What do you do to make your engine look pretty? :)
08-03-2010, 09:20 AM
#161
Gloss black bay, huh? Interesting.
Again, the cover looks awesome, Roy. Well done.
For clamps in other diameters, there's this website: http://www.siliconeintakes.com/index...35819a547c06f1
Last edited by Rochester; 08-03-2010 at 09:24 AM.
08-03-2010, 11:14 AM
#163
08-03-2010, 11:16 AM
#164
Just to play and experiment, I ordered a set (5 pieces) of these JDM fender washers in red. Four for the 2 pairs of bolts on the headlights, and one for the support bar on my SRI.
I also ordered a bag (5 nuts) of those polished titanium 6M flange nuts. Four for the radiator and bumper connectors on the front cross member. (one left over).
If any of it looks good, I'll take pictures when they show up next week sometime. If not, I will sheepishly mark this effort as wasted time and money, and take my lumps accordingly.
I also ordered a bag (5 nuts) of those polished titanium 6M flange nuts. Four for the radiator and bumper connectors on the front cross member. (one left over).
If any of it looks good, I'll take pictures when they show up next week sometime. If not, I will sheepishly mark this effort as wasted time and money, and take my lumps accordingly.
08-03-2010, 12:10 PM
#165
Just to play and experiment, I ordered a set (5 pieces) of these JDM fender washers in red. Four for the 2 pairs of bolts on the headlights, and one for the support bar on my SRI.
I also ordered a bag (5 nuts) of those polished titanium 6M flange nuts. Four for the radiator and bumper connectors on the front cross member. (one left over).
If any of it looks good, I'll take pictures when they show up next week sometime. If not, I will sheepishly mark this effort as wasted time and money, and take my lumps accordingly.
I also ordered a bag (5 nuts) of those polished titanium 6M flange nuts. Four for the radiator and bumper connectors on the front cross member. (one left over).
If any of it looks good, I'll take pictures when they show up next week sometime. If not, I will sheepishly mark this effort as wasted time and money, and take my lumps accordingly.
i like those blue ones in the second pic
B
08-03-2010, 12:28 PM
#166
Just to play and experiment, I ordered a set (5 pieces) of these JDM fender washers in red. Four for the 2 pairs of bolts on the headlights, and one for the support bar on my SRI.
I also ordered a bag (5 nuts) of those polished titanium 6M flange nuts. Four for the radiator and bumper connectors on the front cross member. (one left over).
If any of it looks good, I'll take pictures when they show up next week sometime. If not, I will sheepishly mark this effort as wasted time and money, and take my lumps accordingly.
I also ordered a bag (5 nuts) of those polished titanium 6M flange nuts. Four for the radiator and bumper connectors on the front cross member. (one left over).
If any of it looks good, I'll take pictures when they show up next week sometime. If not, I will sheepishly mark this effort as wasted time and money, and take my lumps accordingly.
08-03-2010, 12:29 PM
#167
Rochester, the black radiator hoses would match your engine bay better MO. Since no for sparktec, ebay would be the next option?
08-03-2010, 12:42 PM
#168
Yeah, I noticed too, and it looks like it is holding pretty well. My current SRI has a bracket holding the Apexi filter from the bottom and I don't really like it. But I prefer Rochester Frankencar's bracket better, does anyone sell the bracket itself or do I have to make my own?
You're going to have to cut and twist your own bracket. I can't imagine it would be a big deal, just lots of trial-and-error.
Another possibility is to reach out to Berk and see what they have.
Funny how much this thread has motivated me to focus on under-the-hood details. So far, I've done 2 things that I'd never even considered before this, and have some nut-n-bolt bling in the mail. Fun stuff!
08-03-2010, 03:05 PM
#169
Based on that, pick your poison, Roy.
Both sets are in the mail right now. I figure I'll be playing with them by weekend or early next week. I'm sure to post pictures back here. Even if the look totally sucks and I'm going to back it out. I'm not proud.
Last edited by Rochester; 08-03-2010 at 03:09 PM.
08-03-2010, 06:28 PM
#170
One thing that i have done on my spec and i plan on doing on the max, is to cut the maf housing. basically eliminate the 4 bolts that hold on the maf adapter plate. This eliminates the ugly maf adapter and makes a clean uniform intake.
You will lose the ability to mount the stock airbox on but for some of us its not a big deal. You will also loose the screen in the maf, For me this isnt a big deal. Nissan eliminated the screen in a few 04+ vehicles. So its obviously not really needed.
Heres a pic of it. dont mind the ghetto worm clamp. My t-bolt stripped and i needed a quick fix
You will lose the ability to mount the stock airbox on but for some of us its not a big deal. You will also loose the screen in the maf, For me this isnt a big deal. Nissan eliminated the screen in a few 04+ vehicles. So its obviously not really needed.
