What's your color choice for LT5s?

[scholtmj]

Looking for opinions on what color to powder coat the top end of my motor. Currently the cam covers are semi-polished and the plenum/IHs have a black crinkle coat. I have doubts the black paint is going to be durable so after much thought I've decided to get the job done correctly and pull everything off.


Please post pictures of your/other LT5 with color combo!

Thanks :handshak:

[scholtmj]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/zr1engg.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/untitled83.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/untitled77.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/untitled59.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/untitled5.jpg

[scholtmj]

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/untitled113.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/untitled109.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/1lt5_bw.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/IMG_8827.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/LT5/ZPARTS36-2.jpg

[scholtmj]

And 3 more;

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/untitled7-2.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/untitled81.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/Dscf1073.jpg

[Z51JEFF]

Id like to see a white textured satin finish.

[-=Jeff=-]

No choice on your list for mine

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5cRSDPbQsg/UUMY7pOk-hI/AAAAAAAADqM/OylD-g11v6M/w800-h534-no/DX6490_93.jpg

[ZR1FUN]

I am with Jeff on the candy red color. That's what I have and my wife picked it so I am happy with it. You know the way life is "happy wife, happy life."

Doug

[bdw18_123]

I'm kinda on the fence with this as well. I picked metallic silver for the poll, but I'm still deciding what color/scheme I want on my LT5. I have a folder with a ton of pictures of LT5's I've been collecting with all kinds of different colors (stock ones as well) to help me get an idea of what I want.

But I have to say, out of all the ones I've seen, I really like -=Jeff=-'s metallic red LT5 the most. Especially the polished part on the plenum, really gives a good contrast and sets it off very nicely.

I'm thinking I'm gonna probably have the main color be the metallic silver, then do some highlights in red or black or both, maybe polish the top part of my plenum like -=Jeff=-'s is. Haven't really decided on the specific scheme yet. Or maybe I'll just go with everything in the metallic silver and do the lettering on the plenum (numbers red, words black). Decisions, decisions! :mrgreen:

[-=Jeff=-]

thanks!!

the whole plenum was sanded to 600 grit, the the top I took further to polish..

I need to fix a mark int he polished top, but it does look different

[ScottZ95ZR1]

But I have to say, out of all the ones I've seen, I really like -=Jeff=-'s metallic red LT5 the most. Especially the polished part on the plenum, really gives a good contrast and sets it off very nicely.

I agree. I love the contrast the polished top-center of the plenum provides. That motor HAS to be badass in a black car. :cheers:

[tomtom72]

I voted for the stock color.....because that's what I have, but not in P/C :(

I also can't say that I've seen one picture in this thread that doesn't look sweet! Powder coat just makes the factory paint look so lifeless.

Love the color on -=jeff's=- motor....now that pops!:cool:....but I'm too lazy to keep up with the polished parts! Those parts would have finger prints all over them in no time. :redface:

[WydGlydJim]

The white in a white car, is my all time favorite engine combo, it just totally pops against the red and black, and just looks sick. Since my car was blue, I went with the silver metallic, and am very happy with it!
:thumbsup::thumbsup:

http://members.cox.net/wydglydjim/DSC00043.JPG

[scholtmj]

I should have added a choice for "body color" and one for "other" assuming you'd post a picture and explain.

Only 2 photos? Hard to believe only two members have pictures of their motors...

[Jeffvette]

Funny, I've done 6 motors out of what has been posted :D

Selecting a color is tough. I'm not really a fan of the black colors as everything in the engine bay is black already. The red always pops, either the bright red or even the dark candy red. The silver is a gorgeous color as well, and in the sunlight is spectacular.

I also am not fond of the two tone colors, as it always looks awkward to me. But then again, it's not my car.

[-=Jeff=-]

Funny, I've done 6 motors out of what has been posted :D

Selecting a color is tough. I'm not really a fan of the black colors as everything in the engine bay is black already. The red always pops, either the bright red or even the dark candy red. The silver is a gorgeous color as well, and in the sunlight is spectacular.

I also am not fond of the two tone colors, as it always looks awkward to me. But then again, it's not my car.

yeah, but I know which one was your FAVORITE to do too..










(not mine) :-D

[72ZR1]

I think white or red would look great in a white car.

[VetteMed]

White on White, that's my vote.

[RICKYRJ1]

The LT5 engine will look good in any color. The only thing that matters is that the total package (engine color, car color & accent color) work together. My pkg colors are blk/silver/red.
The white is killer lookin and really pops. Would be bad *** on a white car or a car with white interior. As with everything JMHO :cheers:

[scholtmj]

Anyone have pictures of white cars with different color motors? Whole car pictures would be great i.e. hood up at a car show!

