What makes a Z a Z? What modifacations go too far to be called a Z?

[72 OJ]

Nothing to do with mods but IMO a clean and detailed engine bay shows pride and care, it ills me to see a neglected/dirty engine bay on a shiny car.

Edited August 17, 2012 by 72 OJ

[TomoHawk]

there you go... That's what we'd all like to see

Please elaborate on what "clean and detailed" means.

[72 OJ]

there you go... That's what we'd all like to see

Please elaborate on what "clean and detailed" means.

Here, you ask , that is what I mean by ''clean and detailed''engine bay

[TomoHawk]

Since that's not an appropriate engine for any stock Z car, it's difficult for people with the stock engine (or most people following this topic) to see your point. I realize that it's quite possible to write a book on this topic, but it's not uncommon to start with some general guidelines.

Please reiterate your idea without the use of photographs, unless your photo is a detail of something very specific.

Larger, quaity photographs would be nice too.

Edited August 18, 2012 by TomoHawk

[72 OJ]

My current Z with the LS1 and my former Orange Z , both 72 and Cali cars. Click on pics for a larger view and you will see what I mean by ''clean and detailed'' not SHOW quality but pride and care on what you own . Tom can you post a pic of your 280z appropriate engine bay , those FI motors are a bit hard to detailed

Edited August 18, 2012 by 72 OJ

[TomoHawk]

The orange one looks somewhat clean and neat. there are some simple things that could have been done to improve the look significantly.

I can't see any details on the other one, because all I see are two giant head covers.

Edited August 18, 2012 by TomoHawk

[72 OJ]

Tom the LS1/ VETTE motor that is the way they present , clean no messy wires or hardware exposed, both the L24 and the LS1 engines are very simple looking and easy to do maintenance work, that is a feature that I like. Lets us see yours, I will like to see what you have done to improve the look significantly on your z engine bay and motor ,

Edited August 18, 2012 by 72 OJ

[TomoHawk]

What do you guys think about alternative finishing on OEM Parts as modifications ?

What about replacing perfectly good oem parts with Billet Aluminum?

I'm for keeping the look, and texture about the same throughout the engine area, with certain exceptions. Things that are sand cast, like the intake and exhaust manifolds cannot be polished, but you can smooth them out to a point. It allows water to drain, so you have less to clean for show. Things that can be polished like crazy, such as the rocker box, AAV, carbs, tubes, etc., get more hand-work and possibly some shiny plating. Rubber should be supple-looking, like when it was new.

As for the billet parts- I usually only add them as required to replace parts that are worn out or 'broken' but would keep with the texture an sheen of the surrounding or similar OEM parts. That is, except for the occasional 'decoration' which might be very shiny or have some color to it ( like a red radiator cap or spark plug wires.) But I would like to see something (not everything ) with a Z emblem or just some nicely printed letters ("Stant: 15 - 18 PSI" or the ubiquitous "Danger: fan" decal on the fan shroud.)

As for the motor, it is painted black as it was from the factory.

Edited August 18, 2012 by TomoHawk

[72 OJ]

TomoHawk, what about pics on that engine bay, share with us

[5thhorsemann]

[hls30.com]

Tom the LS1/ VETTE motor that is the way they present , clean no messy wires or hardware exposed, both the L24 and the LS1 engines are very simple looking and easy to do maintenance work, that is a feature that I like. Lets us see yours, I will like to see what you have done to improve the look significantly on your z engine bay and motor ,

You bring up a very valid point, most modern engines-even those in the 350Z and 370Z are presented in the engine bay with all of the "messy wires " and "hardware" covered with an otherwise useless piece of plastic...

I have seen S30s with this kind of "cover under the hood" treatment to keep from actually having to detail an engine.. There is a huge difference in the time needed to properly clean a normal S30 engine bay and the time needed to take out a cover, wipe the core support, fenders and firewall and install a new cover.

To me these covers are an example of the Fernando school of automotive design-...simply cover it up what lansdsape doesn't work aesthetically-rather than actually design the issues out it out... better to look well done than to actually be well done. Does any serious sports car really need engine bay stylist?

I am beginning to channel Professor Turgeson(Back to School) on this...

[hls30.com]

...

As for the motor, it is painted black as it was from the factory.

Don't you mean Datsun Blue...It isn't a ford after all