them. I also saw an LS1 with the intake painted red. Not really my taste, but it looked more unique.
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks I did red trim on mine also so my pics might be helpfull.. remember that its called an "accent" color for a reason <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Parts to powder paint: coil pack racks, AC bracket, ABS bracket, just about anything that comes off the car should be done, even if its just in black..
Chrome would be a good idea as well as silver since it really dosent count as an accent color.. Fuel rail covers are a must and when combined with red valve covers adds a VERY nice accent.. Remove all the various stickers and clean up the wiring.. Hide the ground wires (4) and re-route other lines for a cleaner look.. Either get coated headers or have the stock manifolds coated since the rusty stock ones dont look so hot.. Just remember the details.. as I say "flash makes them look but the details make them stare" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Good luck
More pics in sig:
<img src="http://members.aol.com/steven0932/R5.jpg" alt=" - " />
Parts to powder paint: coil pack racks, AC bracket, ABS bracket, just about anything that comes off the car should be done, even if its just in black..
Chrome would be a good idea as well as silver since it really dosent count as an accent color.. Fuel rail covers are a must and when combined with red valve covers adds a VERY nice accent.. Remove all the various stickers and clean up the wiring.. Hide the ground wires (4) and re-route other lines for a cleaner look.. Either get coated headers or have the stock manifolds coated since the rusty stock ones dont look so hot.. Just remember the details.. as I say "flash makes them look but the details make them stare" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Good luck
More pics in sig:
<img src="http://members.aol.com/steven0932/R5.jpg" alt=" - " />
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Kaiserslautern, GE
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks Just remember, you can never have too many chrome or polished parts in the engine bay. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Thread Starter
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From: Texas
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks Where can I get steel braided hoses and what sizes do they come in? Do any of the sponsors carry them? What are the rates or prices on them? Thanks.
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by onebadss:
<strong> Where can I get steel braided hoses and what sizes do they come in? Do any of the sponsors carry them? What are the rates or prices on them? Thanks. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Steel braided lines are very dificult to use in our cars for two reasons.. A. Our radiator lines have sharp bends in them and they need to stay a certain shape to keep from hitting other (sometimes rotating) items. B. Some lines have special fittings pressed on (ie. fuel) that are at times plasic.. this make braided difficult..
I used true braided line on the radiator overflow and a sleeve on the TB coolant line.. I used a sleeve since the hose actually changes diameter along its length!! AC lines could be custom made and Ive heard the fittings are now available to do the fuel lines but I dont know who carries them.
Just replacing the hose clamps makes a BIG difference!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
<strong> Where can I get steel braided hoses and what sizes do they come in? Do any of the sponsors carry them? What are the rates or prices on them? Thanks. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Steel braided lines are very dificult to use in our cars for two reasons.. A. Our radiator lines have sharp bends in them and they need to stay a certain shape to keep from hitting other (sometimes rotating) items. B. Some lines have special fittings pressed on (ie. fuel) that are at times plasic.. this make braided difficult..
I used true braided line on the radiator overflow and a sleeve on the TB coolant line.. I used a sleeve since the hose actually changes diameter along its length!! AC lines could be custom made and Ive heard the fittings are now available to do the fuel lines but I dont know who carries them.
Just replacing the hose clamps makes a BIG difference!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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Thread Starter
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From: Texas
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks Where did you get the steel braided sleeves and do they come in different sizes? Would you recommend doing the sleeves if its just for looks anyways? Where can I get some cool looking clamps? What other little things can I do to make better the appearance? Thanks alot
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 554
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From: Ontario Calif.
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks Paint the black plastic in front of the hood latch. The gray/black just doesn't do it. I did mine Pewter to match my car.
Black thingy painted
<img src="http://home.ix.netcom.com/~rob.hagg/_uimages/SSPics/Engine/Painted_Gizmo.JPG" alt=" - " />
My engine bay.
<img src="http://home.ix.netcom.com/~rob.hagg/_uimages/SSPics/Engine/Engine_Bay.jpg" alt=" - " />
Black thingy painted
<img src="http://home.ix.netcom.com/~rob.hagg/_uimages/SSPics/Engine/Painted_Gizmo.JPG" alt=" - " />
My engine bay.
<img src="http://home.ix.netcom.com/~rob.hagg/_uimages/SSPics/Engine/Engine_Bay.jpg" alt=" - " />
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 332
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From: Louisville, KY
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks Is there any place that actually sells chrome pieces for under the hood on the LS1????
What about a corvette site, wouldn't the chrome pieces specifically for the LS1 on the vette fit the LS1 in our F-Bods??
What about a corvette site, wouldn't the chrome pieces specifically for the LS1 on the vette fit the LS1 in our F-Bods??
