What do you do to make your engine look pretty? :)
08-11-2010, 02:58 PM
#202
I received a box from them today, and jokingly opened it in front of my wife to show how they sent me an entire shipment for one tiny little M6 nut. Then I was immediately humbled when I realized they sent me a small handful of assorted samples along with it.
That was a truly stand-up thing to do. Now my open-hood sensor is going to be held down by 2 polished titanium, button-head M6 bolts.
Good service indeed.
08-11-2010, 05:01 PM
#204
I took your advice, and turned the t-bolt clamps around so they're behind the SRI. And I replaced all the long M6 bolts (rusty and black) with shiny new M6 button-head stainless steal bolts, 16mm instead of 20mm, so they're nice and flush. And I used rubber backed SS washers. It looks really clean.
I'm done for now. And I'm not going to get the Apexi adapter. Decided against that.
However, in doing all this, I realized my radiator retention plates need to be repainted again. Seems to be a once-every-2-year kind of thing. Same for my open-hood switch plate. (That one is kind of nasty.)
I'd take more pictures, but you guys are probably sick of seeing my SRI make-over by now.
Last edited by Rochester; 08-11-2010 at 05:11 PM.
08-11-2010, 05:18 PM
#205
I just realized that I happen to have a brand new MAF housing sitting right here on the shelf, left over from when I replaced the MAF a few months ago. It's currently flat black, and ripe for prime & paint.
I wonder... is there a color scheme I could play with on the SRI? New couplings, painted MAF housing, new brackets? Can couplings be bought that are shiny black? And I could paint the MAF housing gloss black. Can coupling brackets be found in chrome?
Just thinking aloud.
I wonder... is there a color scheme I could play with on the SRI? New couplings, painted MAF housing, new brackets? Can couplings be bought that are shiny black? And I could paint the MAF housing gloss black. Can coupling brackets be found in chrome?
Just thinking aloud.
black and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Silic...Q5fAccessories
red and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-inc...Q5fAccessories
08-11-2010, 05:29 PM
#206
black and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Silic...Q5fAccessories
red and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-inc...Q5fAccessories
red and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-inc...Q5fAccessories
Those look stronger than those over-priced Spectre couplers I found at Pep-Boys.
Last edited by Rochester; 08-11-2010 at 05:35 PM.
08-11-2010, 05:35 PM
#207
Meh, I'm going to take pictures anyway. (It's an addiction. Damn camera. 
)
Here was the SRI configuration before:
And here it is tonight:
The adapter plates (from the old Frankencar kit) are now held in with these stainless steel buttonhead bolts, with stainless rubber-backed washers, nice and flush with the adapter surface:
And here's a close-up of the headlight and bumper tie-downs. Stainless steal flat allen-heads with collars on the headlights, and polished titanium flange nuts on the bumper:
)Here was the SRI configuration before:
And here it is tonight:
The adapter plates (from the old Frankencar kit) are now held in with these stainless steel buttonhead bolts, with stainless rubber-backed washers, nice and flush with the adapter surface:
And here's a close-up of the headlight and bumper tie-downs. Stainless steal flat allen-heads with collars on the headlights, and polished titanium flange nuts on the bumper:
Last edited by Rochester; 08-11-2010 at 05:37 PM.
08-11-2010, 06:33 PM
#208
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Wow, Rochester, those are some nice looking bolts and nuts... I just painted my headlight and bumper tie-down bolts black with some extra paint I had... looks better, but nothing like that! Oh, and I painted my nasty-looking upper radiator brackets black too. Way better now.
Oh! And it's not engine-bay related, but I'm the OP, so I can do this. I just painted my brake calipers red... looks AMAZING. Check out post #7 of my thread here:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....32#post7686732
Oh! And it's not engine-bay related, but I'm the OP, so I can do this. I just painted my brake calipers red... looks AMAZING. Check out post #7 of my thread here:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....32#post7686732
Last edited by jowo9; 08-11-2010 at 06:36 PM.
08-11-2010, 07:05 PM
#210
HaHa! Yeah, um, no. 
