Upgrading my TT...running journal (Updated!)

[DCaff300ZX]

^^^Oh, don't I wish the TT was running flawlessly.
So time to update...of course there's a reason for my slacking off, and it's time to 'fess up to the Z masses I think.

UPDATE 4/25/2014-
I've been putting this update off for quite some time as it's somewhat embarrassing, sad, unfinished, and doesn't bear much good news...but here we go anyway.
QUITE a few things have happened since my last update June 22nd, 2013 that have changed my course with the TT, and my Z life in general.

First off, just shortly after the last update in 2013 I learned a very hard lesson that many of you already know and abide by- that DD-ing a TT is not a very good idea even in Washington State with our moderate weather.
We had a VERY dry summer here in 2013 as I got the TT looking very good and working nearly as well, but that would change soon.

6/28/2013. We had only one day of rain that summer, on June 28th. I needed to visit a friend who lives quite a way away from me which I put off due to the heavy rain, but then the rain stopped that afternoon and I made plans to visit later that evening.
Returning at about 9PM that night it began to rain slightly as I was driving next to a lady on the highway, when we both hit a VERY large amount of runoff water coming down a curving incline leading up from the Narrow's bridge we had both crossed. We both hydroplaned into a blind, spinning dance of death at 60 mph that resulted in the TT taking a very bad beating, and the lady's Saturn being totaled. The witness behind us said suddenly the Z "looked like it lifted off the ground and rotate around the Saturn", the results being that I got to do some emergency blind driving that you normally only get practice doing in race driving games...FUN stuff. The car actually took the abuse without any bad impact or unusual actions, as things slowed down I drove out of the spin and to the shoulder as if I knew what I was doing. I sat there afterwards unsure if there was even any damage, and completely uninjured. The car restarted despite the large center front impact that crushed the intake and DS headlight, but unsure of anything else I had it towed home...which sucked when I found the car drove fine after all the next day after I got the hood open and found nothing touching anything.
I don't and never will carry full coverage insurance on the Z due to exorbitant costs/minimal real coverage, and so although the Saturn damage was covered, once again I am forced to do some MAJOR repairs to the Z.
Despite still being drivable, the damages would surely have totaled the TT if insurance had to do/pay for repairs but I can do much/most of it for supply costs and my time....FAR, far less than a total loss cost.

I did take pics of the damage that I shared with Chris and a few others here at NICO, but then unfortunately my brother lost his camera that he lets me use and Imageshack has decided that it will no longer be free of cost. I am unwilling to pay $ to store pics of my car, and I have yet to address that issue since I have no camera to take update pics. I was planning to address this when I finished the work I need to do.
Thankfully Imageshack seems to still be hosting what pics I have there for no cost, but to access the account to add any update pics I have to agree to begin paying which will not happen- so with the two problems combined with the repairs and hassles I have not updated my work since then.

7/2013. So after the accident and assessment I immediately repaired the front bumper, DS headlight, and internal structures with parts I had already (poor now-stripped-out NA...) and at no additional costs, and got the rest of things squared away in time to resume daily duties to work. I was done before the insurance companies even contacted me...a bad sign that got worse with those idiots, another unhappy insurance company story I will leave out.
I was about to begin assessing/repairing the 1/4 panel damage when the engine idle began to go crazy, and the spending and NA stripping began in earnest.

8/2013 to 12/2013. I replaced the entire PCV system (PCV's, PCV hoses from the NA, cleaned the IACV unit and connectors) and then purchased a Selin dual intake setup from Z1 on Black Friday that was installed to replace the crushed single intake filter. Yep, the NA gave up her MAF. Things seemed OK but not perfect, but I planned to get the car roadworthy first and do final restorations when I worked out the rear 1/4 repairs and any other issues I found.
I had noticed that the handling had deteriorated from the damage, and so looking into that I found that the PS rear tire was getting shredded and was out of alignment, so I was forced to fix that and buy a new tire...which then escalated as I found that both the front and rear shocks/springs need replacement, alignment, and soon 3 more tires.
Time to install the Powertrix coilovers and adjustable bits I have, but they require service and some repairs that I could not get parts for until May plus some further undone parts removal/replacement from the NA, so after any possible adjustments that issue hit the back burner as other issues soon developed.

1/2014. One of the turbos went down, requiring me to do a month of research and difficult tests/service to determine the problem.

