Beautifying the Engine Bay...
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From: Jax, Florida
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Beautifying the Engine Bay...
Alright guys, what do you show car people use to pretty up your engine bay. Make it all nice and shiny and everything.
What i mean is what kind of chemicals do you use to make the hoses shiny and stuff. People have told mebefore tire shine, but i dunno. I just want it to shine up really nice at this point. If there is some residue left then so be it.
I'm thinking about degreesing the engine bay again, and pressure washing it out. Then waxing the paint that shows, and just trying to make the overall look 20 times better then now.
here are some pics of my engine bay as is,

Shane
What i mean is what kind of chemicals do you use to make the hoses shiny and stuff. People have told mebefore tire shine, but i dunno. I just want it to shine up really nice at this point. If there is some residue left then so be it.
I'm thinking about degreesing the engine bay again, and pressure washing it out. Then waxing the paint that shows, and just trying to make the overall look 20 times better then now.
here are some pics of my engine bay as is,

Shane
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From: St. John's, NL, Canada
Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700R4
Engine bay degreaser, followed by a pressure wash. Engine shampoo followed by a pressure wash. Wax all visible paint. Polish all visible A/C lines, brake lines, etc. And then Armoral the hoses etc. It should look good then.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,225
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
I cleaned mine with rags and some water. I don't like the idea of spraying my motor down. I then polished every part I could, and went over all the hoses with sun of a gun. I am currently polishing my intake to make it complete.
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From: Jax, Florida
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
ok so for tomorow i went to autozone and bought me some, Simple Green Concentrate, Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant(usually for intgerior cuase it leaves no residue so thats what i'll use on the pipes and stuff), and some sand paper for the Intake Manifold. I should be done with my stuff by tomorow. I'll have a very nice looking engine bay.
ummm to get rid of the old wax in the engine bay, i was stupid with it, should i just use dish soap???????????
Shane
ummm to get rid of the old wax in the engine bay, i was stupid with it, should i just use dish soap???????????
Shane
Originally posted by IROCThe5.7L
I cleaned mine with rags and some water. I don't like the idea of spraying my motor down. I then polished every part I could, and went over all the hoses with sun of a gun. I am currently polishing my intake to make it complete.
I cleaned mine with rags and some water. I don't like the idea of spraying my motor down. I then polished every part I could, and went over all the hoses with sun of a gun. I am currently polishing my intake to make it complete.
:hail: Last edited by CaysE; May 2, 2004 at 07:07 PM.
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From: Chesterfield, Indiana
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 Stage II
Axle/Gears: 3.23 For Now
That does look good IROCThe5.7L
I did about the same thing you did.....I just installed my new radiator tank...now I have to get the windshield washed tank..
I did about the same thing you did.....I just installed my new radiator tank...now I have to get the windshield washed tank..
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From: Seattle, Washington, United States
Car: 1986 Trans Am WS6
Engine: Mild 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
What about using engine degreaser on the engine? i know your supposed to cover the battery and the distributor but some of the wires look like they shouldn't get wet. Wouldn't it hurt the wires or damage what there pluged into or should i just tape those off and then do it?
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From: Jax, Florida
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
when i degreased my engien bay monthsa go i soaked the whole entire thing. then i pressure wahsed uit. You cant tlel me that anything that wasnn't covered(distibutor and batter) didn't get wet. In a TPI pretty much everything can get wet.
Originally posted by IROCThe5.7L
Thanls for the compliments guys, it is under some reconstruction now...
Thanls for the compliments guys, it is under some reconstruction now...
Hey i gota Hotchkis Strut Tower Brace 4 sale that would make ur engine bay even cooler! Lemme know if ur interested..
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,225
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
Originally posted by SnkSknrZ28
Are u gonna add anymore GO-FAST goodies this year Joe?
Hey i gota Hotchkis Strut Tower Brace 4 sale that would make ur engine bay even cooler! Lemme know if ur interested..
Are u gonna add anymore GO-FAST goodies this year Joe?
Hey i gota Hotchkis Strut Tower Brace 4 sale that would make ur engine bay even cooler! Lemme know if ur interested..
You bet I do!! Actually I do want one, but isn't yours red? I guess that dosent matter though, I could always paint it black right?
Thread Starter
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From: Jax, Florida
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
good way to bid like this, is to make your lowest big first!!!!!!!!
and $100, how old is it, thats a little expensive for a used one.
and $100, how old is it, thats a little expensive for a used one.
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From: CC, TX
Car: 1999 Yamaha Banshee
Engine: 379cc twin cyl 2-stroke stroker
Transmission: 6 spd manual
Axle/Gears: 14/41 tooth
Originally posted by IROCThe5.7L
I cleaned mine with rags and some water. I don't like the idea of spraying my motor down. I then polished every part I could, and went over all the hoses with sun of a gun. I am currently polishing my intake to make it complete.
I cleaned mine with rags and some water. I don't like the idea of spraying my motor down. I then polished every part I could, and went over all the hoses with sun of a gun. I am currently polishing my intake to make it complete.
looks good but i do not have the patience for that
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,225
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
Originally posted by brodyscamaro
lots of free time uh?
looks good but i do not have the patience for that
lots of free time uh?
looks good but i do not have the patience for that