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Kevin V 2002 SS:
<strong> Is there any place that actually sells chrome pieces for under the hood on the LS1????
What about a corvette site, wouldn't the chrome pieces specifically for the LS1 on the vette fit the LS1 in our F-Bods?? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Nobody I found makes chrome parts for fbodies.. your better off having your parts chromed (or getting core pieces from a junkyard <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> )
Not too many vette parts cross over.. they have a different layout for the alternator, power steering, etc.. I THINK the the chrome tensioner pully cover for a vette might fit but the rest is very iffy.. plus they charge a mint for vette stuff..
Any caps and cover (oil, power steering, etc) should fit from a LT1 Camaro or vette.. try http://www.mbaproducts.com for a few dress items including a new dipstick handle <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
----
Braided covering: I really dont like braided covering that much.. it never looks quite right.. One option is a stuff called "coolflex" its a corregated rigid hose that can be bent to work in our cars.. expensive but will last forever.. comes in a bunch of colors and finishes and is the best replacement for our radiator hoses (fitment wise).. do a search online for thier site.
Braided hose and coverings can be found at specialty shops that carry hoses and fittings.. most places that carry Earls fittings will carry braided hose as well.
Looking good Rob <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
<strong> Is there any place that actually sells chrome pieces for under the hood on the LS1????
What about a corvette site, wouldn't the chrome pieces specifically for the LS1 on the vette fit the LS1 in our F-Bods?? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Nobody I found makes chrome parts for fbodies.. your better off having your parts chromed (or getting core pieces from a junkyard <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> )
Not too many vette parts cross over.. they have a different layout for the alternator, power steering, etc.. I THINK the the chrome tensioner pully cover for a vette might fit but the rest is very iffy.. plus they charge a mint for vette stuff..
Any caps and cover (oil, power steering, etc) should fit from a LT1 Camaro or vette.. try http://www.mbaproducts.com for a few dress items including a new dipstick handle <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
----
Braided covering: I really dont like braided covering that much.. it never looks quite right.. One option is a stuff called "coolflex" its a corregated rigid hose that can be bent to work in our cars.. expensive but will last forever.. comes in a bunch of colors and finishes and is the best replacement for our radiator hoses (fitment wise).. do a search online for thier site.
Braided hose and coverings can be found at specialty shops that carry hoses and fittings.. most places that carry Earls fittings will carry braided hose as well.
Looking good Rob <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 237
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From: Bowling Green, KY
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks Three questions.
Steve:
Where did you get the hose clamps?
What are the "buttons" underneath all of your bolts?
How difficult was the "hidden wires" mod?
Steve:
Where did you get the hose clamps?
What are the "buttons" underneath all of your bolts?
How difficult was the "hidden wires" mod?
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by LEATHL_WS6:
<strong> Is the cable on the right for the hood release? Also is this cable long enough to just re route or does it have to be lengthened.
Thanks Rob </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes it is and it is PLENTY long enough.
<strong> Is the cable on the right for the hood release? Also is this cable long enough to just re route or does it have to be lengthened.
Thanks Rob </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes it is and it is PLENTY long enough.
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Glenn98ZM6:
<strong> and where are you guys getting all the stainless bolts and stuff.
what is the cost on the chrome plating? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I get my bolts from a local place called "hillco fasteners" (do a websearch).. there are many fastener type dealers all over the US <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Chrome plating varies by the size, complexity and quality you want.. Hood hinges would be way more expensive than something flat for example. Oh, and you get what you pay for on this one <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Find a good local chrome shop and get a quote.
<strong> and where are you guys getting all the stainless bolts and stuff.
what is the cost on the chrome plating? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I get my bolts from a local place called "hillco fasteners" (do a websearch).. there are many fastener type dealers all over the US <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Chrome plating varies by the size, complexity and quality you want.. Hood hinges would be way more expensive than something flat for example. Oh, and you get what you pay for on this one <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Find a good local chrome shop and get a quote.
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks Let your jaw$ drop....
Lots of LS1 Chrome...Lots of $$$$
Lots of LS1 Chrome...Lots of $$$$
Re: Need ideas on improving engine compartment looks </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Todd@DiscountTireDirect:
<strong> Let your jaw$ drop....
Lots of LS1 Chrome...Lots of $$$$ </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sure Todd.. tease us with chrome VETTE parts!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
cant even use the chrome Power Steering stuff <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
I wonder if the chrome tensioner cover would fit?? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
<strong> Let your jaw$ drop....
Lots of LS1 Chrome...Lots of $$$$ </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sure Todd.. tease us with chrome VETTE parts!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
cant even use the chrome Power Steering stuff <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
I wonder if the chrome tensioner cover would fit?? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