Nothing is ever "perfect". I'm still using two old t-bolt clamps, that should be replaced. I'm not overly content with these Spectre couplers. And the tie-down bracket on the SRI is a little off.
Once you get on the OCD Trolly, it's hard to get off. I don't know whether to thank jowo9 for this thread, or kick him in the nards.
Nothing is ever "perfect". I'm still using two old t-bolt clamps, that should be replaced. I'm not overly content with these Spectre couplers. And the tie-down bracket on the SRI is a little off.
Once you get on the OCD Trolly, it's hard to get off. I don't know whether to thank jowo9 for this thread, or kick him in the nards.
08-11-2010, 09:00 PM
#211
HaHa! Yeah, um, no.
Nothing is ever "perfect". I'm still using two old t-bolt clamps, that should be replaced. I'm not overly content with these Spectre couplers. And the tie-down bracket on the SRI is a little off.
Once you get on the OCD Trolly, it's hard to get off. I don't know whether to thank jowo9 for this thread, or kick him in the nards.
Nothing is ever "perfect". I'm still using two old t-bolt clamps, that should be replaced. I'm not overly content with these Spectre couplers. And the tie-down bracket on the SRI is a little off.
Once you get on the OCD Trolly, it's hard to get off. I don't know whether to thank jowo9 for this thread, or kick him in the nards.
That is def not what you wanted to hear!
08-12-2010, 05:27 AM
#213
A little bit, yeah.
08-12-2010, 08:28 AM
#215
black and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Silic...Q5fAccessories
red and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-inc...Q5fAccessories
red and shiny >>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-inc...Q5fAccessories
However, the Throttle Body and the outlet side of the MAF housing are 80mm in diameter, or 3.128". This is why these 3.0" couplers are stretched so tight over the TB and MAF housing.
And as far as I can find, no one makes an 80mm - 76mm reducer for a perfect fit. So either you stretch up, or you clamp down. Right now I'm stretching up, and I don't care for it.
What to do?
No, wait, I take that back. There are 80mm to 76mm couplers out there. Hmm...
Last edited by Rochester; 08-12-2010 at 08:40 AM.
08-12-2010, 09:34 AM
#216
Meh, I'm going to take pictures anyway. (It's an addiction. Damn camera. )
Here was the SRI configuration before:
And here it is tonight:
The adapter plates (from the old Frankencar kit) are now held in with these stainless steel buttonhead bolts, with stainless rubber-backed washers, nice and flush with the adapter surface:
And here's a close-up of the headlight and bumper tie-downs. Stainless steal flat allen-heads with collars on the headlights, and polished titanium flange nuts on the bumper:
)Here was the SRI configuration before:
And here it is tonight:
The adapter plates (from the old Frankencar kit) are now held in with these stainless steel buttonhead bolts, with stainless rubber-backed washers, nice and flush with the adapter surface:
And here's a close-up of the headlight and bumper tie-downs. Stainless steal flat allen-heads with collars on the headlights, and polished titanium flange nuts on the bumper:
Where can I get the shiny couplers? Did you get yours from the e-bay site or did you polish yours?
08-12-2010, 09:46 AM
#217
They're 3" diameter, 2" length 3-ply couplers made by Spectre, bought off the rack at Pep-Boys. Like I said, I'm not overly pleased with them. They're weak. What I've come to realize is that I need a 4-ply, 80mm-76mm reducer...
...so the tweaking continues, it seems.
08-12-2010, 12:44 PM
#218
I called to ask a shipping price for the 5 titanium bolts and was told it's 19 dollars for shipping. F that!! I feel like writing back and asking them if they come in a gold plated box. 19 bucks to stick 5 bolts in a bubble envelope is just silly.
My custom torque link should be ready by end of next week. And I have a few other things that I will be posting in here by the end of the month.
My custom torque link should be ready by end of next week. And I have a few other things that I will be posting in here by the end of the month.
08-12-2010, 01:04 PM
#219
Here's the thing (problem?) I'm just now figuring out: most SRI mid-pipes, like mine, are made with 3" diameter materials. 3.0" = 76mm.
