Engine dressup

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Feb 11, 2008 | 11:30 PM

86F150302

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From: Jacksonville FL

Engine dressup

My motor and engine bay is ugly and boring. What all could I do to dress it up? Its EFI so I cant get into the nice filters and stuff

I was thinking crome valve covers and Stainless Steel hoses and red 9mm plug wires.
If I do get valve covers do I have to take off anything major to put new ones on?

Here is a picture of it 2 weeks after I got it. Its cleaner now and the wiring is alittle more clean now.

Feb 12, 2008 | 09:26 AM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

I would try to get cast aluminum valve covers if you can find them to fit. I can't remember if the factory ever had cast aluminum covers? If they did, you could polish them. The cheap thin chrome covers just do not seal well, and a aluminum cover would be an upgrade in looks as well as sealing the oil leaks. You could also look into getting some of those chrome air pipes the ricers use for their air intake. See if you can find some to modify and fit to your air cleaner.

If you take and spray wd40 on everything, and then wipe it down, it gives everything the shiny wet look too.

Feb 12, 2008 | 09:36 AM

SuperSnake

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From: North of Normal

I have the same engine to get the right side valve cover off you will have to take the upper intake off. There are only a few bolts to take off.BTW there is a small bolt that takes a star bit on a 1/4 in drive socket with a Long extension it's the only way to get it out,it's located between the runners in the middle of the upper intake.I can tell you there isn't much room under the upper intake so you might not be able to put aftermarket valve covers on,so if it fits post it on here cause I would like to do the same but for the time being I repainted my valve covers.

I also got a air box and all brackets from a later model F150 to relocate my filter to the fenderwell cover on the driver side to help clean it up more.

Feb 12, 2008 | 09:05 PM

86F150302

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From: Jacksonville FL

ok thanks. I was thinking I would have to take the upper intake off to put on the valve covers but not sure. Dont really want to tear into it right now since I just got it and dont know much about it yet. (always like that with new stuff)

I would like to get the airbox and everything off the engine too but not sure what all I would need. Ive searched ebay and only found K&N intakes that are $230.

I think im going to order some Ford racing 9mm plug wires soon.http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...10002_66740_-1

I really want some braided hoses but not sure how I would hook up the ends since it looks like most are threaded.

I saw a pic of someones truck on here that had alot of those hoses and it looked good. lost the pic when my computer was rebooted though

Last edited by 86F150302; Feb 12, 2008 at 09:37 PM.

Feb 12, 2008 | 09:44 PM

SuperSnake

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From: North of Normal

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86F150302

ok thanks. I was thinking I would have to take the upper intake off to put on the valve covers but not sure. Dont really want to tear into it right now since I just got it and dont know much about it yet. (always like that with new stuff)

I would like to get the airbox and everything off the engine too but not sure what all I would need. Ive searched ebay and only found K&N intakes that are $230.

I think im going to order some Ford racing 9mm plug wires soon.
I really want some braided hoses but not sure how I would hook up the ends since it looks like most are threaded.

I saw a pic of someones truck on here that had alot of those hoses and it looked good. lost the pic when my computer was rebooted though

Yeah thats the bad part about EFI and valve covers,I'm not saying that it can't be done. A Chiltons repair manual can be a big help.

I found that when I took off my grill on the driver side, there is a plastic cover over the hole where the hose runs from the air box to the firewall. If you remove the grill and remove this small square cover you can get more air into your air box.

If you want a K&N Filter get one to fit your air box that will help your air flow,But remember your factory exhaust manifolds are restrictive so I would also consider headers and true dual exhaust.

Feb 12, 2008 | 09:55 PM

86F150302

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From: Jacksonville FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Tired Rebel

I bought a Chiltons manual. I have true dual exhaust but stock manifolds. Im 17 and jobless right now so Im low on cash. Im looking to get a job at a local Auto Zone thats being built now so hopefully I get the job and get my truck looking great!

Thanks for your help.

Feb 12, 2008 | 10:00 PM

SuperSnake

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From: North of Normal

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86F150302

It won't be hard to do,somethings you can do that don't cost very much.Right now I have a 302 at the machine shop,and I plan to paint the lower & upper intake.I also plan to rebuild my injectors with a rebuild kit I got off ebay. At a later date I might put a intake system off a Mustang 5.0 and change the computer.