Engine dress up questions , Need input - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mowdigger · 11-09-2009, 09:56 PM

I am wanting to dress up the engine in my truck. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a serpentine set up. What have you guys done to dress yours up? I'm going to put an edelbrock carb and aluminum intake on and start dressing from there. Who sells a good kit for all the pulleys and accessories also. Everwhere I have looked seems to be piece by piece on the pulleys. Give me some input and some pics of yours for ideas.

Thanks

1968SWBBigBlock · 11-09-2009, 10:41 PM

Intake valve covers and carbs and air cleaners are all fairly cheap
Pulleys start getting exp quick
march and billet specialties make good pulleys
do not buy cheap pulleys you will regret it

Mowdigger · 11-09-2009, 10:43 PM

I noticed that the pulleys were expensive. Thanks for the input.

Jim_PA · 11-09-2009, 10:45 PM

Run the plug wires under the headers. It will look super clean 8)

Get some thick cast aluminum covers, and as stated, don't cheap out on the pulleys.

cdowns · 11-10-2009, 12:20 AM

i blast my pulleys then a couple of coats of enamel then bake them in an oven at 300 for 90minutes //less than a dollar each

cleaning painting and detailing is cheap//i relpace every bolt i can with stainless and spend a few seconds buffing them up with a drill mounted buffing pad//cheap buffing kits at sears kmart walmart or harbor frieght

**Dan in Pasadena** · 11-10-2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

....I replace every bolt I can with stainless and spend a few seconds buffing them up with a drill mounted buffing pad//cheap buffing kits at Sears, KMart, Walmart or Harbor Freight

Speaking of this, does anyone know if the "complete set of stainless bolts" you can buy from eBay - for say an SBC (like I have) are worth a damn, or junk?

cdowns · 11-10-2009, 09:18 AM

i prefer buying my stainless at a marine supply store or the local fastener shop//i just measure what i need make a list of what i dont have onhand //i always buy extras so i have common sizes available when needed//i dont require show polishing finishes rather just a bit shiny is good for me

another thing that really dresses up the engine compt if you have castiron manifolds is to clean them up real good and apply a coating on them it's much better than rust

unclewatts · 11-10-2009, 12:28 AM

One way to dress up your engine is the wiring in the engine compartment. I used that plastic corrugated split loom stuff and zip ties. Came out good and didn't cost very much.

independentcustoms · 11-10-2009, 10:52 AM

I'm personally not a big fan of serpentine belt setups, or much billet in general. I think the best thing you can do for your engine is make sure its super clean, not leaking anywhere, and well painted. I think I just like a super clean, stock looking motor.

PowerPro · 11-10-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by independentcustoms

I'm personally not a big fan of serpentine belt setups, or much billet in general. I think the best thing you can do for your engine is make sure its super clean, not leaking anywhere, and well painted. I think I just like a super clean, stock looking motor.

Ditto, but the sandblasting of the orriginal pulleys and baking the enamel on would make that look really good too. I'm assuming the previous poster just used black enamel?

big_al_71 · 11-10-2009, 12:00 PM

I hate the way I cleaned up my engine compartment.....

independentcustoms · 11-10-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

I hate the way I cleaned up my engine compartment.....

That does look good. I think if you're gonna do anything to clean up under the hood, you need to go all out. By that I mean degrease everything, nice paint, clean wiring, etc. Don't half a$$ it, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money

big_al_71 · 11-10-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mowdigger

I think it looks damn good Al. I'll be happy if mine ends up that nice.

thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by independentcustoms

That does look good. I think if you're gonna do anything to clean up under the hood, you need to go all out. By that I mean degrease everything, nice paint, clean wiring, etc. Don't half a$$ it, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money

I agree 100% do it right do it once....

**Dan in Pasadena** · 11-10-2009, 01:03 PM

Big Al,
Looks outstanding, congrats.

I will be doing mine shortly and I'm lucky because my truck came with nice (if a bit outdated) Edelbrock Elite valve covers, billet pulleys, spark plug wire organizers, assorted appearence stuff; its just that they all need cleaning up.

Your intake manifold looks GREAT. Did you do anything to it or is it new? Paint it? Bead blast it? If you painted it, what prep and paint brand did you use? If blasted, did you clear it after or anything?

I have a Holley Contender intake on mine (online research says its nearly the same as a Street Dominator) and it runs great so I don't really want to change it out. But it is painted black and is gnarly, nasty looking.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 11-10-2009, 01:16 PM

Oops, here's my nasty "Before" pictures. With all the appearance stuff, I SHOULD be able to make this look a LOT better (see how bad the intake looks? Ugh!)

**Dan in Pasadena** · 11-10-2009, 01:18 PM

Oops. By the way, the battery is no longer in the engine compartment.

big_al_71 · 11-10-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Big Al,
Looks outstanding, congrats.

I will be doing mine shortly and I'm lucky because my truck came with nice (if a bit outdated) Edelbrock Elite valve covers, billet pulleys, spark plug wire organizers, assorted appearence stuff; its just that they all need cleaning up.

Your intake manifold looks GREAT. Did you do anything to it or is it new? Paint it? Bead blast it? If you painted it, what prep and paint brand did you use? If blasted, did you clear it after or anything?

I have a Holley Contender intake on mine (online research says its nearly the same as a Street Dominator) and it runs great so I don't really want to change it out. But it is painted black and is gnarly, nasty looking.