2/2014 to 3/2014. The IACV then began to act up again as the weather has warmed up, requiring further unsuccessful attention.
As I began to assemble all of the parts I would need for all of my repairs, in addition to the sloppy shifter (bad bushings) the clutch finally after 2 years began to act worn out and a rear main seal leak developed. The front seal seems OK although there is a little oil drip from somewhere, probably cam seals I was told, so 120K service entered the picture. I want to check out the VTC solenoids and system as well as do any deletes/reroutes.
Replacement tires were installed and car aligned as best possible with sagging coil springs/erratic shock performance in colder weather.

4/2014. Looking at well over $3K in labor costs just to have the engine pulled and turbos/seal/clutch/120K service/sensor replacements done (and the car lost for +/- 2 weeks) by a reputable Z mechanic, last week I decided instead to do what I should have done LONG ago: purchase an economical DD and park the TT until I can do all of the replacement work myself.
So I can't believe it, but I now have THREE freaking cars- in addition to the NA and TT, I now have a dark purple metallic '99 Honda V6 Accord for DD duties.
This all works best for all of my needs and the future I think, if not my bank account. This way while continuing on with life as usual I can do the deletes and such smart guys do with the engine out, and check out everything else on the engine and repair/replace as necessary without time constraints of a DD and additional remove/repair costs.
I also now have acquired nearly everything I need for the Z mechanical repairs (4K miles used JWT 530BB turbos/DP's/Z1 BB turbo install kit, two O2 sensors, knock sensor with upgraded harness, Z1 450 torque ceramic clutch kit/upgraded fork/chromoly pivot, shifter rebuild kit, replacement IACV with upgraded harness/sealed connectors, new silicone radiator hoses/TT front PCV hoses to replace the cobbled NA ones, other wearing parts and necessary bearings/seals/gaskets/etc.) except for a 120K kit, which I need to get when $ becomes available because I am now DEAD broke for car spending money.
I also got both new CTS sensors (gauge, ECU) and upgraded harness/connectors, which have been installed.
Now I get to stare at her longingly, and dream of when I get it all done like so many other guys report having to do...awesome.

This really affects my plans for the NA though. Thankfully the TT still runs and drives which allows me to keep it from deteriorating as I do my work, but now the 'NA's future with me is VERY uncertain. After much thought if I can get through my repairs without gutting the NA, I may give it to someone we all know very well here on NICO since they would treat her as she deserves rather than destroy her.

4/25/2014. SO...that's my current status minus the mental anguish and suffering plus the costs endured, and the ugly details of solving each of these problems.
The TT is now my project as it should be for so many reasons, and will be my "fun" car only used in good weather and something to mess with when I get bored and need to beat myself up and drain my bank account.
Whenever I get the necessary repairs done, Z1 smics/silicone hoses, new recircs/silicone hoses, MAYBE larger throttle bodies, and of course ECU upgrade is still the plan to hit my +/- 400HP/450TQ goals.
I will also soon be looking into a new free photo hosting account (I have my buddy looking into it now) and a camera to try to get some updates to all of this up here for you all to see, and hopefully be able to continue to show you all what I am doing and how things turn out...stay tuned!

[Ziggy1621]

Wow, count me informed!!! Well glad you didn't wrap around a tree!! Now get that 120k kit and get er done! I'd say sell the NA and use the $ to get the TT done

[DCaff300ZX]

So I go out to start her up and run to the store yesterday and it barely ran, CEL lit up constantly and won't idle. I shut down, wiggle the IACV connectors and it fires right up...guess I know what I'll be doing next!

[DCaff300ZX]

Let's see if the new photobucket is working...I found I have some pics of the car after the accident and of some of my repair work on the front end before the camera was lost:
First day home...ouch!





Having trouble with some images loading correctly, more to come in a little bit

[Ziggy1621]

Ouch!

[zswap0429]

Wow dude. That really looks terrible. Sorry man

[DCaff300ZX]

Wow dude. That really looks terrible. Sorry man

Yeah, seems like we both had a similar stretch of amazing BS luck with our babies, remembering the way things with Cocoa went before you sold her.
I WILL fix her though, as you can see amazingly it's mostly cosmetic and I have already cleaned up the front end and straightened out the worst damage in the rear.
You've been great inspiration though with the engine pull/repairs I need to do, so keep me inspired!

OK, my edits are working now so here's shots of the first day home





The NA is standing guard...






Repairs begin...