:cheers:

[Jeffvette]

If you want to dare to be different. This color would look good in a black or a white car. Those who have seen it will attest to needing sunglasses to view it in the sunlight!


http://www.pnwzr1.com/images/intake.jpg

http://www.pnwzr1.com/images/intake1.jpg

[Hammer]

I've seen the following, all done by Jeff and they all looked really good.

Black Car/Red Motor (Really Nice combo)
Black Car/Metallic Red Motor
Black Car/Darker Metallic Red Motor
Black Car/Silver Motor
Yellow Car/Yellow Motor
White Car/White Motor (Pictures)

I didn't vote because the motor color really depends on the car color. If I had a black car I might try that Lime Green.

[bobbyhi]

Take a look at mine under Waxing and Cleaning part of the forum. Just posted a pic. White car with white engine. Could garner a few votes for white:mrgreen:

[DaveK]

Bob's white/white is really sweet! :cheers:

[scholtmj]

I've seen the following, all done by Jeff and they all looked really good.

Black Car/Red Motor (Really Nice combo)
Black Car/Metallic Red Motor
Black Car/Darker Metallic Red Motor
Black Car/Silver Motor
Yellow Car/Yellow Motor
White Car/White Motor (Pictures)

I didn't vote because the motor color really depends on the car color. If I had a black car I might try that Lime Green.

Vote as if you had a white/black car.....

I like Jeff's green better than this:
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/car7.jpg

Would still like to see more pictures such as this:

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/untitled2-2.jpg

[-=Jeff=-]

isn't Jeff's green picture actually Shocker Yellow?

[shaynezrl]

WOW!!! gotta love the lt5 with powder coat. All the pictures makes me drool. I am currently doing mine. I love the stainless fasteners. I just bought a new set from a local fastener company for only $65.00. Can't wait to put it all back together.

[bdw18_123]

WOW!!! gotta love the lt5 with powder coat. All the pictures makes me drool. I am currently doing mine. I love the stainless fasteners. I just bought a new set from a local fastener company for only $65.00. Can't wait to put it all back together.

Mind telling us which fastener company this was? Are they the same quality/hardness as the ones that are meant for the LT5? If they are, that is a very good price!

[4DSZR1]

I was close..... Guaranteed to get attention when you open the hood, but don't we already get attention :p

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/4dszr1/DSC02781.jpg
http://www.zr1.net/forum/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/4dszr1/DSC02781.jpg%5B/IMG

[shaynezrl]

Mind telling us which fastener company this was? Are they the same quality/hardness as the ones that are meant for the LT5? If they are, that is a very good price!
These stainless fasteners have the yield strength of 105,000 psi. I don't know if this is the same as the one everyone is using. They are strong enough. The company that i got it from, they specialize in industrial bolts everything from little to extremely large nuts and bolts metric or standard. Their price the best out of every other store that i tried. They are located in Berkeley ca. If anyone need the location, let me know. I am not affiliate with them just to let everyone know.

Shaynehttp://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r88/shaynezrl/DSC09976.jpg

[GrayZ]

I got rid of most of the paint altogether, if i had it all over to do again, i'd probably go with the stock color powder coated, because of the maintenance aspect of polishing the engine, albeit, ya gotta rub on something..


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/kmoudy/th_HaibeckBBQvideoclip.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/kmoudy/?action=view&current=HaibeckBBQvideoclip.flv)

[-=Jeff=-]

I got rid of most of the paint altogether, if i had it all over to do again, i'd probably go with the stock color powder coated, because of the maintenance aspect of polishing the engine, albeit, ya gotta rub on something..





Yeah I heard rubbing it does not bother you
:sign10: :sign10:

[Locobob]

isn't Jeff's green picture actually Shocker Yellow?

You are correct. They call it yellow but it has a very pronounced green tint to it.

[WB9MCW]

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/HAMMERHATE/BlackRoseZR-1-1.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/HAMMERHATE/BlackRoseZR-1LT-5pic-1.jpg

[bdw18_123]

These stainless fasteners have the yield strength of 105,000 psi. I don't know if this is the same as the one everyone is using. They are strong enough. The company that i got it from, they specialize in industrial bolts everything from little to extremely large nuts and bolts metric or standard. Their price the best out of every other store that i tried. They are located in Berkeley ca. If anyone need the location, let me know. I am not affiliate with them just to let everyone know.

Shayne

PM sent! :thumbsup:

[rebelz]

Funny, I've done 6 motors out of what has been posted :D

Selecting a color is tough. I'm not really a fan of the black colors as everything in the engine bay is black already. The red always pops, either the bright red or even the dark candy red. The silver is a gorgeous color as well, and in the sunlight is spectacular.

I also am not fond of the two tone colors, as it always looks awkward to me. But then again, it's not my car.