Only in the summer though.
My car has been sitting apart forever. After next week my summer break starts, and I can start putting her back together.
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From: Avondale, AZ
Car: currently thirdgenless!!!
I use simple green and cover the distributor. I also use a power washer but a hose with a good nozzle will do the trick. Wipe down any surfaces you can. Afterwars a little armoral or something similar will make it shine.
One of the best thing any one can do for their engine bay but a lot of people seem to ignore it is cleaning for getting new coolant and washer bottles. They can look pretty bad after a few years and they are big enough to get noticed. So if they need attention or replacing, get it done. It will make a difference.
One of the best thing any one can do for their engine bay but a lot of people seem to ignore it is cleaning for getting new coolant and washer bottles. They can look pretty bad after a few years and they are big enough to get noticed. So if they need attention or replacing, get it done. It will make a difference.
Originally posted by azvolfan
One of the best thing any one can do for their engine bay but a lot of people seem to ignore it is cleaning for getting new coolant and washer bottles. They can look pretty bad after a few years and they are big enough to get noticed. So if they need attention or replacing, get it done. It will make a difference.
One of the best thing any one can do for their engine bay but a lot of people seem to ignore it is cleaning for getting new coolant and washer bottles. They can look pretty bad after a few years and they are big enough to get noticed. So if they need attention or replacing, get it done. It will make a difference.
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From: Winston salem, NC
Car: 1987 1SICIROC.....1999 TransAm
Engine: 385 HSR.....LS1
Transmission: 700R4 with Midwest 3400 2.4str...M6
Axle/Gears: SLP Zexel Posi unit 3.42's...3.73's
Theres all kinds of stuff you can use to clean it. Actually once you give it a good cleaning and shining it just makes it that much easier to keep it clean and shiny!...
Member