Last shots I have before I repainted with automotive touchup paint, no finished pics sorry





The bumper was cracked in several places, so I got some urethane bumper epoxy and stainless steel mesh, roughed up the surfaces as best possible, and laid down several layers of epoxy and mesh. All are still holding strong 8+ months later











This crappy shot through the window is the only current shot I have right now.



I repaired the broken nose panel and repainted it, stole the needed headlight from the NA, and aligned everything 80% for reassembly. The rear is all pulled out but not begun body work as I haven't decided to try to repair the panel or cut it out and weld in a new 1/4 panel...nor found a donor beyond the NA yet.

[zswap0429]

Dang man. It's a good thing you know what your doing. Looks allot better now

[DCaff300ZX]

It's not too hard really, just metal and parts/pieces that have to line up to fit and look good. I've gotten lucky that both times the front damage has not touched the fenders and mounts so I have them to work with rather than a skewed starting point. The bumper was different though...Chris deserves credit for cluing me into the bumper repair, and I'm glad I gave it a shot although it may be a bit of a hassle to seal the outside cracks when I go for final repairs there.
The dirty window the last pic got taken through hides that I haven't finalized anything as even though I used some rubbing compound to lose the white streaks and clean it up, there are still the scratches and cracks from the impact.
The rear still looks bad, it's semi-straightened but ragged and was next on the list before all of the mechanical issues which take precedence...

[DCaff300ZX]

UPDATE 7/23/14
I'm a little bored today and amazingly also with some open time, so I was able to take and transfer some crappy phone camera shots of a lot of things I haven't shown yet, with more to come when life allows me to do more. I was able to edit most of the cell phone shots to look decent enough, so here goes.
To get started, I've removed the coilovers and bits from the NA and after a LOT of cleanup, service and prep work beforehand, I recently finished installing them all into the TT.

Before shots






After all Powertrix parts are serviced, cleaned, new upgrade FUCA collars and debris boots installed, and in some cases paint/clearcoat.




RUCA connectors now have boots and paint for the spacers, the RUCA arms were so rough and pitted I lost chrome even with 600 grit wet paper but I really like and prefer the copper look with a clearcoat finish...


...the black marks are the pitting from rust


How she sits now with new 'spenders, as low as I ever go. The TT seems to sit lower and nicer than the NA did even before adjustments, for whatever reason




Closeups of the front bumper after repairs. It all still needs some tweaking and even repair work in spots and I need to swap out the messed up rubber trim from the NA headlight, but it is fairly presentable given the original damage








My "stable of steeds", now amazingly at three...




The Honda showing off her SEXY near-DPM color


And, the current state of the rear 1/4 panel waiting for me to ever get the mechanical work done...and waiting...


...for these parts to get installed


450 Tq ceramic Clutch, upgraded fork and chromoly pivot, throwout and rear seal.


My HICAS elimination kit- Z1 bar and the NA's PS reservoir painted w/ VHT gunmetal wheel paint, to avoid the TT res bypass headaches. Sorry for the crappy shot, dark back room...


And the Coup de Grace- the 530bb's, DP's, coolant hoses and couplers, gaskets and oil lines...


...plus the little stuff like O2's, knock sensor and upgrade harness, shifter rebuild kits and new oil sending unit. The Selin dual intake is installed, but no current pics until I get to my under the hood work


I still need to get 120K service parts at minimum and probably more as I am looking at other issues, so whenever that all gets done plus the body work, there's this package waiting patiently since 6/2013 with mud guards, and a new rear sticker set for my fiberglass Powertrix spoiler from the NA, but painted CRP.


Up to this point I have replaced the IACV unit with a good working one from Z1 along with all new connectors, replaced my CTS and temp gauge sending units and replaced all connectors, new spark plugs, replaced several incorrect NA PCV hoses I used with the correct TT ones, installed new silicone upper/lower coolant hoses as well as replaced the o-rings on the balance tube and refreshed it's paint along with the coilpack bodies, and also did some cleanup and rerouting of things along the way to make further work easier, and things look better.
Unfortunately she's still not running/idling right as she warms up and she still needs an alignment after the coilover install, so I think I need to go over the PTU harness again after the accident (haven't checked that old culprit yet...), as well as investigate a small drip oil leak at the PS rear of the engine that may be my theoretical rear seal leak AND my boost leak.
Looks like a plenum pull is in my future now as well, this all making me think that a complete overhaul or even rebuild may be in order to be fully satisfied with the upgrades and repair work I will be undertaking to save this car.
The NA is now fully figured into those plans as a parts source for her 1/4 panel and ANYTHING else I need, she's been a real sport about it...but it makes me sad even when I consider the $ and especially trouble she has saved me.