Jeffvette-
Did you do this one? Fourth one down of the pictures in the second post. I love this color, subtle yet gun metalish! If I have to pull the top for any reason this is my choice.
Rich

[Locobob]

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp270/locobob68/PB110005.jpg

Ultra Black Chrome AKA Gunmetal :cheers:

[scholtmj]

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp270/locobob68/PB110005.jpg

Ultra Black Chrome AKA Gunmetal :cheers:

More pictures please! That looks fun =D>

[Locobob]

Here's another pic for ya

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp270/locobob68/PA230004.jpg

[Z51JEFF]

Another option for a white car is wrinkle white satin or wrinkle red satin.There is a car out there that has red wrinkle on the plenum,looks great.

[scholtmj]

Another option for a white car is wrinkle white satin or wrinkle red satin.There is a car out there that has red wrinkle on the plenum,looks great.

My plenum did have a black wrinkle paint on it, but I sent it out for color powder coating in March....yet to be seen or heard from.

[VetteMed]

:jawdrop: Where did you send it? That's 6 months ago!!

My plenum did have a black wrinkle paint on it, but I sent it out for color powder coating in March....yet to be seen or heard from.

[rhipsher]

My plenum did have a black wrinkle paint on it, but I sent it out for color powder coating in March....yet to be seen or heard from.You must have sent it to Jeffvette then. :sign10:
Anyway here's mine powdercoated in anodized silver. I wanted it as close to stock as possible. The inside garage pic and a late evening pic outside a year later with the emblems on it.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn63/keeno1970/finish2.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn63/keeno1970/052510016.jpg

[scholtmj]

You must have sent it to Jeffvette then. :sign10:


Good guess!

[rhipsher]

It should take a good powder coater no more than 2 weeks locally and no more than a month if sent out of town to get it done and back to you. Any longer is B.S.

[DaveK]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rhipsher
You must have sent it to Jeffvette then.

Good guess!


That's a good way of filling your parts inventory... :thumbsdo:

[pantera1683]

It should take a good powder coater no more than 2 weeks locally and no more than a month if sent out of town to get it done and back to you. Any longer is B.S.

Do you know any good places in Houston for powdercoating?

[VetteMed]

Good guess!

That's what I figured... :thumbsdo:

[Z51JEFF]

Theres a great PC shop about 20 miles from me,take about 2 weeks.If the cam covers wernt such a pain to get off I might have done it all ready.As far as the stock finish goes,there is quite a variance in the silvers it wouldnt be hard to match the factory finish if the white didnt work.The nicest motor Ive seen yet is on ITLGOs 94 that Marc Haibeck did in the high gloss silver.

[rhipsher]

Do you know any good places in Houston for powdercoating?I've given the guy's props many times here that did mine. They totally took care of me. To do the whole top end--

1. Plenum.
2. Right and left side injector housings.
3. Right and left side cam covers.
4. Both injector housing coolant inlets.
5. Dissasembled throttle body and air horn.
6. And filling in the corvette lettering on cam covers is gonna cost you about $598.00.
But if you want absolute perfection thats gonna look great and last forever not to metion get it back in 2-3 weeks! Then Talk to John at http://www.precisionpowder.net/ Man they do so many custom bikes and hot rods. They had a booth set up at the Autoroma last year and I went up and said hello to John and he didn't even remember me. Hahaha! Even though my Z is on his website. I wouldn't remember either doing that many cars bikes ect.

[shaynezrl]

Theres a great PC shop about 20 miles from me,take about 2 weeks.If the cam covers wernt such a pain to get off I might have done it all ready.As far as the stock finish goes,there is quite a variance in the silvers it wouldnt be hard to match the factory finish if the white didnt work.The nicest motor Ive seen yet is on ITLGOs 94 that Marc Haibeck did in the high gloss silver.
Jeff, I got mine done at E-Tech powercoating in Walnut Creek. It took them 1 week. I agree the cam covers was a pain to get off.

[HADI-ZR1]

"SOME LIKE IT HOT "

http://ayamnael7elwa.net/vb/imgcache/7245.imgcache.jpg
" SOME LIKE IT POLISHED "
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/hadi-zr1/ZR1engine_bay.jpg

[ZR1@gmx.com]

White on White!

1195

1196

1197

1198

I like all of the engines I have seen. If my care was the color I wish it were, I would have a different colored engine...
I have to respect those that have a polished engine as I know what that takes to keep that mirror finish up!
Thanks to all who have posted, I hope to see more eye candy!

[Brillo1990]

Love the white engine with red accents, it would look great in the red Z.

[C4Fanatic]

I like Black and Red myself, but would love to re-do it Admiral Blue

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/246831_2141223211391_197610_n.jpg

[efnfast]

Black with red highlights, but that's a long way down the road.

