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Intake makeover (runners & plenum)

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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 01:54 PM
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Default Intake makeover (runners & plenum)

The plenum and runners on my '90 are original and ugly after 20 years, other than polishing, powder coat or plating what can I do to make them look better?
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by RLDaily
The plenum and runners on my '90 are original and ugly after 20 years, other than polishing, powder coat or plating what can I do to make them look better?
You can paint or have them bead blasted.
Here is mine when I had runners, painted.


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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by ch@0s
You can paint or have them bead blasted.
Here is mine when I had runners, painted.


You should buy the distributor cover delete plate then the plenum would look better.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 05:31 PM
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Bead blasting is the best way to make you intake look new again while keeping the OEM look.
BUT You could use an aluminum brightener to renew the look of the intake. Just remember aluminum brightener is an acid and is harmful to electric parts, wires, and rubber.

The valve covers are powder coated from the factory. (Do not bead blast them) MA motorworks sales the correct shade of silver in a rattle can to paint the valve covers.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by jeffp1167
You should buy the distributor cover delete plate then the plenum would look better.
I bought the TPI delete plate.
[/IMG]
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 01:42 AM
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ha ha ha me too ! (sr)
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 06:52 AM
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I recently did a make over on my TPI. I polished the TPI and I realy like it. I did it myself. Its basically sanding your parts until smooth with different grits of sandpaper. Doesnt cost that much either. I think I spent under 50 bucks for materials to do it. Post up some pics when you do your project. Good luck

Mike



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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by CorvetteMike2004
I recently did a make over on my TPI. I polished the TPI and I realy like it. I did it myself. Its basically sanding your parts until smooth with different grits of sandpaper. Doesnt cost that much either. I think I spent under 50 bucks for materials to do it. Post up some pics when you do your project. Good luck

Mike



I like the edelbrock valve covers you added, looks nice.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by 96 Vette CE
I like the edelbrock valve covers you added, looks nice.
Thanks, I tried to do something with my stock covers. I painted them black, didnt like it, painted them silver, didnt like it either.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 07:56 AM
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Originally Posted by CorvetteMike2004
Thanks, I tried to do something with my stock covers. I painted them black, didnt like it, painted them silver, didnt like it either.

I remember back in the 70's and 80's that would be the first thing i would do is to get their engine dress up kit and install it. Didn't make it go any faster(then again i didn't need to go any faster)but it sure looked pretty.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by 96 Vette CE
I remember back in the 70's and 80's that would be the first thing i would do is to get their engine dress up kit and install it. Didn't make it go any faster(then again i didn't need to go any faster)but it sure looked pretty.
Well I did take the frisbee off.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by 96 Vette CE
I remember back in the 70's and 80's that would be the first thing i would do is to get their engine dress up kit and install it. Didn't make it go any faster(then again i didn't need to go any faster)but it sure looked pretty.
Looks faster to me
I think mike did a great job. Those valve covers have a very classic but classy look.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by CorvetteMike2004
Well I did take the frisbee off.
Every little bit helps Mike.

Originally Posted by ch@0s
Looks faster to me
I think mike did a great job. Those valve covers have a very classic but classy look.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by CorvetteMike2004
Well I did take the frisbee off.
probably what broke your a/c compressor bracket. My friend removed his frisbee and it did the same thing. It's there to I guess smooth compressor engagement.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by jeffp1167
probably what broke your a/c compressor bracket. My friend removed his frisbee and it did the same thing. It's there to I guess smooth compressor engagement.
I just took the frisbee off last week. It has been on there 21 years.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 10:32 PM
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Mike car looks good
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:06 AM
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Originally Posted by CorvetteMike2004
I just took the frisbee off last week. It has been on there 21 years.
I took my frisbee off as well. Makes changing the belt a 5-10 minute job instead of an hour trying to get the belt around the frisbee and on the crank pulley as the frisbee is in the way of getting your hand down there.

Though, I noticed a few days after pulling the frisbee and putting on a new belt that the front seal on the compressor starting slinging oil on the hood. Kinda wish I left it alone.
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To Intake makeover (runners & plenum)

Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:07 AM
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recent powder coating, painting and valve cover replacement

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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 09:31 AM
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Ok, what is this frisbee thingy- pics?
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by socalman
Ok, what is this frisbee thingy- pics?
It's a big, round, piece of metal that was installed on the water pump pulley of the '88-'91 Corvettes. Sorry...no pics.
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