More to come when I get to things, although to be honest it may be quite some time because of a ton of sudden medical bills for me, and then sudden death of my brother which has changed a LOT of things.
Once I get to the PTU check and HICAS delete work planned next, I will get pics of the under the hood work.

[DCaff300ZX]

UPDATE-
11/2014- Not much happening yet, but the good news is that I will be repairing the Z 100% beginning in 2015. A buddy of mine I've helped out over the years has decided to fund the entire repair process so I can get it all done more or less at once, no more messing around waiting for funds.
So I have continued to buy parts as I can afford to be ready for the work, recently a package containing Ramey-Z chromoly idler studs arrived along with the Z-1 short 1-piece clutch line to remove the extra bleed points. Only OEM 120K items left to purchase, and maybe I also bite the bullet and get Z-1 smics and piping along with new recirc valves for a complete turbo system rebuild and maximum happiness from my 530bb's.
I haven't decided on repairman yet between my Z guy Doug, ZSports Auto in Everett, or maybe a local Z guy to do the work...the only thing I have left to decide before that work begins. MUCH research and time will go into this to ensure I get the proper work done for proper results.
I have set an appointment in December to get the Z aligned after having installed the coilovers and bits, although I may need to have them install the HICAS delete bar and PS pump to complete the alignment.

More to come as that all gets going!!!

[DCaff300ZX]

UPDATE 12/2014-

Well, Phase 1 of the final go-'round is complete as the Z has come home from Kimball's alignment shop with the Powertrix Race coilovers and adjustable bits set within spec, a new PS LCA, new HICAS ball joints, a 4-wheel alignment and clean bill of health including estimate to repair the rear side body damage and install my Powertrix sideskirts and rear spoiler...best news is it's doable within the car's value. I'll shop around some, but top quality work is paramount given my poor past experiences with auto businesses and general pickiness.

Next up is to get the Z to Fairlady Motors for the mechanical work since Doug is ready to go in January and done before February, or if not then do those body repairs and schedule the mechanical work for March+.
The scope of work will be clutch and shifter rebuild along with upgraded fork/pivot/1 pc line installed, turbos replaced with 530bb units/DP's I have, all seals/leaks/sensors/120K done along with Z1 upgrade smics/hoses and any/all other silicone hoses I have not done to this point including recircs. Any other service needed will be done or problem detected along the way will be repaired/replaced, and if the budget supports it I may even finish it all off with ECU work and be Good To Go. I also may look at the full HICAS delete that I have all the parts for since engine-out is the prime time to do it.

More to come soon including some pics when time and weather allow it, and or further actions warrant it!

[Ace2cool]

Full HICAS delete FTW. My pump is on its way out, so I'll be doing a full delete soon too. Now where to source parts....

That quarter damage is gnarly, though. D:

[DCaff300ZX]

Full HICAS delete FTW. My pump is on its way out, so I'll be doing a full delete soon too. Now where to source parts....

That quarter damage is gnarly, though. D:

It makes me wince EVERY time I see it. So much so that it now is hanging out in my parents' garage where I can't see it until I get it fixed. Got a fairly reasonable estimate from the best shop in town, but want to hit up the guy who painted my front end as he apparently also does top notch body as well as paint.
But, I am now leaning towards getting the mechanical done first so as to not lose out on my Z guy's services before he heads to vacation, THEN do the body. It also allows me to see if I can afford after the engine work to sneak in a few things while the rear body is being worked such as my Powertrix spoiler and sideskirts/door fillers...maybe even a twinZ diffusor.

[Ace2cool]

Mechanical is always greater than pretty-making.

[NolimitZ32]

^Function over Form yes, but ugly is ugly even if its fast :/

[DCaff300ZX]

Yep, both are important but having the engine back to top form+ is #1 priority, body repairs/paint #2 and anything else I can wrangle #3.