However, the Throttle Body and the outlet side of the MAF housing are 80mm in diameter, or 3.128". This is why these 3.0" couplers are stretched so tight over the TB and MAF housing.
And as far as I can find, no one makes an 80mm - 76mm reducer for a perfect fit. So either you stretch up, or you clamp down. Right now I'm stretching up, and I don't care for it.
What to do?
No, wait, I take that back. There are 80mm to 76mm couplers out there. Hmm...
However, the Throttle Body and the outlet side of the MAF housing are 80mm in diameter, or 3.128". This is why these 3.0" couplers are stretched so tight over the TB and MAF housing.
And as far as I can find, no one makes an 80mm - 76mm reducer for a perfect fit. So either you stretch up, or you clamp down. Right now I'm stretching up, and I don't care for it.
What to do?
No, wait, I take that back. There are 80mm to 76mm couplers out there. Hmm...
08-12-2010, 01:08 PM
#220
Ray, use your machine shop connections to get basic, stainless steel M6 flange nuts. Or go to Home Depot and get some M6 Nuts and SS washers. It will be just as good, and 1/5 the cost.
That said, I maintain that the service at DressUpBolts.com was excellent. And the titanium hardware is kind of neat.
08-12-2010, 01:13 PM
#221
Here's an ebay link. Understand that the photo is obviously not for an 80mm-76mm reducer.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-3-1...Q5fAccessories
08-12-2010, 01:18 PM
#222
$30/each + shipping is steep. And I'd be needing 2.
Here's an ebay link. Understand that the photo is obviously not for an 80mm-76mm reducer.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-3-1...Q5fAccessories
Here's an ebay link. Understand that the photo is obviously not for an 80mm-76mm reducer.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-3-1...Q5fAccessories
That's alot for a coupler! I think I may stick to my ghetto way right now.
08-12-2010, 01:23 PM
#223
Here's the HPS Website, to buy the 80mm - 76mm, 3-ply reducer direct:
http://www.hiprospeed.com/HPS-3-ply-...0-312-3ply.htm
08-12-2010, 02:07 PM
#225
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NYC
Posts: 30
For me, clean = pretty. I use simple green to clean my bay. Mask electric parts first (alternator, battery terminal and so on).Spray simple green and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the bay thoroughly and it is pretty
08-12-2010, 03:00 PM
#226
Finally got some new hardware.
Driver's side
Passenger side
Strut towers
And just for you Rochester. Got rid of the ugly worm clamps. (Pardon the dirty engine cover).
I also ordered a side cover from a 6th generation for a match-up. It was way off as expected. I now know what I need to do to make this work. I will probably build some out of sheet metal and paint/clear them. I am still undecided what color and whether or not I want to build one for the gap between the radiator and the grill.
Driver's side
Passenger side
Strut towers
And just for you Rochester. Got rid of the ugly worm clamps. (Pardon the dirty engine cover).
I also ordered a side cover from a 6th generation for a match-up. It was way off as expected. I now know what I need to do to make this work. I will probably build some out of sheet metal and paint/clear them. I am still undecided what color and whether or not I want to build one for the gap between the radiator and the grill.
08-12-2010, 05:35 PM
#228
Way to go, Roy! Are those gold colored pieces all titanium, from DressUpBolts.com?
Love the strut tower bolts. (Pillowball mounts, too, I see. You go the whole nine yards, don't you?) You know what I like, is the tapered strut tower bolts coming through the frame. That looks really good with these titanium nuts.
And those wide t-bolt hose clamps look fantastic. What size please, Ray? I'm wanting me a set of those.
Love the strut tower bolts. (Pillowball mounts, too, I see. You go the whole nine yards, don't you?) You know what I like, is the tapered strut tower bolts coming through the frame. That looks really good with these titanium nuts.
And those wide t-bolt hose clamps look fantastic. What size please, Ray? I'm wanting me a set of those.
08-12-2010, 05:38 PM
#229
I know, but that's what it is. The Frankencar mid-pipe is a 3" diameter, as are the 2 adapter plates. But the MAF housing and TB are each 80mm.