Joined: Mar 2004
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From: CO
Car: 1990 Firebird
Engine: LS3
Transmission: 4L60E
has anyone ever used a hand held steam cleaner to clean their eingine bays? (like the shark steamer, or the succi steamer). thats what I'm thinking about doing but I don't know if hot steam is a good idea for all the wires and everything.
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From: Avondale, AZ
Car: currently thirdgenless!!!
Wires such as your spark plug wires endure much higher heat than a steam cleaner. They should be ok. I would not spray directly on the distributor or any relay boxes. But you'll be fine.
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From: Arizona; Prescott area
Car: 95' Z28 T-top; 4:10 Posi with KYB adjustable gas shocks; Hooker Super Comp Shorties; K&N; Flowmaster
Engine: LT-1 350
Transmission: T56
Originally posted by kidrcth
[B]ok so for tomorow i went to autozone and bought me some, Simple Green Concentrate, Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant(usually for intgerior cuase it leaves no residue so thats what i'll use on the pipes and stuff), and some sand paper for the Intake Manifold. I should be done with my stuff by tomorow. I'll have a very nice looking engine bay.
[B]ok so for tomorow i went to autozone and bought me some, Simple Green Concentrate, Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant(usually for intgerior cuase it leaves no residue so thats what i'll use on the pipes and stuff), and some sand paper for the Intake Manifold. I should be done with my stuff by tomorow. I'll have a very nice looking engine bay.
Because of the rust it will take up untill next weekend
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From: B'ville, WV
Car: 2002 Formula Firebird
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 3.23
I'd say some of the degreasers people use could be potentially harmful to wiring over a period of time. I'm sure it isn't the greatest thing for it. I spray mine off with water all the time but then again I don't have hardly any electrical stuff under my hood. I am going to go to a car wash tomorrow and try their "engine cleaner" and see how it does.
Hopefully after I get the lowering springs installed.
Hopefully after I get the lowering springs installed.
if it's bad...really bad simple green and water 50/50. other then that either detailers mist (mothers) or a polish cleaner. either 3m plastic or wizards paint polish finish stage. use microfiber towels on the paint and polished pieces. normal clean shop rags on the wiring and powdercoated pieces. toothbrush on the harder areas.
use to be relatively easy to keep an engine clean......now with my ss hood it's a bitch. i'm either going to plug up the hood or take it off!

not bad for a high horsepower 388.....
use to be relatively easy to keep an engine clean......now with my ss hood it's a bitch. i'm either going to plug up the hood or take it off!

not bad for a high horsepower 388.....
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From: Louisville, Ky
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 10 Bolt
Originally posted by Kandied91z
not bad for a high horsepower 388.....
not bad for a high horsepower 388.....
i didnt realize how dirty my engine bay was until i see some of yours.......im scared to pressure wash my engine because of the electrical stuff but form what im hearing i guess its okay. looks like ill tackle that tomorrow!!
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Weyauwega, WI
Car: 86 Camaro
Engine: none
Transmission: none
Axle/Gears: GT4, 3:73s
really be careful when pressure washing the bay and spraying the bay. stay away from igniton, wiring, sensers, etc. i had to replace some of those things at work lately because the ppl that clean it dont watch out for those kinds of things. thats why i use a rag with degreaser and water. takes time but looks good wen u do a good job.
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From: Jax, Florida
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
i started by going to get 2 cans of degreeser at walmart for $0.79 each can. ANd sorayed thw whole thing down,. let itr sit for close to an hour and then pressure washed it off, but you can use less pressure too. Then i wiped everything down with wrags. And now when i wash the car(once a week) i wet down the engine bay to get off all the little dirt that gets on there. But for that i use the lease amount of pressure possible so as not to hurt anything.
And my engien bay project is still in effect, so, i have been cleaning and cleaning with wrags and the such. I use tire shine and interior spray on the hoses. And i have been polishing the intake plenum. Its getting done but now i have work and very little time to finish the job so...
But make sure is you degreese to find one thats ok on paint, and to cover your TB(if tbi or carb) and the distibutor, and battery. You should be just fine but try not to hit these areas with pressure to hard. I'd let it sit overnight before you start it again, it will be better for the car.
Shane
And my engien bay project is still in effect, so, i have been cleaning and cleaning with wrags and the such. I use tire shine and interior spray on the hoses. And i have been polishing the intake plenum. Its getting done but now i have work and very little time to finish the job so...
But make sure is you degreese to find one thats ok on paint, and to cover your TB(if tbi or carb) and the distibutor, and battery. You should be just fine but try not to hit these areas with pressure to hard. I'd let it sit overnight before you start it again, it will be better for the car.
Shane
Last edited by therckid; May 7, 2004 at 11:08 AM.
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From: Marietta, GA
Car: 92 Z28
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 10 bolt
I used mothers back to black, it seems to work real good on the enging components but it doesnt last on exterior trim too long... its still an LO3 tho no matter how clean it is..
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From: Boosted Land
Car: 92 Z28
Engine: Boosted LSX
Originally posted by Kandied91z
if it's bad...really bad simple green and water 50/50. other then that either detailers mist (mothers) or a polish cleaner. either 3m plastic or wizards paint polish finish stage. use microfiber towels on the paint and polished pieces. normal clean shop rags on the wiring and powdercoated pieces. toothbrush on the harder areas.
use to be relatively easy to keep an engine clean......now with my ss hood it's a bitch. i'm either going to plug up the hood or take it off!