Heres a pic of it. dont mind the ghetto worm clamp. My t-bolt stripped and i needed a quick fix
08-03-2010, 06:46 PM
#171
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but seriously, me too. I never even would have considered doing a bunch of this stuff a few weeks ago. All these suggestions etc have been great. So I'm gonna polish my IM on Thursday when I help my buddy install his QA1 coilovers on his boosted Tacoma (he's got some air tools that I don't have
). So we'll see how that looks with my black and red engine theme.
08-03-2010, 06:56 PM
#172
jowo9, it looks like you've been going after your wiring and wire-looms in red. In that theme, you can get a Grounding Kit all in red wire.
If/when I get a grounding kit, it will be black. But I'm just saying...
You know, I'm a little embarrassed how much I've whored this thread. But in my defense, I'm on topic, and you seem happy too, OP.
If/when I get a grounding kit, it will be black. But I'm just saying...
You know, I'm a little embarrassed how much I've whored this thread. But in my defense, I'm on topic, and you seem happy too, OP.
Last edited by Rochester; 08-03-2010 at 07:01 PM.
08-04-2010, 04:56 AM
#173
Here's an idea, Roy... paint your 3 rectangular, black relay casings gloss black to match your engine cover. You've got a FSM, so you really don't need the relay identifications on the covers.
This would be inexpensive and doable by simply uncapping the covers. And it would spread the gloss black around the bay some more for continuity.
What do you think?
Or gloss black, with the word "rroderiques77" down it in fiery red.
This would be inexpensive and doable by simply uncapping the covers. And it would spread the gloss black around the bay some more for continuity.
What do you think?
Or gloss black, with the word "rroderiques77" down it in fiery red.
08-04-2010, 06:26 AM
#174
Not a performance thread, but yes... I share your priorities for the most part, Perk.
To that end, while the OEM exhaust manifold is less than optimal, I'm content with my Cattman y-pipe and 2.5" catback for the remaining time that I drive this car.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Call me crazy, but after all this talk about chroming things, I wonder how this adapter would look blasted smooth and chromed?
To that end, while the OEM exhaust manifold is less than optimal, I'm content with my Cattman y-pipe and 2.5" catback for the remaining time that I drive this car.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Call me crazy, but after all this talk about chroming things, I wonder how this adapter would look blasted smooth and chromed?
08-04-2010, 06:42 AM
#175
Here's an idea, Roy... paint your 3 rectangular, black relay casings gloss black to match your engine cover. You've got a FSM, so you really don't need the relay identifications on the covers.
This would be inexpensive and doable by simply uncapping the covers. And it would spread the gloss black around the bay some more for continuity.
What do you think?
Or gloss black, with the word "rroderiques77" down it in fiery red.
This would be inexpensive and doable by simply uncapping the covers. And it would spread the gloss black around the bay some more for continuity.
What do you think?
Or gloss black, with the word "rroderiques77" down it in fiery red.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0503_large.jpg
I am sure that is not a stock piece.
08-04-2010, 06:52 AM
#176
I was just about to question how the hell your wastegate is attached to the down pipe vs. the feedpipe... Then I saw that it actually is attached to the feed, the dump is just routed to the exhaust. They did a good job on your setup man. And good work on the engine cover.
08-04-2010, 07:16 AM
#177
I like the idea. But I was thinking about getting a cover on that side of the engine bay, much like Chernmax's.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0503_large.jpg
I am sure that is not a stock piece.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0503_large.jpg
I am sure that is not a stock piece.
08-04-2010, 08:19 AM
#178
I was just about to question how the hell your wastegate is attached to the down pipe vs. the feedpipe... Then I saw that it actually is attached to the feed, the dump is just routed to the exhaust. They did a good job on your setup man. And good work on the engine cover.
B
08-04-2010, 09:05 AM
#179
And the question is: Should I paint them gloss black to match the cover or body color instead?
Last edited by rroderiques77; 08-04-2010 at 10:58 AM.
08-04-2010, 02:45 PM
#180
You're right. I just contacted local Nissan dealership and the 6th gens come stock with both driver and passenger side covers. I went ahead and ordered them. Once I get them, I will know which type of modifications I need to make or possibly one being custom made.
And the question is: Should I paint them gloss black to match the cover or body color instead?
And the question is: Should I paint them gloss black to match the cover or body color instead?
If you can make it work acceptably, and are looking for paint opinions, then yes, I recommend gloss black, but with some kind of fire-red-orange-yellow accent to tie it in with your engine cover. Nothing too big or obvious, just an accent of some kind. Maybe on each side, a low fire smoldering towards the front, with a hint of flame rising up the edge.
Obviously, I'm just brainstorming.