So... 76mm to 80mm. Go figure.
Honestly, I'm not doing a damn thing about it at the moment. $70 for 2 couplers is insane, considering my recent trip down Crazy Road with those titanium nuts and aluminum bolt collars. I need to chill and apply money to real things, like getting these ball joints installed.
So... 76mm to 80mm. Go figure.
Honestly, I'm not doing a damn thing about it at the moment. $70 for 2 couplers is insane, considering my recent trip down Crazy Road with those titanium nuts and aluminum bolt collars. I need to chill and apply money to real things, like getting these ball joints installed.
08-13-2010, 05:03 AM
#230
08-13-2010, 08:31 PM
#231
08-14-2010, 06:52 AM
#233
Who makes that battery tie-down? Never saw it before.
What's that on your upper radiator hose? Some kind of mesh? Let's see a better picture.
The red V6 3.5 is kind of cool.
A 4 megabyte sig photo... not so much.
What's that on your upper radiator hose? Some kind of mesh? Let's see a better picture.
The red V6 3.5 is kind of cool.
A 4 megabyte sig photo... not so much.
08-14-2010, 07:38 AM
#234
Agreed on the t-bolt orientation. Good call.
They're 3" diameter, 2" length 3-ply couplers made by Spectre, bought off the rack at Pep-Boys. Like I said, I'm not overly pleased with them. They're weak. What I've come to realize is that I need a 4-ply, 80mm-76mm reducer...
...so the tweaking continues, it seems.
They're 3" diameter, 2" length 3-ply couplers made by Spectre, bought off the rack at Pep-Boys. Like I said, I'm not overly pleased with them. They're weak. What I've come to realize is that I need a 4-ply, 80mm-76mm reducer...
...so the tweaking continues, it seems.
08-14-2010, 08:12 AM
#235
But is shipping from Canada to the States more?
Way to go, Roy! Are those gold colored pieces all titanium, from DressUpBolts.com?
Love the strut tower bolts. (Pillowball mounts, too, I see. You go the whole nine yards, don't you?) You know what I like, is the tapered strut tower bolts coming through the frame. That looks really good with these titanium nuts.
Love the strut tower bolts. (Pillowball mounts, too, I see. You go the whole nine yards, don't you?) You know what I like, is the tapered strut tower bolts coming through the frame. That looks really good with these titanium nuts.
08-14-2010, 08:56 AM
#236
I wasn't going to do anything about my strut nuts, but now that I see yours, I'm thinking I can part with another $30 for that little bling. Not right away, however... I need to chill for a bit, and put that on my list. Thanks, Roy!
And I'm happy to see where your decal placement has evolved. Clean on the outside, and proud on the inside. Very nice.
08-14-2010, 09:17 AM
#237
Last night, I ground down the radiator retainers, and the open-hood switch plate. Then I primed and painted with a satin black stove-paint. They aren't perfect, not by a long shot. But they aren't rusty eyesores anymore, either.
And then behind the SRI, I sanded down and repainted this retention clip holding something against the strut tower. (LOL, but I really don't know what that is. Embarrassing, I know.
)
Anyway, it was also rusting, too. Now it's painted clean, and held to the tower with one of those extra Titanium buttonheads DressUpBolts.com sent me.
Oh, and I ditched the red-collar bolt on the SRI tie-down, in favor of the other extra Titanium buttonhead. Flows better with the other hardware, IMO.
And then behind the SRI, I sanded down and repainted this retention clip holding something against the strut tower. (LOL, but I really don't know what that is. Embarrassing, I know.
)Anyway, it was also rusting, too. Now it's painted clean, and held to the tower with one of those extra Titanium buttonheads DressUpBolts.com sent me.
Oh, and I ditched the red-collar bolt on the SRI tie-down, in favor of the other extra Titanium buttonhead. Flows better with the other hardware, IMO.
08-14-2010, 12:36 PM
#238
For the major bling, these are the nicest I found so far, but again, tres expensive... www.tastynuts.com
Notice the hexes are drilled for routing wire if you are worried about them coming loose. But even without wire these are damn sexy