[WARP TEN]

Just got mine done by Marc Haibeck. Not powder coating but a paint called "Fine Silver". I also used the orginal-type black bolts to give it a close to stock look but a little brighter. The "Haibeck" letters and numbers are not painted on but are decals so they could be removed for a more stealthy approach. -- Bob

[Funracer]

Just got mine done by Marc Haibeck. Not powder coating but a paint called "Fine Silver". I also used the orginal-type black bolts to give it a close to stock look but a little brighter. The "Haibeck" letters and numbers are not painted on but are decals so they could be removed for a more stealthy approach. -- Bob

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?pictureid=2111&albumid=230&dl=1365011914&thumb=1 (http://www.zr1.net/forum/album.php?albumid=230&pictureid=2111)

I might have missed this discussion somewhere but why did you opt
for paint instead of PC? In my experience PC is pretty tough stuff.

Your motor looks great!

[HAWAIIZR-1]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC_4162_zpseaaeb28d.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC03632_zps8df2f8b5.jpg

The powder coater called this color semi chrome, but I think of it as bright silver since it does not have a metallic look like some other silvers I have seen.

[WydGlydJim]

White on white is my favorite as mentioned earlier....now I have the white car, but I ain't touching the plenum for obvious reasons....this is a pic of my old '90...Quasar blue car with silver metallic PC. I really liked it. The second pic is the current '94 it was posted earlier in the thread.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1d907b3127ccefde00fb73f1200000030O02AaMm7ZuzcNA e3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400837672420110726224353420.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3da29b3127ccef2853464b16900000030O02AaMm7ZuzcNA e3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400837672420130408185536547.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d607b3127ccef0a1f04fc3ff00000030O02AaMm7ZuzcNA e3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400837672420120826233716266.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

[WARP TEN]

I might have missed this discussion somewhere but why did you opt
for paint instead of PC? In my experience PC is pretty tough stuff.

Your motor looks great!

Thanks. Sorry I didn't notice your post sooner. Marc said that he always uses paint (which I think is a two part epoxy; in any event it is baked in the process) because powder coating is really a plastic and he concluded that the paint is more durable. I don't know what he based that on--usually he has data or experience to back up his opinion on something like this. Maybe he will chime in on this. I should note that his "Fine Silver" paint is not metallic. There is another metallic silver paint; on his website under "Engine Refinishing" it is the fifth engine down from the top. I thought the Fine Silver was closer to a stock look, which I wanted. --Bob

[LGAFF]

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/lgaff/th_Picture121.jpg (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/lgaff/Picture121.mp4)

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/lgaff/Picture123.jpg

[rkreigh]

White on white is my favorite as mentioned earlier....now I have the white car, but I ain't touching the plenum for obvious reasons....this is a pic of my old '90...Quasar blue car with silver metallic PC. I really liked it. The second pic is the current '94 it was posted earlier in the thread.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1d907b3127ccefde00fb73f1200000030O02AaMm7ZuzcNA e3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400837672420110726224353420.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3da29b3127ccef2853464b16900000030O02AaMm7ZuzcNA e3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400837672420130408185536547.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d607b3127ccef0a1f04fc3ff00000030O02AaMm7ZuzcNA e3nwI/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400837672420120826233716266.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/


starting to really dig the siameses mono runner engines more and more.

I'd need another intake as I'd like to save the bifurcation ported intake off the LSV with John, Dave & Grahams sigs kinda tough for me to paint over them but my engine is definitely due for a refresh soon.

unfortunately the wallet is way too empty, trying to sell 3 hot rods, a house, and pimp out my neighbors daughters just to pay the bills:-x

[LGAFF]

My guy in Crystal Lake does a nice job; sweatequity makes it affordable

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/lgaff/580166_10151605157247743_2034570192_n.jpg (http://s134.photobucket.com/user/lgaff/media/580166_10151605157247743_2034570192_n.jpg.html)

[XfireZ51]

I like the look similar to a Ferrari cam cover.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x198/Z51Xfire/IMG_0126.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/user/Z51Xfire/media/IMG_0126.jpg.html)

[Tony Davila]

Here is mine, I like polished cam covers with painted/polished intake.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i66/Zrace1/IMG_0248_zpsd483a681.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i66/Zrace1/IMG_0247_zps88f4a232.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i66/Zrace1/IMAG0054.jpg

[efnfast]

I like the look similar to a Ferrari cam cover.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x198/Z51Xfire/IMG_0126.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/user/Z51Xfire/media/IMG_0126.jpg.html)
Dom, I like it. Nice color choice.:-D

[We Gone]

Before
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/534/shqk.jpg
After
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/194/thwy.jpg

[WVZR-1]

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/194/thwy.jpg

I like that "ALOT" - no "splash" - no TB Cover nonsense and no coolant pipe nonsense either! Did I mention like it "ALOT"!

The plenum "signature" belongs and looks great! Of course I liked the before but the "after" is outstanding.

