Advanced Automotive Technologies' C5 engine covers are a quick and easy way to give your Corvette's motor a distinctive retro look. They look great as delivered, but we decided to give ours a one-of-a-kind appearance.
As part of our never-ending quest to bring you the newest, most distinctive aesthetic upgrades for your Corvette, Team VETTE recently happened upon Advanced Automotive Technologies' vintage-style C5 engine covers. Michigan-based AAT is no stranger to the Corvette world, having developed the stunning '03 Commemorative Edition cars we gushed about in our May '06 issue (see "50th Anniversary Redux").
Said to ape the look of a classic Chevy-small-block valve cover, the AAT pieces are officially licensed by GM and can be installed on any '99-'04 (single-fuel-line) C5 in under five minutes. (AAT can also modify the covers to fit the '97-'98 dual-fuel-line cars.) They come standard in a monochrome-silver finish but are also available custom painted.
Being individualists, we decided to order up a set of the basic silver covers and paint them ourselves. We used Auto-Air Colors' water-based paint, selecting an Electron Blue-ish shade that's a particular favorite of this author. The results? Follow along and see for yourself.
We started this project with some of Auto-Air's white Base Coat Sealer. Auto-Air products can be sprayed directly onto plastic after a quick sanding or scuffing, making primer unnecessary. Another nice thing about the paint is its 0 VOC rating, which makes application a non-toxic affair. | 
We began with a light dusting, then followed with two wet coats. Since Auto-Air paints are water based, drying is nearly instantaneous under the right conditions. | 
We filtered the paint before spraying to keep the gun free of clog-inducing particles. This step should always be observed, regardless of paint type. |
Next, we gave the covers a light dusting... | 
...followed by a couple of wet coats. | 
With the finishing clearcoat applied, the covers are ready to impart a stylish new look to our C5's engine compartment. |
Advanced Automotive Technologies also offers custom-painted covers for a nominal additional fee. Other options include a '63-'64-style fuel-injection badge... | 
...and a '58-'60-style crossed-flags emblem. | |