not bad for a high horsepower 388.....
if it's bad...really bad simple green and water 50/50. other then that either detailers mist (mothers) or a polish cleaner. either 3m plastic or wizards paint polish finish stage. use microfiber towels on the paint and polished pieces. normal clean shop rags on the wiring and powdercoated pieces. toothbrush on the harder areas.
use to be relatively easy to keep an engine clean......now with my ss hood it's a bitch. i'm either going to plug up the hood or take it off!

not bad for a high horsepower 388.....
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From: Winston salem, NC
Car: 1987 1SICIROC.....1999 TransAm
Engine: 385 HSR.....LS1
Transmission: 700R4 with Midwest 3400 2.4str...M6
Axle/Gears: SLP Zexel Posi unit 3.42's...3.73's
also whenever I use water on the engine bay area to get the little dirt and stuff off that has collected in there....I usually use a leaf blower to get all the water off the engine and where ever water could be sitting in all the nooks and crannys....
no what I mean?
no what I mean?
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 153
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From: Shawnigan Lake,B.C. Canada
Car: '84 Trans Am
Engine: 350ci Sportsman heads, B&M blower
Transmission: Turbo 350
I haven't decided on a carb yet. Right now there's an edelbrock 750on it, but I'm leaning towards an edelbrock avs 800cfm. I'm hoping to get about 480hp at the crank , but I'm not sure when the blower runs out of steam.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Virginia Beach
Car: 89IROC
Engine: Forged 355 AFR195
Transmission: 700R4 Vigilante Converter
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.73
My plastic boxes look like crap
Is there anyone that sells an aftermarket radiator or windshield wiper fluid cans ?
Is there anyone that sells an aftermarket radiator or windshield wiper fluid cans ?
Originally posted by azvolfan
One of the best thing any one can do for their engine bay but a lot of people seem to ignore it is cleaning for getting new coolant and washer bottles. They can look pretty bad after a few years and they are big enough to get noticed. So if they need attention or replacing, get it done. It will make a difference.
One of the best thing any one can do for their engine bay but a lot of people seem to ignore it is cleaning for getting new coolant and washer bottles. They can look pretty bad after a few years and they are big enough to get noticed. So if they need attention or replacing, get it done. It will make a difference.
, i replaced them with a combo unit out of a ford Exploder.
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From: B'ville, WV
Car: 2002 Formula Firebird
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 3.23
I completely took my washer fluid reservoir out. I do want to get a new overflow tank soon. Would help my engine bay out a lot. I may get one of the 91-92 models....the bigger ones. Not sure yet.
BTW how much are the new overflow tanks?
BTW how much are the new overflow tanks?
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,155
Likes: 2
From: Louisville, Ky
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 10 Bolt
im sure the formula hood helps vent a little hot air out but that still is sucking a lot of hot air.............frees up some space tho
I plan on getting a Ram Air 1 style hood to feed fresh air to the filter. and i love all the free space under the hood now. this weekend i am removing the heater control valve since i ditched the a/c i don't need it anymore.
Stiers - it's a K&N part# RC-5000 but i don't think you can use it on your MAF system on the GTA.
Stiers - it's a K&N part# RC-5000 but i don't think you can use it on your MAF system on the GTA.




new wires so its not all that clean yet