There's ZR-1 "badging" on the rear cover and on some a "pair more" on the hood - that should be sufficient - with the "hood open" the LT-5 speaks for itself.

There's others throughout the thread that are "lookers" also but the majority "less the BLING" are the "real lookers"!

[efnfast]

As I clean up, and dress up under the hood, I worry about making it too busy. LT-5 this, ZR-1 that.

[XfireZ51]

As I clean up, and dress up under the hood, I worry about making it too busy. LT-5 this, ZR-1 that.

There is the possibility of having the motor look more like a NASCAR driver's suit. I do like to take the exterior color of the car into consideration.

[Bob Eyres]

As I clean up, and dress up under the hood, I worry about making it too busy. LT-5 this, ZR-1 that.

I agree, it looks better undecorated.

Dom- TestaROSSA ZR-1? Say it ain't so. The ZR-1 is TestaARGENTO !

I'm a fan of the engine in the last shot of Tony Davila's pix. What is that color? Or is it polished? It looks like it might be smoothed and painted. Maybe it's just the lighting, but that says baddass LT5 to me.

I think a lot of LT5's would not have been repainted had the factory done a good job of finishing it in the first place. Mine's an ugly battleship gray, but I can't bring myself to re-spray it after 20+ years.

[XfireZ51]

The LT-5 is by far the most attractive GM engine ever or since. It presents such a "canvas" for the owner to express their own sense of the mechanicals. The characteristics are clearly sculpted within the form of the motor. Nothing hidden or buried as part of an amorphous mass. When I think of DOHC, I think Ferrari with that wonderful red crinkle finish. Apparently Lotus thinks the same way.

http://www.entermyworld.com/cat/custom/lc/lcc.jpg

[USAZR1]

One of the member's LT5's has been powdercoated in a Metallic Silver with a light Gold tint that I thought was very classy. Anyone remember that one?

[Tony Davila]

I'm a fan of the engine in the last shot of Tony Davila's pix. What is that color? Or is it polished? It looks like it might be smoothed and painted. Maybe it's just the lighting, but that says baddass LT5 to me.

Bob, top of intake is polished and the runners are smoothed and painted a Toyota Silver metallic paint.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i66/Zrace1/IMAG0053_zpse4608daf.jpg

[taximan]

It was a tough decision for me, but just a little silver finish worked for me.


http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y444/taxiron1/20130929_123308_zps752d7d79.jpg

[Bob Eyres]

Bob, top of intake is polished and the runners are smoothed and painted a Toyota Silver metallic paint.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i66/Zrace1/IMAG0053_zpse4608daf.jpg

Ah, I see. Tricky, no wonder why I couldn't figure it out.

A lot of the look in the picture depends on the lighting in the photograph. The flash in the above pic hit it stronger, and that doesn't complement the look.
I think the best way to shoot most of them is in soft daylight, outside. But Tony's would probably look best at night with a little sidelight, no flash. Evil. :thumbsup:

[XfireZ51]

Tony,

How did you do the runners while polishing the top? Did you mask off at the edge? I recall seeing an LT-5 where the runners had a "black chrome" finish while the rest of the plenum was either polished. The look was of each individual runner having been masked off while the plenum box itself and its surfaces were polished. Looked like a heck of a job.

[-=Jeff=-]

Tony,

How did you do the runners while polishing the top? Did you mask off at the edge? I recall seeing an LT-5 where the runners had a "black chrome" finish while the rest of the plenum was either polished. The look was of each individual runner having been masked off while the plenum box itself and its surfaces were polished. Looked like a heck of a job.

Dom his plenum is painted with the same scheme as mine, just different color
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5cRSDPbQsg/UUMY7pOk-hI/AAAAAAAADqM/OylD-g11v6M/w800-h534-no/DX6490_93.jpg

[XfireZ51]

Jeff,

Yeah that's what I thought. As I said there was another plenum where the runners were painted individually and appeared to merge into a polished plenum box. I would have loved to do that but it looked like an incredible amount of work. Maybe someone has a picture of that.

[Tony Davila]

Jeff,

Yeah that's what I thought. As I said there was another plenum where the runners were painted individually and appeared to merge into a polished plenum box. I would have loved to do that but it looked like an incredible amount of work. Maybe someone has a picture of that.

The hardest work is smoothing out the runners. The polishing of the top is not that difficult because it is flat and the surface is not as course as the runners. Did it all on a buffing wheel, then mask off for paint.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i66/Zrace1/IMAG0035_zps52d6e4b1.jpg

[scottfab]

I've seen some pretty mangled paint jobs on the plenum.
:dancingThat's a class job right there !!

