BWF07

I am getting ready to change out all of my stainless steel/chrome engine dressup to carbon fiber. I am looking at around $1200.00 all together. What I am not sure of is the difference in hydrocarbon and carbon fiber.

Also as I was shopping at different vendors, I found a prices difference on certain parts and thought I would order from a couple of different suppliers (all forum vendors). I also wonder if I order from two different vendors will the black CF match.

brian ns04

The long and short is Carbon Fiber is real and Hydrocarbon is fake. I have seen Hydrocarbon that looks good however. I guess it all comes down to your budget and how real do you want it to look.

(Lucy)

I suggest you talk to Pat at American Hydrocarbon he has both!! He is the best in the business and his customer service is top notch. Any questions you have I am sure he can answer, Also ask him and he might be able to send you a sample!!!

American Hydrocarbon: 1-813-476-5638

rdline

This gets beat to death as a debate and it really depends on your budget. I have hydro carbon fiber in engine bay and interior and I will only use Pat @ American Hydrocarbon , have herd some horror stories from other providers. I have not had any problems and Pat backs his work. To your question of ordering from different vendors, I would not because the match could be way off, get it from one vender and Pat can offer you prices on both ways , ships fast, reasonable and great support.

AU N EGL

Hydo carbon is a decal like to over the original part

Carbon fiber is THE PART. Very light and very expesive.

MSG C5

Another thing to consider is that hydrocarbon or any other kind of dip procedure is used in many cars including the Corvette C6. It's a cosmetic option and isn't really a performance-based mod. True, there are actual carbon-fiber components to help reduce weight, however engine dress up and interior radio bezels, etc. mods are not really performance-based.

Pat does do great work and I'm sure on the other end of the scale there are some pretty bad after market options. However, I don't buy into the argument that hydro is not as good as real CF because hydro is used in GM production Corvettes. As mentioned, it's cosmetic.

AU N EGL

and real carbon fiber, the C/F weave patter is not vary viable.

Where that is the bases of the Hydro carbon, to see the weave pattern

0Double D Mods

I have had other companies want my business with hydrocarbon and have i tried them with a couple items.
The quality was no where near what Pat does and he will stand behind it.

Pat is the one who does all my hydro work on my double din bezels

My bezel Pat did for me



and one we just got back and sent out

c5BlackBeauty

Another vote for Pat. I have some "real" CF in my bay and several pieces of hydro Pat did for me including my cowl, wipers, coolant tank and front filler plate. I couldn't be happier with the work and quality of Pat's customer service.

atmsrus1

Let me know when you are ready to sell the SS, I may be interested in some of it myself.

Thanks,
Russell

~Josh

$.02

Please polish the actual engine parts instead of some cheap "cover".

Please get real carbon.... -hydro "carbon fiber" is the furthest from the truth, and looks... great.

BWF07

I plan on contacting Pat tomorrow and placing an order. He is actually only about an hour north of me.

I will do that. I will post a picture of the engine bay as it is now with the ss and after with the carbon fiber/hydrocarbon.

I plan on polishing some items such as the alternator brackets and the belt tension pulley.

I am planning on the Battery/fuse box cover (all one piece), Brake Booster cover, Power Steering Cover, Radiator Support, Fender Covers, Intake Cover, Front Nose Trim piece and I found a set of CF cap covers. I presently have painted FRC and the two tanks that are in Torch Red and Clearcoated to match the body. I want to keep those as is. If they don't work with the new CF look I may have to change those also.

Gitusum

that would be my bezel on its way to me and it will look fantastic with the kenwood 9960 nav and my FI gauges in it
thanx Dennis


Rick

doje

I have a polished alternator bracket sitting here in front of me. Because the metal is porous, you can never get a perfect polish. There will always be some black areas where the pores are coming through. If you want to save yourself the BIG expense of polishing, I will be selling this one for $100 plus actual shipping.

Bakeman31

Pat is the best, Great Service. I've had both and Pat has the complete set for your vette. Can't go wrong! Good luck.

liveaboard74

Another vote for Pat.
Complete under hood and inside should be here this week.

blkvette98

Another vote for Pat. I have a full engine bay with his work and its absolutely AWESOME. Will try to post some pics for you this weekend. Good guy to work with also!

BWF07

I want to pull the trigger and order the parts from Pat, I am just trying to think how the black carbon fiber will look with the Torch Red FRC, coolent and washer tanks.

AVENGER

I agree with "Blue Dragon" & "Redline"..... Pat is the man!!

BWF07

I took everyones advice and contacted Pat earlier today. I will be placing an order on Friday. I will be tied up alday tomorrow ,so that is why Friday. I'll post a few before and after pictures.

Thanks for all the imput.