Dan Thank you....The manifold looks like that from the flash of the camera..I installed it the way it came from factory....As far as your carburator or anything else for that matter there are some great cleaners that you will be amazed at how good the stuff comes out. There is something that we used in our parts washers that I have cleaned greasy, painted, old stuff and it comes out outstanding....Post some picts of your progress...

**Dan in Pasadena** · 11-10-2009, 01:45 PM

Al,
DOH! I was hoping you were going to post some "miracle concoction" that made your intake look like that, ha, ha.

I will take a first hack at clean up by using the Castrol Purple stuff or Simple Green and a small brush, shop vac, rinse and wipe method. I'm sure I can get it "clean" but to get it looking as shiny nice will take more than just elbow grease I think. You painted your compartment? Rattle can or "real" paint? Did you pull your engine or was this a little-by-little job? Again, outstanding results. I'd be VERY proud to pop my hood and have it look like that.

Mowdigger · 11-10-2009, 06:54 PM

I think it looks damn good Al. I'll be happy if mine ends up that nice.

11-09-2009, 09:56 PM	#1
Mowdigger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mt. Auburn, Il Posts: 127	Engine dress up questions , Need input I am wanting to dress up the engine in my truck. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a serpentine set up. What have you guys done to dress yours up? I'm going to put an edelbrock carb and aluminum intake on and start dressing from there. Who sells a good kit for all the pulleys and accessories also. Everwhere I have looked seems to be piece by piece on the pulleys. Give me some input and some pics of yours for ideas. Thanks

11-09-2009, 10:41 PM	#2
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input Intake valve covers and carbs and air cleaners are all fairly cheap Pulleys start getting exp quick march and billet specialties make good pulleys do not buy cheap pulleys you will regret it __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

11-09-2009, 10:43 PM	#3
Mowdigger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mt. Auburn, Il Posts: 127	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input I noticed that the pulleys were expensive. Thanks for the input.

11-09-2009, 10:45 PM	#4
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input Run the plug wires under the headers. It will look super clean 8) Get some thick cast aluminum covers, and as stated, don't cheap out on the pulleys. Last edited by Jim_PA; 11-09-2009 at 10:46 PM.

11-10-2009, 12:20 AM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input i blast my pulleys then a couple of coats of enamel then bake them in an oven at 300 for 90minutes //less than a dollar each cleaning painting and detailing is cheap//i relpace every bolt i can with stainless and spend a few seconds buffing them up with a drill mounted buffing pad//cheap buffing kits at sears kmart walmart or harbor frieght __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-10-2009, 09:18 AM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input i prefer buying my stainless at a marine supply store or the local fastener shop//i just measure what i need make a list of what i dont have onhand //i always buy extras so i have common sizes available when needed//i dont require show polishing finishes rather just a bit shiny is good for me another thing that really dresses up the engine compt if you have castiron manifolds is to clean them up real good and apply a coating on them it's much better than rust __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-10-2009, 12:28 AM	#8
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input One way to dress up your engine is the wiring in the engine compartment. I used that plastic corrugated split loom stuff and zip ties. Came out good and didn't cost very much. __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

11-10-2009, 10:52 AM	#9
independentcustoms Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 133	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input I'm personally not a big fan of serpentine belt setups, or much billet in general. I think the best thing you can do for your engine is make sure its super clean, not leaking anywhere, and well painted. I think I just like a super clean, stock looking motor.

11-10-2009, 12:00 PM	#11
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input I hate the way I cleaned up my engine compartment..... Attached Images __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild Last edited by big_al_71; 11-10-2009 at 12:02 PM.

11-10-2009, 01:03 PM	#14
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,341	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input Big Al, Looks outstanding, congrats. I will be doing mine shortly and I'm lucky because my truck came with nice (if a bit outdated) Edelbrock Elite valve covers, billet pulleys, spark plug wire organizers, assorted appearence stuff; its just that they all need cleaning up. Your intake manifold looks GREAT. Did you do anything to it or is it new? Paint it? Bead blast it? If you painted it, what prep and paint brand did you use? If blasted, did you clear it after or anything? I have a Holley Contender intake on mine (online research says its nearly the same as a Street Dominator) and it runs great so I don't really want to change it out. But it is painted black and is gnarly, nasty looking.

11-10-2009, 01:16 PM	#15
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,341	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input Oops, here's my nasty "Before" pictures. With all the appearance stuff, I SHOULD be able to make this look a LOT better (see how bad the intake looks? Ugh!)

11-10-2009, 01:18 PM	#16
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,341	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input Oops. By the way, the battery is no longer in the engine compartment. Attached Images Last edited by Dan in Pasadena; 11-10-2009 at 01:20 PM.

11-10-2009, 01:45 PM	#18
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,341	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input Al, DOH! I was hoping you were going to post some "miracle concoction" that made your intake look like that, ha, ha. I will take a first hack at clean up by using the Castrol Purple stuff or Simple Green and a small brush, shop vac, rinse and wipe method. I'm sure I can get it "clean" but to get it looking as shiny nice will take more than just elbow grease I think. You painted your compartment? Rattle can or "real" paint? Did you pull your engine or was this a little-by-little job? Again, outstanding results. I'd be VERY proud to pop my hood and have it look like that.

11-10-2009, 06:54 PM	#19
Mowdigger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mt. Auburn, Il Posts: 127	Re: Engine dress up questions , Need input I think it looks damn good Al. I'll be happy if mine ends up that nice.



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