The hardest work is smoothing out the runners. The polishing of the top is not that difficult because it is flat and the surface is not as course as the runners. Did it all on a buffing wheel, then mask off for paint.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i66/Zrace1/IMAG0035_zps52d6e4b1.jpg

[LantanaTX]

Wow am I glad I found this thread! I just bought a Z this past weekend and the worst part of the car cosmetically is the engine. The first owner did a rooky yellow paint job and the guy I bought it from did a quicky black paint job over the yellow. I am not 100% sure what color my car is. Probably spiral or cyber gray. I am thinking body color or silver or red wrinkle. Any good powder coaters in the Dallas TX area?

[WARP TEN]

Wow am I glad I found this thread! I just bought a Z this past weekend and the worst part of the car cosmetically is the engine. The first owner did a rooky yellow paint job and the guy I bought it from did a quicky black paint job over the yellow. I am not 100% sure what color my car is. Probably spiral or cyber gray. I am thinking body color or silver or red wrinkle. Any good powder coaters in the Dallas TX area?

Look at Marc Haibeck's website for examples of various engine refinishing color schemes (zr1specialist.com). He has done just about everything at one time or another. Plus his overall knowledge of the ZR-1 is second to none. I am sure he would be glad to talk with you. -- Bob

[LantanaTX]

Look at Marc Haibeck's website for examples of various engine refinishing color schemes (zr1specialist.com). He has done just about everything at one time or another. Plus his overall knowledge of the ZR-1 is second to none. I am sure he would be glad to talk with you. -- Bob

Thanks, I will give him a call.

[A26B]

No choice on your list for mine

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5cRSDPbQsg/UUMY7pOk-hI/AAAAAAAADqM/OylD-g11v6M/w800-h534-no/DX6490_93.jpg

My 415 is Torch Red, BUT Jeff's Dark Metallic Red is my favorite!

[USAZR1]

I've always liked the coloring on this LT5.

http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k390/DimeRIP/asdf-1.jpg

[LantanaTX]

Look at Marc Haibeck's website for examples of various engine refinishing color schemes (zr1specialist.com). He has done just about everything at one time or another. Plus his overall knowledge of the ZR-1 is second to none. I am sure he would be glad to talk with you. -- Bob

Had a good talk with Marc. Really nice guy. I was surprised when he told me he doesn't powder coat but paints them. Has anyone gone with natural aluminum? I have seen some great aluminum manifold done with bead blasting with walnut shell.

[Bob Eyres]

I've never seen it. But I think it would look great. "Brushed" aluminum might look good too, but that texture would be tricky to achieve.

I like the polished aluminum, but my problem is that it can easily be mistaken for chrome. "Natural Aluminum" would be great. :cheers:

[LantanaTX]

I've never seen it. But I think it would look great. "Brushed" aluminum might look good too, but that texture would be tricky to achieve.

I like the polished aluminum, but my problem is that it can easily be mistaken for chrome. "Natural Aluminum" would be great. :cheers:

I may just give this a try and if I don't like it, they will already be ready for power coating. The walnut shell media gives aluminum a little more gray tint. On the show cars I have seen this on it looked clean, aggressive and no non sense.

[scottfab]

I've never seen it. But I think it would look great. "Brushed" aluminum might look good too, but that texture would be tricky to achieve.

I like the polished aluminum, but my problem is that it can easily be mistaken for chrome. "Natural Aluminum" would be great. :cheers:

This was reported to be polished aluminum without clear coat.
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss210/randyransome/photo-1_zps0db0a458.jpg

[Bob Eyres]

Yeah, that's what I mean by the "chrome" look. It's gorgeous, but for me I'd go for the slightly less reflective look in Clint's pic., above.

[Paul Workman]

Like picking a favorite child, but I too put =Jeff's= on the top shelf, along with Dominic's red/silver scheme.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/Vettes/DomsLT5.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/Vettes/DomsLT5.jpg.html)

But, the one I like best (today anyway) is Bob G's "silver metal flake under glass" powder coated 427 LT5. (sorry...no photo available)

Also, Mark has a guy that paints motors, and they turn out beautiful - look kinda like this (my "rattle can" test):

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/Vettes/10-17-10012.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/Vettes/10-17-10012.jpg.html)

I'm leaning toward Bob G's "silver metal flake under glass" look. That is stunning, especially in the sunlight!

It strikes me that painting the LT5 is like putting fitted clothes on a beautiful woman - beautiful, no matter if she's wearing jeans and a T-shirt or a cocktail dress...or nothing at all. Hard to go wrong when starting with such an elegant subject to begin with, doanchathink?



This is Randy Ransom's LT5, another stunner...

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/RepolishedIntake_zpscea39337.png (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/RepolishedIntake_zpscea39337.png.html)

[LantanaTX]

Has anyone done this themselves? If so how did you go about it? I am tempted to buy a soda blaster and Dupli-color has some two part systems they market for wheels.

