Gearhead Jim

I've been thinking about buying the GM painted engine (fuel rail) covers, Victory Red would match my exterior nicely. For those of you who have installed them, how would you rate the quality of the paint job? And are there any problems with the paint flaking off after a while? I've followed the threads about installation, so I'm confident that I can get them into place without damage. But that's a waste of time and money if they look sloppy or start to peel a year later...

There are other companies painting their covers but for now, I'd like to just hear about the GM ones.

As always, thanks!

SA HEAT

I have the Victory Red and so far they've been tough as nails. The paint isn't very glossy, though. Lots of orange peel, but they look great.

Gearhead Jim

Thanks for mentioning the orange peel, I though I could see it in some photographs. If it's visible in a photo then it must be pretty severe. Maybe that would make a good match with the orange peel on the outside of my car!

Pipedreams

no paint problems. The GM are a 7 on a 1-10 scale and the vetteshops are a 10 when it come to paint texture.

Indy-hp

I like my GM's, no flaking, but they are kind of rough textured right down near the intake. Look like they didn't get enough paint to fill in the texture of the covers.

prseasix

OregonC6

Does anyone know if the covers serve any purpose besides appearance. Seems to me that they add some weight and may help retain engine heat . I feel the same way about the underhood insulation.....it adds weight and must keep the engine compartment hotter? any thoughts?

LS1LT1

That's the very reason why mine are coming off (and staying off) very soon. No they don't serve any other purpose and I won't leave the stock ones on so of course I REALLY can't imagine actually spending even more potential 'go faster' type mod money on new painted ones LOL.

shopdog

The covers are purely cosmetic, to conceal the coil near plug ignition components. The coils should run a little cooler with the covers removed. Katech has a solution to that cosmetic problem. They offer a kit that relocates the coils, and have polished valve covers to add a little bling under the hood.

I'd hesitate to remove the underhood insulation. It does serve a couple of purposes. It keeps the hood cooler, which helps preserve the paint, and it reduces engine mechanical noise a bit.

steve miller

Perhaps they increase the heat a tiny bit, but they weigh ounces.

Indy-hp

That's the thing. The covers are plastic and very light. The hood blanket is very light also. Both may hold a little heat, but help protect the paint on the hood from becoming too hot.

Gillvette

I have the G.M. Painted fuel Rail covers and they look great. I ordered them from Fred Beans......great service.

As far as the Vetteshop.......I purchased a painted air-bridge from them and ended up repainting it myself. Poor quality and service.

NOTORIOUSPUG

mine look great, but don't compare to specialty shops!

NORTY

I thought the covers were made with red injection plastic,so they aren't painted. Or,is this a "re-covering" to match the exterior?

Hoonose

I hear you, but I didn't have any trouble here in Havasu all last summer, even at 120 degrees outside!

AFVETTE

I'm sure replacement pieces would have been provided. Did you contact the "VETTESHOP" and complain?

I ask as I'm in the market for the full engine bay kit and when ever someone states they had a problem with a vendors product I want to know how the vendor handled it.

Feedback via PM is appreciated.

Tom

0vetteshop

Thanks for the kind words...You forgot to mention the conversation we had were I offered to resolve the matter.

Zymurgy

I'm very happy with mine:

Nav Vet

I'm happy with mine as well.
I agree with an earlier post,the paint coverage is not totally complete near the edge by the intake...after putting them on it is hardly noticable though

4CEE

I passed because of the orange peel.