"Old School Look"

[Heidelberg]

Hi Guys,

I'm really hoping that this thread does'nt open up the old "Ford vs GM" powerplant debate, but I'm currently researching options to dress up an LS series motor to give it that "Old School" or "clean" look...

Aussie Mike's LS engine bay originally inspired me and I'm interested in hearing from any others who have done a similar thing...Pictures would be great!

I'm not trying to replicate the old 427 side oiler look, nor do I really want the chrome everywhere or "bling" look but I do love the "old school" clean minimalist/black AN fittings and alloy look!

Other than relocating the coil packs, getting more traditional looking rocker/valve covers and air filter assembly, what ideas have been adopted?

Any links to suppliers of LS Engine aftermarket goodies like rocker/valve covers, ect..?

Regards.........Paul

[stiffy]

Heidelberg,

I feel the same way, I was in the States last week and saw nothing that would suit.

I think if there was an individual throtle body set up that would be a great start. The GEN4/LS7 engine covers are not that bad if you paint them up a bit.


STIFFY

[Aussie Mike]

There are quite a few options out there for rocker covers for the LS1 now. Cast alloy, Billet aluminim, fabricated sheet aluminum and even carbon fiber are now readily available.

With the strength of the $$ at the moment now is the time to buy.

I've got the GM Performance Parts valve covers. I got them through Speed Inc: GMPP Valve covers

Here's a finned style: PML Valve covers

These guys have a variety of billet and fabricated rocker covers: Nasty Performance

These guys are doing carbon fiber: Scooters Performance

There's others out there. These are just a few.

Cheers

[Tenrocca]

Good move Paul. The LS is an ugly engine in stock form. Im with you, not too much bling, make it neat and clean. Nor am I for a big plastic cover hiding the whole thing.

These guys with their blingy engine bays so bright you need sunnies just to open the bonnet...they just dont get what these cars should be about
........(Here Mizzi mizzi mizzzi).

(For some reason the term "old school" makes me thing of retro nightclubs....)

[stephen low]

Will you be wearing your "got speed" panties too Mike?

And Stiffy better go out and buy a brace of them - for "friends"

[Beejay]

I have no problem with bling!

Anyone else know of other billet covers for a good price?

Ben

[Philm]

I am a fan of the "technical engine bay" with lots of things going on.

I think if you plan things right, hide all wiring, keep to one or two colours the engine bay will look fantastic.

As much as it pains me to say I think Tenrocca has done a great job, the LS2 looks great in his engine bay.

No need to disguise it just present it well.

Phil

[sambo]

Harrop makes some nice billet rocker covers and coil relocation kits for LS series engines. They're available unfinished or polished. More pics and info here.



Regards,
Paul

[G_Edmonds]

I realize it's probably not the direction you want to go but you could use the carb intake. It would give you the traditional configuration and just because it's made for a carb doesn't mean you must use one. Could get expensive but what doesn't with these cars.

Greg

[Merv and Sharon]

I guess that these AC/Shelby/Ford/Cobra 'recreations' are all about the spirit or tradition of the original, as no one could or would, be able to do an exact replica and get it on the road these days. The originals seemed, under the bonnet at least, fairly austere and emphasised the functional requirements of a road/race car of the time. Today they are also an artform both in the body fit out and in the motor decoration and 'spirit' remains in the shape, size and purpose. We now have Chevy motors, Japanese diffs, GPS and airconditioning and I am sure one day our kids will see hydrogen and electric versions of Cobra-like vehicles.

I do, however, like the 'old school' look that many here are reflecting and my 302 will have some internal and external mods eventually.

Merv

[acecob]

Originally Posted by Philm

I am a fan of the "technical engine bay" with lots of things going on.

I think if you plan things right, hide all wiring, keep to one or two colours the engine bay will look fantastic.

As much as it pains me to say I think Tenrocca has done a great job, the LS2 looks great in his engine bay.

No need to disguise it just present it well.

Phil

Im with you Phil , lets buy him some ford stickers for his rocker covers

[Excaliber]

I like the idea on black anodized style fittings if you use them. Typically their red or blue and just look to 'modern' for my taste.

[Merv and Sharon]

Yes I have seen black anodising on plennum chambers and the fuel filler. They look great.

Merv

[Heidelberg]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the comments...Aussie Mike & Sambo, the links are really helpful!

I also like the look of alloy and black Anodized fittings, so I think I'm sold on:
- Tidying up and hiding the wiring as best as we're able
- Relocating and hiding the coil packs
- Putting on a set of "non polished alloy" or "matt black & non polished alloy" plain valve covers
- Utilising black anodized fittings

What else guys? What about the air intake side of things...I love the look of what you've done Aussie Mike, but am I going to fundamentally change the design/effectiveness of the air intake too much if I go down this route?

I love Cobras and think I know a fair bit about the history/heritage of the car itself, but my knowledge of the technical side of things is limited, so I apologise if this is a novice level question...

Regards......Paul

[Aussie Mike]

I was reading this article comparing the various intake manifolds before I decided on the Victor Jr.

Intake Manifold comparison

The Spyder manifold they talk about at the bottom is basically the same design as the Victor. It didn't do to badly in the final results. The short runners mean you lose a bit of bottom end but the overall performance was great. It was only just beaten by the FAST manifold.

Cheers

[Heidelberg]

Mike, you never cease to amaze me...thanks for the link!

Regards.....Paul

[Aussie Mike]

I just had a thought... That intake manifold comparison is for LS1/LS6 based engines. If you are running the later LS7 or L76 motors they have a different intake port shape.

That being said I believe GMPP make a 4 spider style manifold to suit these heads.

Cheers

[Heidelberg]

Thanks Mike...