[Racinfan83]

Like picking a favorite child, but I too put =Jeff's= on the top shelf, along with Dominic's red/silver scheme.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/Vettes/DomsLT5.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/Vettes/DomsLT5.jpg.html)


I really like this one. Absolutely pops and is brilliant yet tasteful and easily maintained. I have seen a polished one first hand - and while it is visually stunning - the amount of maintenance to keep it that way is too much for me. I have bad hands and rubbing/polishing just kills me....

[LantanaTX]

Has anyone ever done wrinkle paint on cam covers?

[LGAFF]

I did VHT wrinkle and it came off about a year later in big sheets, and now falling off the plenum. Getting red wrinkle PC in a few weeks

[scottfab]

Yellow on yellow ain't bad
http://zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=199&pictureid=2554
http://zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=199&pictureid=2555

[5ABI VT]

SOme beautiful motors in here !! I like mine all silver. Was debating on pulling the cam covers and redoing them and the plenum a different shade but not yet I think. I have some other tricks ill be doing soon to the engine compartment to help highlight the LT5 :)

[32valvesftw]

Anyone ever see a crinkle red one? a la Ferrari?

[-=Jeff=-]

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/Vettes/DomsLT5.jpg

The Cam covers are basically a crinkle red

[JimZRyd]

Anyone ever see a crinkle red one? a la Ferrari?

That is how I plan to have my cam covers done:cheers:

[ZR1FUN]

My wife picked a candy apple red. Looks really impressive.:salute:

[edram454]

Mine is at South Georgia Corvette getting done right now. It will be gloss black with all the stainless hardware and various things. It should look sweet.\\

ed ramos 3028:-D

[Dime]

Anyone ever see a crinkle red one? a la Ferrari?

I may be redoing mine sometime, and am now potentially stealing this idea.:icon_thum

[cvette98pacecar]

Almost Chrome!

[edram454]

black

[Mystic ZR-1]

Bright red cam covers to match the car (testarosa)
Metallic silver plenum etc.

[XfireZ51]

Bright red cam covers to match the car (testarosa)
Metallic silver plenum etc.

You mean like this?

[Mystic ZR-1]

Dom, was that you with a camera
in my garage the other day?
Actually your motor was my inspiration!
Thanks!

[BigJohn]

Dom, was that you with a camera
in my garage the other day?
Actually your motor was my inspiration!
Thanks!

He doesn?t have all the Lotis stickers!

[XfireZ51]

Wow, this thread goes way back! :cheers::thumbsup:

[mpiecyk]

Yes indeed! An oldie but an goodie.

[-=Jeff=-]

Updated picture of mine
15119


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[mpiecyk]

Hey Jeff, That is outstanding!
I have something to show you and Dom as soon as we get the opportunity for our annual gathering or the Pizza Night.
Thanks
Mike P.

[tgonyaw]

I did metallic silver with ss bolt kit

[-=Jeff=-]

Hey Jeff, That is outstanding!
I have something to show you and Dom as soon as we get the opportunity for our annual gathering or the Pizza Night.
Thanks
Mike P.

Looking forward to it

[Norwegianmopar]

I want to paint it black with red accents, think it will look great in our Admiral Blue car. (Pics of engine borrowed from the internet).1512315124

Sent from my SM-G955F using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[RogerZR-1]

I think I wanna paint mine Red or yellow. That will be down the road.

[Atari_Prime]

Looking for opinions on what color to powder coat the top end of my motor. Currently the cam covers are semi-polished and the plenum/IHs have a black crinkle coat. I have doubts the black paint is going to be durable so after much thought I've decided to get the job done correctly and pull everything off.


Please post pictures of your/other LT5 with color combo!

Thanks :handshak:


I will grant that it's your car and you should do whatever you want. I will even grant that it looks good. That said, anyone thinking about doing this should be aware that it lowers the value of the car by about $3k, as it cannot be easily undone. Sure, there is a buyer for every car, and there will be some that will want the mod but in the 'bluebook' sense of the word, the value will broadly have gone down.



Ex: At the Peterson Museum there is a Ferrari F40. The owner of the car did not like that he could see the carbon fiber weave in the paint therefore he had someone buff the paint to make it smoother. In doing so he lowered the value of the car by around $100k.

[-=Jeff=-]

I will grant that it's your car and you should do whatever you want. I will even grant that it looks good. That said, anyone thinking about doing this should be aware that it lowers the value of the car by about $3k, as it cannot be easily undone. Sure, there is a buyer for every car, and there will be some that will want the mod but in the 'bluebook' sense of the word, the value will broadly have gone down.



Ex: At the Peterson Museum there is a Ferrari F40. The owner of the car did not like that he could see the carbon fiber weave in the paint therefore he had someone buff the paint to make it smoother. In doing so he lowered the value of the car by around $100k.

