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Project EC.....Something new for the org

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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 08:33 PM
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Project EC.....Something new for the org

Some of you might have known that our engine covers retain a little bit of heat. At least that's what I've heard. That's one thing I wanted to take care of. From the pics below, by taking it off and leaving it as a barebone engine it looks quite unappealing, if I might add. I've always wanted to keep my engine cover, but had to brainstorm ways to exhaust most of the heat while keeping it looking nice and tidy. Went through a few ideas, and then came up with this little creation. Somewhat along the lines of looks with a functional attitude.

Pretty tedious work drawing, measuring, cutting, sanding, recutting, resanding, priming, painting, and GBAUER Waxing it! Took me a little over a week and a half to come up with the idea, design, and now almost finished with it. A few hours here and there after work. All I have left to do is wait for my new $25 emblem to come in from the stealership and mold mesh behind it for a clean look. I'll update this thread with the finished product soon.

Enjoy!

Designing and cutting was one of the hardest parts.



Starting to come together.


Old Dec 2, 2005 | 08:34 PM
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Not too clean looking. I have however degreased and cleaned up the engine since these pics.



Still looks alot better even though the engine was dirty.



It'll look 100x better with the mesh back there. You can see how it's not a clean look through the openings.



Here's the rest.


Old Dec 2, 2005 | 08:58 PM
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I like it! Very original - it most certainly differentiates your engine bay from the others. What paint did you use?
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:00 PM
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I like it.... very creative...



Btw, is that a GAB with a paper filter?
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:09 PM
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I also like. Very original.

Shoulda made a template or something to sell/give to other orgers who want this also.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:12 PM
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looks pretty cool....
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:12 PM
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i don't dig it. perhaps fewer cuts would have been better.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by kobalt
I like it! Very original - it most certainly differentiates your engine bay from the others. What paint did you use?
Preciate it. I used High Temp paint to withstand the venting heat. I'm sure I'm going to have to replace my emblem once again in the future cause when I first took it off, the chrome on it was melted and deformed. I've heard of a few issues from others, but not everyone.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Puppetmaster
Btw, is that a GAB with a paper filter?
OEM baby!.....I'm going to probably do away with the whole airbox anyways and go to what Matt and Haydn are using.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by djfrestyl
I also like. Very original.

Shoulda made a template or something to sell/give to other orgers who want this also.
Each opening had a template create because of the sizes of each opening. I still have the templates and considered doing this for the org if there was enough interest. I would probably make it custom for each member if they'd like a different design or however they want it to look, with any color paint scheme.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by EvilRoadsVictim
i don't dig it. perhaps fewer cuts would have been better.
Yeah it's still kind of in it's raw state right now. It will probably be more to your liking when it's completed. I wanted to use as much room as efficiently as possible, With the flemsiness of the lesser material, a bigger opening and fewer cuts would have weighed the center down and caused bowing in some areas. Well see if I can get it to look any better when I'm done.
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:33 PM
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Cool. looking forward to seeing more designs.

Time for 3.5 swap
Old Dec 2, 2005 | 09:57 PM
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Awesome project man...defintely like the orginality factor. Almost makes me want to look into getting an engine cover myself. Very nice work. Color scheme = :
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 02:09 AM
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Great idea. I removed my cover quite a while ago because of the possible heat issue. The 3.5 is not a pretty sight without it. I may attempt something similar. I'm very interested to see the pics after the screens are installed.
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 07:28 AM
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I like the design, most likely I'd want one when I see the final pictures with the mesh screens. It'd probably rival GBAUER's waxed engine cover.
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Deckdout2
OEM baby!.....I'm going to probably do away with the whole airbox anyways and go to what Matt and Haydn are using.

I have my old K&N panel filter still from my GAB (switched to berk) if you want it... Just PM me and we can work it out...
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 12:31 PM
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I like it too! Kinda tasteful and not ricey. Nice work.
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 03:01 PM
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I know where I can get these laser cut.



