Engine Dressup
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 531
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From: Tucson AZ
Engine Dressup
I'm looking for ideas to upgrade the appearance of my engine without getting too crazy. I'm not talking show style upgrades costing lots of $$$, just enough to make it nice to look at without busting the bank. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Pictures would also be appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 1
From: Hercules CA
I'm looking for ideas to upgrade the appearance of my engine without getting too crazy. I'm not talking show style upgrades costing lots of $$$, just enough to make it nice to look at without busting the bank. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Pictures would also be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 147
From: Jasper Alabama
You can start out with one of these engine covers. Its a RK Sport one piece carbon fiber cover. Definatley noticed when you pop the hood. Then you can keep adding until you are satisfied. This exact one is on ebay auction. Or there is a new unpainted one for $297.00.
Last edited by Stealth02; Jan 16, 2014 at 03:45 PM.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Here's what I've done to mine. I bought all the various underhood covers unpainted (except for the master cylinder and power steering reservoir covers - got them from RPI Designs) and had my nephew paint them for me.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,899
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From: Christchurch, New Zealand
WHAT I DID
Added painted rail covers
braided radiator hoses
battery cover
stainless cowl, alternator cover, fuse cover, brake fluid cover...
chrome hood struts
chrome oil catch can
tidied things up without going overboard
Just need a chrome plenum cover
Added painted rail covers
braided radiator hoses
battery cover
stainless cowl, alternator cover, fuse cover, brake fluid cover...
chrome hood struts
chrome oil catch can
tidied things up without going overboard
Just need a chrome plenum cover
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I chose the "less is more" approach. A few painted parts and some chrome with a fabric hoodliner and custom ID plate. I plan to add some braided hoses this year after I remove the 10 year-old OEM hoses and other engine rubber. I also want to do something with the alternator but haven't decided what.
Yes it is. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 234
From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
It shouldn't be too hard to remove in order to do it right. Mine was being difficult and I didn't have a good leverage tool to break loose a couple bolts. I opted to mask it off and paint it in the car, covering the armature holes, etc. If this was a show car I would've removed it and had the casing powder coated or at least painted. As a weekend cruiser, it will do for now. 
