Last summer I went off the deep end and took the plunge into what was-for me, anyway-the next generation of Corvette, the C5. Up until now, I've been a little resistant to make the change. After all, I've always been about religiously touting the advantages of the previous two generations. But the price was right, and my will was weak, so my stable gained another high-horsepower ride.
Almost immediately, I began the search for upgrades for the yet-unnamed '02 coupe. Skipping past the obvious enhancements for the moment, I set my sights on this month's featured product: C5 Classic Corvette Engine Covers from Advanced Automotive Technologies.
These engine covers come officially licensed by General Motors and are a direct replacement for your C5 stockers. Modeled after what is, in my opinion, the best-looking valve cover ever to grace an American automobile, these heat-resistant ABS covers pay homage to the bygone days of fast cars and, well, faster cars.
Not counting the extra time it took to paint mine and add some Corvette Central bling, installation comes in at well under five minutes. Not handy with a spray gun? Advanced Automotive Technologies is more than happy to do the color chores for you. But painted or not, with emblems and without, these covers will add a flare to your engine bay that can't be beat.
You just can't beat raised...
You just can't beat raised fins. These classic covers by Advanced Automotive Technologies arrive looking good from the get-go.
As I have so often in the...
As I have so often in the past, I decided to take a good thing and make it better by utilizing a healthy coat of Auto Air paint.
The great thing about water-based...
The great thing about water-based paint, aside from the 0 percent VOC (volatile organic compound) rating, is its solubility. Make a mistake? Just add water and start over.
Starting with basecoat white,...
Starting with basecoat white, I strained the paint, added some reducer, and prepped my trusty SATAjet RP.
Before...
...and after.
Of course the underside was...
Of course the underside was coated as well...
...before receiving its first...
...before receiving its first dusting of semi-opaque Flame Red.
Next, the reverse side receives...
Next, the reverse side receives several dustings...