...so now I'm looking at the 6th gen engine bay, and I don't see how the side-covers would work in our cars. But you must have something in mind, so I'll just wait and see.
Last edited by Rochester; 08-04-2010 at 02:49 PM.
08-04-2010, 04:46 PM
#181
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jowo9, it looks like you've been going after your wiring and wire-looms in red. In that theme, you can get a Grounding Kit all in red wire.
If/when I get a grounding kit, it will be black. But I'm just saying...
You know, I'm a little embarrassed how much I've whored this thread. But in my defense, I'm on topic, and you seem happy too, OP.
If/when I get a grounding kit, it will be black. But I'm just saying...
You know, I'm a little embarrassed how much I've whored this thread. But in my defense, I'm on topic, and you seem happy too, OP.
keep it up haha.
08-04-2010, 06:36 PM
#182
You went ahead and bought them, without researching fitment? Holy cow, do you move at a far different pace with mods than I do, Roy!
If you can make it work acceptably, and are looking for paint opinions, then yes, I recommend gloss black, but with some kind of fire-red-orange-yellow accent to tie it in with your engine cover. Nothing too big or obvious, just an accent of some kind. Maybe on each side, a low fire smoldering towards the front, with a hint of flame rising up the edge.
Obviously, I'm just brainstorming.
...so now I'm looking at the 6th gen engine bay, and I don't see how the side-covers would work in our cars. But you must have something in mind, so I'll just wait and see.
If you can make it work acceptably, and are looking for paint opinions, then yes, I recommend gloss black, but with some kind of fire-red-orange-yellow accent to tie it in with your engine cover. Nothing too big or obvious, just an accent of some kind. Maybe on each side, a low fire smoldering towards the front, with a hint of flame rising up the edge.
Obviously, I'm just brainstorming.
...so now I'm looking at the 6th gen engine bay, and I don't see how the side-covers would work in our cars. But you must have something in mind, so I'll just wait and see.
I am sure I will have to modify them in order to make them fit. They will give me a baseline in case I have to make my own.
Last edited by rroderiques77; 08-05-2010 at 06:40 AM.
08-05-2010, 04:35 AM
#183
OP, this other thread just bumped, and I realized it was yours as well.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-led-mods.html
Interesting lighting mods. Amazing attention to detail. If you put even half as much of that energy into your engine bay, I'm sure you'll come up with something unique and creative.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-led-mods.html
Interesting lighting mods. Amazing attention to detail. If you put even half as much of that energy into your engine bay, I'm sure you'll come up with something unique and creative.
08-05-2010, 10:10 AM
#184
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OP, this other thread just bumped, and I realized it was yours as well.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-led-mods.html
Interesting lighting mods. Amazing attention to detail. If you put even half as much of that energy into your engine bay, I'm sure you'll come up with something unique and creative.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-led-mods.html
Interesting lighting mods. Amazing attention to detail. If you put even half as much of that energy into your engine bay, I'm sure you'll come up with something unique and creative.
I think I'll get it looking good eventually. I'm just flat broke at the moment, so can't afford to dress it up all nice.Speaking of LEDs, this one's mine too Rochester:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generation-maxima-2000-2003/601377-led-gauge-conversion-109-leds.html
(Ok, for some reason, posting the link isn't working...)
Last edited by jowo9; 08-05-2010 at 10:39 AM.
08-05-2010, 12:00 PM
#186
08-06-2010, 12:17 PM
#188
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So I finally got around to polishing my IM. All I can say is WOW, that took longer than I thought it would... It's far from perfect, but I decided that the many many more hours it would take to get it absolutely perfect weren't worth it. IMO, it looks really good right now, and I'm happy with it. What does everyone think? Looks good with the black engine cover eh?:
08-06-2010, 04:38 PM
#191
Those dress-up nuts & bolts arrived today. You can see them here in this picture along the top, with what they're replacing along the bottom.
First off, the titanium flange nuts are pretty cool. Weirdly feather-light in your hand, super strong and polished, but not chrome-like. However, nice as they are, they aren't nice enough to be that much better than 6M stainless nuts with stainless washers. It just wasn't worth it. Since I already bought them, I'm keeping the nuts. but in hindsight, this was a boner move... unless you're going for color.
The Password-JDM collars are keepers because I like them. It adds just a little accent of red in nice balance, 2 over each headlight. I was hoping to be able to remove the Password-JDM branding on them, but it's on really well, and not coming off. Here's an after-picture:
Unfortunately, I only got 4 of the titanium nuts, when they said a pack was 5. At $3/nut, that's not cool.
With the aluminum collars, however, I did receive all 5 pairs. So I used the entry one for my SRI tie-down. Here's the before close-up:
And here's the after shot:
And here's the current SRI setup... pretty much done. Although I am thinking about getting that Apexi Adapter.
