Engine Dress-up

[tolagarFriS]

I've searched around on the forums and couldn't find anything newer than 2 years old. Basically, I've seen those 'Hose Techniques' kits or whatever for the P5, but I haven't seen any MSP-specific kits.

Aside from adding ACTUAL mods (BOV, oil-catch, etc.), what else could I do to dress-up the engine bay? I'm looking for little things that are relatively cheap, but that would enhance the look quite a bit. To me, the idea of replacing the stock hoses with high-quality colored ones sounds great. But I just can't find any good kits. Or is that the problem? Do I even need a kit, or could I just go out and find some universal tubing?

Any help, suggestions, or links to threads I've missed would be greatly appreciated.

(I'm very interested in red and chrome colors under the hood)

 

[MSP#735]

here is my engine bay, im still thinking of more things to do but, shes gettin there.

 

[MSPRedDragon]

Buy a couple packs of Samco silicone vacuum lines. Just about finished up all mine. I bought two of the smaller packs, and one of the next size what ever that is. They look great and actually help with vac. leaks and what not. My car runs smoother since I got them. I bought mine from Crossover Auto for $20 each for the small and $28 for the larger one I believe.

Other things you could do. You could polish up the manifold heatshield, paint the valve cover, paint the strut bar, stuff like that. Hope that helps some.

JT

 

[tolagarFriS]

Looks very nice, 735.
I'd like to paint/color the letters on the engine cover (where it says DOHC 16-VALVE)...what do you use for that?

And the strut bar...how did you get the racing beat letters on there? A sticker?...or...because, like I said, I like the red/chrome look, so if I could get some red letters on there, that would look nice I think.

Thanks for the hose info RedDragon...I'll pick some up soon!

 

[MSP#735]

i used 900 degree paint for the valve cover lettering...i just masked off the letters and carefully spray painted them, kinda tedious but i like it! As for the RacingBeat decal, i had it made from Rickman (PM him he will help you out)

Looks very nice, 735.
I'd like to paint/color the letters on the engine cover (where it says DOHC 16-VALVE)...what do you use for that?

And the strut bar...how did you get the racing beat letters on there? A sticker?...or...because, like I said, I like the red/chrome look, so if I could get some red letters on there, that would look nice I think.

Thanks for the hose info RedDragon...I'll pick some up soon!

 

[tolagarFriS]

Ok, I checked out Crossover Autos and found two things.

There are individual packs of Samco Silicone Vacuum Lines that you can get.
Has 4 different sizes and lots of colors. But it also says:

MSP requires the following to replace the factory vacuum lines
2 packs 3.5mm (5/32")
1 pack 4mm (3/16")
1 pack 6.35(1/4")

Each pack ranges from $16.00 - $32.00


Then there's a Vibrant Performance Silicone Vacuum Hose Pit Pack...that has less amounts of each tubing amount, but it's only $40 and has lots of sizes included. So my question is, could I just buy two of the Vibrant packs and have enough, or should I just get the others separately from Samco. It says I only need those 3 sizes to replace the factory hoses, but the Vibrant pack comes with other sizes too.

Sorta confused, but here's the link:
http://*************.com/mazdaspeed3.htm

 

[L8R]

www.optauto.com sells RS akimoto hose lines. Cheap and looks great also.

Good luck.

Do a search for 'pirana' 'bigwoofer' 'daedalus' and you'll find some nice motors.

 

[tolagarFriS]

Hm, so do you think ONE of those RS kits would do an entire MSP engine bay?

 

[L8R]

Yah, I think one kit would be good enough. I did my motor and had a little extra to spare. Just be careful when replacing some of the vaccum lines. You might pull too hard and break something.

 

[tolagarFriS]

Awesome, well I just ordered a kit from Summit Racing for $14.50 (plus S&H)
And I'm planning on picking up some high-temp paint to do my valve cover...and I sent a message to Rickman about the decal.

Things are looking up! Now I just need a good oil cap
Oh, and how should I "polish" the manifold heatshield?
Would it work to just paint that with high-temp paint?

Thanks to everyone for their responses.

 

[03MSP]

Get some Mother's Mag Polish for the heat shield.

 

[Chilledboost]

Get some Mother's Mag Polish for the heat shield.

i also used the mag polish on the metal tube parts of the a/c lines. and various other parts under the hood

 

[jmv]

here is my engine bay, im still thinking of more things to do but, shes gettin there.

maybe i'm a tard... but how in the world do you mask off all those little tiny spots for the 'DOHC 16-VALVE' part?? especially the 'inner' sections, like the inside of the D or the O??

It looks really awesome and i'd kinda like to try it, but i don't know if i could do a good job with it.

 

[bazooka joe]

maybe this will give you some ideas....

 

[MSP#735]

i used masking tape, a box cutter and a sharp knife...cut out the lettering (which took foooorrreeevvvvaaarrrr) very tedious and time consuming, definately takes a little patience but, the results paid off, IMO that is

maybe i'm a tard... but how in the world do you mask off all those little tiny spots for the 'DOHC 16-VALVE' part?? especially the 'inner' sections, like the inside of the D or the O??

It looks really awesome and i'd kinda like to try it, but i don't know if i could do a good job with it.

 

[MSP#735]

MSP#735 isnt good enough to search? (poke)

Do a search for 'pirana' 'bigwoofer' 'daedalus' and you'll find some nice motors.

 

[ChopstickHero]

plain!

 

[jmv]

i used masking tape, a box cutter and a sharp knife...cut out the lettering (which took foooorrreeevvvvaaarrrr) very tedious and time consuming, definately takes a little patience but, the results paid off, IMO that is

hmmm. Okay. I guess i'm just a tard. I could see how this would work fine if you were painting the REST of the cover and leaving the letters. But whatever. I guess thats just one more thing i won't do, lol.

 

[tolagarFriS]

Nice one bazooka...gives me some ideas...

 

[Mutmatt]

that heat shield is like yellow...