And I think it needs some sort of mesh behind it.
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 03:27 PM
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I like the thought, but I think it definitly needs the mesh. Oh, and I've found Mcguire's does the best job for the wax.

Honestly, I've never found the heat to be a problem. If anything, the cover might actually keep the block warmer after the engine is turned off in the winter. My cover has been painted for over a year now with regular car paint and I haven't had a problem with peeling. Oh, and a year in my car is worth about four in any other. 50k miles a year.
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 03:28 PM
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Two thumbs up!

Excellent job/idea.
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 03:33 PM
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thats really cool, i like it
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 03:38 PM
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when you get the cover to shine like this, call me!

Old Dec 3, 2005 | 04:07 PM
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what did it cost to paint the cover?

Originally Posted by GBAUER
when you get the cover to shine like this, call me!

Old Dec 3, 2005 | 04:34 PM
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looks good..

GBAUER's engine cover just got
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 05:40 PM
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maybe adding soem mesh in the holes would look nice. its got a nice look tho, very futuristic looking or some thing, im thinkin of doing somethign like this to my ae cover. thanks, like i needed more projects!
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 10:56 PM
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Awesome job,I deff. like it. Let me know when/how I can get one of them.
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by GBAUER
when you get the cover to shine like this, call me!

it only shines because you have clear coat on it
Old Dec 3, 2005 | 11:47 PM
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Very unique. Looks nice.
Old Dec 4, 2005 | 05:06 AM
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Great job, looks awesome. I was thinking about painted mine like a black and white checkered design. Nice job bro!
Old Dec 4, 2005 | 06:07 AM
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Originally Posted by HotshotVQ35
what did it cost to paint the cover?
I don't remember. That was back when I was making so much money I threw it away. I think it was around $100 or so, but it was wrapped in with replacing my front bumper and painting my grill.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by upstatemax
I have my old K&N panel filter still from my GAB (switched to berk) if you want it... Just PM me and we can work it out...

Thanks I might take you up on that. I'm waiting to see how soon I can do my new intake conversion first. I'll let you know if I need it.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by SR20DEN
I know where I can get these laser cut.



And I think it needs some sort of mesh behind it.

I'll be in touch.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by GBAUER
I like the thought, but I think it definitly needs the mesh. Oh, and I've found Mcguire's does the best job for the wax.

Honestly, I've never found the heat to be a problem. If anything, the cover might actually keep the block warmer after the engine is turned off in the winter. My cover has been painted for over a year now with regular car paint and I haven't had a problem with peeling. Oh, and a year in my car is worth about four in any other. 50k miles a year.

Vented EC> Painted Only EC
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by GBAUER
when you get the cover to shine like this, call me!
no FI, no care
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by ColdSHO
maybe adding soem mesh in the holes would look nice. its got a nice look tho, very futuristic looking or some thing, im thinkin of doing somethign like this to my ae cover. thanks, like i needed more projects!

My fiance's AE EC will be my next attempt when this one is completed.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by FASSTER
Awesome job,I deff. like it. Let me know when/how I can get one of them.

As soon as the mesh and emblem comes in, this will be complete. You are encouraged to inquire at anytime you are ready.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by NJ Devils Fan
Great job, looks awesome. I was thinking about painted mine like a black and white checkered design. Nice job bro!

I can create a wavey checked ventilation design for you and carry out the finished product. Let me know if you're interested.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 10:26 AM
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Wow, that does look good. The vents will help some with heat dissipation but you do know that paint itself helps hold in heat? That is why most serious drag or racing applicated vehicles do not have painted engines. But serious props on the craftsmanship though.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 11:37 AM
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hmmmm

Why ? heat is not an issue with a engine cover. All they do is clean up the bay alittle.
Old Dec 5, 2005 | 12:08 PM
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the fire blanket/heat wrap that's attached to underside of our hoods is what keeps most of the heat in the engine bay. i congratulate you on great clean work, and effort, but head dissipation is not going to change much from what it was originally. i think its going to look very cool with the mesh behind ec, but functionality wise, it's not that useful.



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