First off, the titanium flange nuts are pretty cool. Weirdly feather-light in your hand, super strong and polished, but not chrome-like. However, nice as they are, they aren't nice enough to be that much better than 6M stainless nuts with stainless washers. It just wasn't worth it. Since I already bought them, I'm keeping the nuts. but in hindsight, this was a boner move... unless you're going for color.
The Password-JDM collars are keepers because I like them. It adds just a little accent of red in nice balance, 2 over each headlight. I was hoping to be able to remove the Password-JDM branding on them, but it's on really well, and not coming off. Here's an after-picture:
Unfortunately, I only got 4 of the titanium nuts, when they said a pack was 5. At $3/nut, that's not cool.
With the aluminum collars, however, I did receive all 5 pairs. So I used the entry one for my SRI tie-down. Here's the before close-up:
And here's the after shot:
And here's the current SRI setup... pretty much done. Although I am thinking about getting that Apexi Adapter.
Last edited by Rochester; 08-06-2010 at 05:16 PM.
08-06-2010, 06:48 PM
#192
Those dress-up nuts & bolts arrived today. You can see them here in this picture along the top, with what they're replacing along the bottom.
First off, the titanium flange nuts are pretty cool. Weirdly feather-light in your hand, super strong and polished, but not chrome-like. However, nice as they are, they aren't nice enough to be that much better than 6M stainless nuts with stainless washers. It just wasn't worth it. Since I already bought them, I'm keeping the nuts. but in hindsight, this was a boner move... unless you're going for color.
The Password-JDM collars are keepers because I like them. It adds just a little accent of red in nice balance, 2 over each headlight. I was hoping to be able to remove the Password-JDM branding on them, but it's on really well, and not coming off. Here's an after-picture:
Unfortunately, I only got 4 of the titanium nuts, when they said a pack was 5. At $3/nut, that's not cool.
With the aluminum collars, however, I did receive all 5 pairs. So I used the entry one for my SRI tie-down. Here's the before close-up:
And here's the after shot:
And here's the current SRI setup... pretty much done. Although I am thinking about getting that Apexi Adapter.
First off, the titanium flange nuts are pretty cool. Weirdly feather-light in your hand, super strong and polished, but not chrome-like. However, nice as they are, they aren't nice enough to be that much better than 6M stainless nuts with stainless washers. It just wasn't worth it. Since I already bought them, I'm keeping the nuts. but in hindsight, this was a boner move... unless you're going for color.
The Password-JDM collars are keepers because I like them. It adds just a little accent of red in nice balance, 2 over each headlight. I was hoping to be able to remove the Password-JDM branding on them, but it's on really well, and not coming off. Here's an after-picture:
Unfortunately, I only got 4 of the titanium nuts, when they said a pack was 5. At $3/nut, that's not cool.
With the aluminum collars, however, I did receive all 5 pairs. So I used the entry one for my SRI tie-down. Here's the before close-up:
And here's the after shot:
And here's the current SRI setup... pretty much done. Although I am thinking about getting that Apexi Adapter.
I would face the t-bolts for your SRI inward so you can't see them.
08-06-2010, 09:00 PM
#194
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... I used my buddy's air sander and started w/ 80 grit sanding pads. Then I proceeded to 120->240->300->400-> then sanding by hand with 800->1500->2000. Then I came to my favorite part/product: Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish. I use it on my Cattman 3" exhaust tips and it works like a charm. It took several hours, and there are a quite a few little imperfections that you can see in person... and I only did the visible parts... but IMHO, they don't detract from the awesome appearance at all. It's an ENGINE! Oh, and yes, I did take the UIM and Plenum off (which I hate doing now that I have spacers installed... not really a fan of reapplying the RTV gasket maker and making sure I get a good seal when there's old RTV still hanging around). I'd seen some pics of polished IM's with the stock colored engine cover, but I love how this looks with my black setup. And it really ties everything in to the chrome NISSAN logo on the cover too don't you think? Couldn't be happier! Here, look again 
hehe
Last edited by jowo9; 08-06-2010 at 09:02 PM.
08-08-2010, 12:06 PM
#199
Jason, the point of the thread is how to bring out the bling under the hood in the Maxima, not how to hide the engine. If that were the thread, your Mazda would own it hands down.
Fascinating FSTB, by the way. But otherwise, kind of pointless posts.
And now there's a massive picture of an RX7 engine bay messing up the thread layout. Nice.
Fascinating FSTB, by the way. But otherwise, kind of pointless posts.
And now there's a massive picture of an RX7 engine bay messing up the thread layout. Nice.
Last edited by Rochester; 08-08-2010 at 12:09 PM.