Makes senses, but I bought my Z on the cheap, also I did not buy it as an investment. I sold a modded 89 corvette about a year after buying my Z.. the 89 paid fully for the Z

[dredgeguy]

Paint? We don't need paint, just start rubbing!:)

[WARP TEN]

Paint? We don't need paint, just start rubbing!:)

Looks beautiful Charlie! I used to polish the aluminum on XKE Jaguar engines a long time ago. Still have the polish and polishing wheels but haven't used them for years (anyone want them?). Having done it on one Jaguar I vowed never to do it again and that is a resolution that I have kept! --Bob

[dredgeguy]

Thanks Bob, bring your polish and polishing wheels to Carlisle and sure they will find a new home! After my engine was polished it was coated with Gibbs penetrating oil which sealed everything.

[WARP TEN]

Thanks Bob, bring your polish and polishing wheels to Carlisle and sure they will find a new home! After my engine was polished it was coated with Gibbs penetrating oil which sealed everything.

Interesting. I am surprised that a penetrating oil would prevent corrosion unless it was renewed fairly regularly. I would have thought a clear,high heat hard coating might work better, although I know some can yellow with age. In any event yours looks great Charlie. --Bob

[dredgeguy]

Bob Lambe turned me onto Gibbs. He used it on his polished engine and after 4 years it looks like it was polished yesterday. I have not touched mine in 2 years and have the same results. Marc said the Gibbs will cut down the shine just a tad but for me that was a good trade off for having it maintenance free.

[mpiecyk]

That's what I like about this site good information is always a message away.
Thanks to all the members
Mike P.

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

Here's some photos of my LT5

Regards Glen Collins 151461514715148

Sent from my SM-G973F using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Matt B]

Paint? We don't need paint, just start rubbing!:)You should always have a pair of sunglasses on hand when showing that engine. Looks amazing!

Speaking about value - how would you rate a professional job like what Marc does? Is it better - value wise - to maintain the stock paint including all stains and patina or have it redone to original look?

Would be interesting to get some opinions on that. Currently not an option for me but one day I will have to think about it...

Glens engine looks stunning. Personally I'd definitely prefer that in my car, but one day I might be forced to sell her.

Sent from my J9110 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

Thanks Matt

Glen

Sent from my SM-G973F using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[dredgeguy]

Thanks Matt, my thoughts are that every engine I have seen touched by Marc looks amazing. I cannot see how that would hurt the value unless one is going for NCRS and even at that, do not think you would take a huge hit on points.

[WARP TEN]

Thanks Matt, my thoughts are that every engine I have seen touched by Marc looks amazing. I cannot see how that would hurt the value unless one is going for NCRS and even at that, do not think you would take a huge hit on points.

I absolutely agree with your assessment on Marc's work. While I did not go for NCRS certification with my dearly departed '95 I did think someone might want to after my ownership. That is why I had Marc do my engine with the Fine Silver color which Marc said was a close as he could get to stock. I also had him reuse the stock black bolts and studs to make it look as stock as possible. As to the "Haibeck 350 510 HP" lettering, it is done with stick on decals so they are removable. Sad that I have not seen my car since I sold it in 2016 but maybe if we get some car shows going it will pop up, as it was sold in the Chicago area.--Bob

[JSad]

That looks great with the Fine Silver. This winter project for me is a deep clean and detail of the engine bay and front suspension. I may consider painting the engine if the clean and detail don't result in the look I want.

[Bob Eyres]

I?d like to take advantage of the uniqueness of all those aluminum castings on the LT5 by removing the paint entirely.
Has anyone here ever seen one that was blasted with media and clear coated without yellowing?


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

Hi my engine is clear coated and hasn't yellowed I don't think it gets hot enough to yellow I base coated and clear coated my brake calipers and the clear coat went a golden color after racing the car and the brakes were burning the rubber boots on my C6 calipers the first photo is no yellowing with nominal driving the second photo is after a day's racing and the last photo is after another day's racing with very heavy braking and the engine oil temperature was just under the to hot color section on the gauge and the clear coat on the engine is still good no yellowing hope this helps 155311553215533

Sent from my SM-T865 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[dredgeguy]

I?d like to take advantage of the uniqueness of all those aluminum castings on the LT5 by removing the paint entirely.
Has anyone here ever seen one that was blasted with media and clear coated without yellowing?


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)
Bob, after Marc polished my engine we sprayed Gibbs Penetrating Oil onto a microfiber and wiped it on the polished engine. After about 30 seconds wipe it off with a clean microfiber and you are done. It seals up the pores, no added polishing needed and no oxidation. I have done nothing to mine for almost 5 years other than maybe wipe down with a damp microfiber if dusty after a car show with the hood open all day. Bob Lambe told me about Gibbs as he used it on his polished engine and after seeing his, had to do mine!

[JT ZR-Won]

I'm gonna have to vote red :thumbsup:

[Jagdpanzer]

I went with a good quality anodized silver powder coat.
1977319774


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)