Figured it was time to do some dress-up under my hood. Got the Drake Muscle Billet caps and dipstick handle (still need the Coolant and Washer caps), and a couple of sets of stainless M6x20mm bolts, with blue-anodized washers.

So far, I've replaced the fender bolts, and added bolts to the radiator cover, rather than the ugly plastic rivets. I need to get the matching bolts in M10 and M12 to replace some others.

Looks pretty good, so far. :-)

 

Got to do something with the valve covers. Take them off and paint them, or have them powder coated or buy replacement plated covers. The stock valve covers turn really ugly as they age on these cars.

 

You can't see it from this angle, but my covers are lightly polished. I'm looking at the blue FRRP covers within the next few months.

 

I replaced the dipstick handle on my 06 (along with the other drake stuff) and that thing was a PITA.

 

Yeah, I had a hell of a time getting that little pin out of the dipstick handle. Would have been easier if I'd had a vise to put it in.

Also, as an update, I did get the M12 bolts. Replaced the 4 hinge bolts on the hood, the 2 bolts holding the hood latch, and the bolt holding the ABS module in place.

That project is DONE!

 

Looks great! It'd look awesome too if you got the radiator cover painted the body color. You'll be happy with powder coated valve covers. I'd say get them done locally, shouldn't me more than half the cost of the FRPP ones. Got mine Ford Racing blue for $100 and the car was down for only 8 hours or so. And don't forget new gaskets too! Felpro VS50687R. $31 on Amazon is the best deal I've seen on them.

 

Thanks man! In a great turn of events, I found a pair of the blue FRPP valve covers, and the standard gray manifold cover, gently used, for $140 for the whole set.



I am going to paint the manifold cover to match my exterior. I could do the radiator cover at the same time, but I'm torn between painting it, or replacing it with a brushed-aluminum cover. SO MANY OPTIONS! I know the blue would look good, but I'm afraid it'll be too dark in the engine bay. Also, since the radiator cover is textured, can I still paint and clear-coat it? Thoughts?

 

After struggling with scheduling, I'm happy to say my engine-bay is DONE!!

 

That plenum cover is a nice touch...
but now it's time for a CAI.

 

I've been tempted to get one, but am just not convinced there is a benefit, beyond the look. I certainly don't want to have to buy a tuner just because I bought a CAI.

Maybe eventually, when I make some other mods.