428 Dress-Up

[CV355]

Hello all,

I have a '69 Mach 1 428CJ that underwent a thorough restoration by the previous owner.  The engine was rebuilt mostly concourse, but it had overheating issues.  Over the last few months, we've made upgrades for driveability/reliability only, as my goal for this is mainly a garage queen / cruise-in car.  The "seal is broken" so to speak, so I don't feel guilty making aesthetic updates to the engine bay (retaining ALL original parts so it can be made concourse if necessary!)

I would like to dress up the engine bay without it looking gaudy.  I realize this forum is mainly suited towards performance and technical aspects of the FE platform, but I figured you guys would have the most experience and best opinions on this topic.  I have a GT500 for performance and "going fast..."  Did the whole 1200+hp engine build in the past, decided it really wasn't for me.

Where would you draw the line? 
I'm upgrading to an 8-rib serpentine belt setup (alt, water pump, crank only), a polished high-flow water pump, polished aluminum radiator, and considering the timing cover.

[jholmes217]

I have Precision Oil Pumps rockers and stands, so the stock valve covers didn't work with the baffles.  I bought these for clearance, and they look pretty good.  http://www.cobranda.com/co428vacoc.html  Since I have a Q code, I also got an oval air cleaner. 

[cjshaker]

Looks are highly subjective, so it's just my opinion, but I think when you start adding polished stuff to any engine bay, you're not far from adding 20+ inch rims and shag carpet interiors...lol

The FE is a very good looking engine, and should be the focal point of any engine bay. I'd say keep the bay as clean and humble as possible, maybe use a polished intake, air cleaner, valve covers, timing cover and possibly pulleys, keep the rest raw aluminum or painted, detail the heck out of the engine, and you'll end up with an eye catcher and conversation starter anywhere you go. Check out Tony's engine picture in the thread I just started on the "FE Power CVR pump adapters". Understated, but very effective and a damn good looking engine!

[CV355]

Looks are highly subjective, so it's just my opinion, but I think when you start adding polished stuff to any engine bay, you're not far from adding 20+ inch rims and shag carpet interiors...lol

The FE is a very good looking engine, and should be the focal point of any engine bay. I'd say keep the bay as clean and humble as possible, maybe use a polished intake, air cleaner, valve covers, timing cover and possibly pulleys, keep the rest raw aluminum or painted, detail the heck out of the engine, and you'll end up with an eye catcher and conversation starter anywhere you go. Check out Tony's engine picture in the thread I just started on the "FE Power CVR pump adapters". Understated, but very effective and a damn good looking engine!

That's the feedback I need!  And yes, I know exactly what you mean and that "20+ inch rims" look is what I want to avoid.  Exterior is concourse.  Interior is 99% concourse. 

Engine block, heads, and intake are Ford "corporate dark blue."

I have Precision Oil Pumps rockers and stands, so the stock valve covers didn't work with the baffles.  I bought these for clearance, and they look pretty good.  http://www.cobranda.com/co428vacoc.html  Since I have a Q code, I also got an oval air cleaner.

I'll have to think about that.  Right now I have the "Powered by Ford" OE covers.  Might re-chrome them, but keep them for originality. 

[Heo]

I think this is the upper limit polished alu valvecovers ,polished the frontcover and oilfilter adapter, Glasbeaded
intake,glasbeaded alternator. Just had to polish the brass freeze plugs to chromed coil and expansion tank.
Thinking about chroming the waterpump pulley, But slipping belt is a big problem with chromed pulley.
Stainless polished acorn nuts (Homemade offcause   for holding down valvecovers

And thats not 20 inch rims bling. More like 15 inch Torquethrust bling

[jholmes217]

I have Precision Oil Pumps rockers and stands, so the stock valve covers didn't work with the baffles.  I bought these for clearance, and they look pretty good.  http://www.cobranda.com/co428vacoc.html  Since I have a Q code, I also got an oval air cleaner.

I forgot something else I added.  When I was getting ready to put my engine in, I made the mistake of using S hooks on the chains.  Well, one of the hooks straightened and down came my engine on the oil pan.  So I now have a chrome standard capacity oil pan.  I will never use S hooks for something like that again!

[CV355]

This is good feedback, guys!

I like the wording "15" torque thrust bling"- that's what I'm going for.  I have never been a fan of modernization resto-mods on classic cars. 

[machoneman]

I think you should search the 'Net for the many pics of engine dress 'looks' to provide a free view of what your engine could look like. 

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS768US768&biw=1280&bih=669&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=GmLgWq-bGczYtQWNlpDIAQ&q=ford+428+engine+bay+&oq=ford+428+engine+bay+&gs_l=psy-ab.12...38095.40224.0.43004.6.6.0.0.0.0.138.574.5j1.6.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.1.136...0i24k1.0.3qvTOKd7OPs

[CV355]

I think you should search the 'Net for the many pics of engine dress 'looks' to provide a free view of what your engine could look like. 

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS768US768&biw=1280&bih=669&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=GmLgWq-bGczYtQWNlpDIAQ&q=ford+428+engine+bay+&oq=ford+428+engine+bay+&gs_l=psy-ab.12...38095.40224.0.43004.6.6.0.0.0.0.138.574.5j1.6.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.1.136...0i24k1.0.3qvTOKd7OPs

I did, but I didn't see much for show-style dress.  That's another reason why I want to be very careful with what I do and not disrespect the car. 

A lot of 351 cars have the show dress, but I don't see many FEs that aren't mainly concourse or retain the look.

[shady]

You can never go wrong with the old Cal Custom finned VC. if you have the clearance.

[cjshaker]

Not trying to toot my own horn, but here's a shot of my engine just to give you an example of what 'modified', but still factory stuff, can look like. Ford produced some really nice looking pieces for the FE. Add a few other mild dress-up parts and they are the best looking engine out there, IMO. Of course everyone here is a little biased..lol

[FERoadster]

To me the biggest statement for an engine bay is neat and minimalized wiring. Second most noticed items are the VC's and aircleaner.
Being a collector of FE valve covers here are some ideas.

Richard >>> FERoadster

[machoneman]

Wow, it would take an awful lot of engines to use all those covers up!

[Yellow Truck]

I look at this as kind of binary. It either is or is not stock. Once it is not stock, do what you want, what feels good to you.

I get stock and respect it, but who doesn't lie to look at a fully dressed out engine either?

If you can keep all the bits to take it back to stock I would. Package them up carefully, don't leave them lying around.

[CV355]

You guys give some good feedback!  Much appreciated!

Not trying to toot my own horn, but here's a shot of my engine just to give you an example of what 'modified', but still factory stuff, can look like. Ford produced some really nice looking pieces for the FE. Add a few other mild dress-up parts and they are the best looking engine out there, IMO. Of course everyone here is a little biased..lol

That is a gorgeous engine bay- very close to what I have in mind for mine.  I definitely need to clean up around the distributor on mine and some wiring.

Thinking about re-doing virtually all of the wiring to keep it clean and minimized.