Some pics of the newcomers






And, all of the stuff that is waiting except the spoiler still on the NA, and the NA's PS pump for the HICAS delete


Hopefully I will be able to get some more pics as work progresses

[NolimitZ32]

Them Massives

[DCaff300ZX]

I fondled them for awhile when they arrived, they ARE sexy... ...but they actually are "just" the Z1 Upgrades I got for $425, as the Massives were still more expensive even with the BF sale, and aren't necessary for my power goals (450+/- whp/450+/-Tq). Plus they require replacing the intake tract piping to 2 1/2"(or buy expensive 2" adapter kit which then adds restrictions of 2" openings), as well as mod the turn signals and delete the carbon canister- work I do not plan to do.
The upgrades are good to 700HP claimed, and are definitely Massive compared to the stockers plus use stock mounting and air guides.
So that's my plans, everyone I've talked to feels I can hit my goals easily with engine/clutch refresh, selin dual intake, smics, ecu, 530bb turbos/DP's, 2 1/2" exhaust. I have all but ecu and exhaust, both planned in the current engine/trans work.
I'm pretty excited at the idea of having it all done at once, rather than the slower build I'd assumed would be my course!

[Ace2cool]

I am jelly. Here I am trying to make a stock-ish TT run correctly, lol

[DCaff300ZX]

I hear that...I have been there for months now since the turbos went down, hunting around for a misfire and boost leak and IACV issues and...and...bottom line is the whole damn thing needs minty fresh breath. I could keep thrashing away and be happy for a day or two at a time, or as I've decided bite the bullet and bail, or do it right.
I got a reprieve because my life and finances said "bail", but a friend of mine who I have helped out a lot in the past has decided on his own to finance my work needed and so I have decided that the Z gets ONE more run...

[DCaff300ZX]

SMALL UPDATE-
So today the Z went in to Fairlady Motors for the mechanical work. I intended to take some pics and such but by the time all was said and done....no pics yet sorry. He did have a nice R32 on a rack about to take on a 3.0 stroker and was doing some work on a black Z32, but apparently has sold the 2 R32's he had on site and which I visited whenever I come there. There was a LOT to talk about and not wanting to be distracted I stayed with the job at hand.
I'll try to get pics when I visit her, things just MAY go a little differently than I'd originally planned as ECU and 555 injectors are necessary to finish and tune the work, and stock exhaust needs gone...$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ (spending fart)
I'm getting ready for a LOT of this.

On a completely side note but related, given my deep love of the GTR and previous impossibility to own and license one, my final dream was breathed life when Doug indicated R32's are a Go, and he can get 'em for $20K-30K per condition/miles. Less than a new car....fawk, is there even a QUESTION of what to buy with 30K?????

[Ace2cool]

Gawd, you make me wanna tear mine down and do awesome things, but I need monies first.

[NolimitZ32]

If you have the time and are serious about getting a GTR I suggest doing some research, taking a week or so worth of vacation, and flying to Japan to shop yourself. there are so many good cars (R32s) included for sale all over and the process for shipping isnt too bad, you can actually have a tow truck pick up the car from the dealer or auction and drop it off at the port where you can submit all transfer papers yourself. yes it is a bit of work but imagine how awesome it would be; a vacation in japan plus actually getting the car over yourself, it would be so much more than a car at that point. Just think about it. . .

[DCaff300ZX]

If you have the time and are serious about getting a GTR I suggest doing some research, taking a week or so worth of vacation, and flying to Japan to shop yourself. there are so many good cars (R32s) included for sale all over and the process for shipping isnt too bad, you can actually have a tow truck pick up the car from the dealer or auction and drop it off at the port where you can submit all transfer papers yourself. yes it is a bit of work but imagine how awesome it would be; a vacation in japan plus actually getting the car over yourself, it would be so much more than a car at that point. Just think about it. . .

You know, even if I wasn't thinking about a GTR I would love to visit Japan and do enjoy a lot of things about the Japanese, but sadly travelling and such is really not my bag and I seriously doubt without some divine intervention I ever see west of the Pacific Ocean. But what a great thought, I just can't imagine how I'd go about seeing all the things I'd want to see and be able to afford that block of time spent there. Just seeing the stuff on SpeedHunters in Japan is cool, and makes you realize what a near impossibility it would be to schedule.

As for getting a GTR though, well, I have it nearly that good already!Doug has access to probably 30 cars with multiple detailed pics of all of them complete with basic pricing and such. The pics he always has had on his wall used to be mostly cuts since no registering previously possible, but now they are complete cars and many of them are modded and or customized, you name it. Doug has been importing GTR cuts for many many years, and also I assume the two GTR's he had that I visit that were gone (Sayonara Ladies!) which was sad, but asking about them led to me getting the news and realizing my never-realized dream after watching that white GTR disappear from me years ago could now begin to fester in my evil mind.
Me in a GTR...oh, boy, I think that is the one and only necessary item on MY bucket list. I'd only hoped to see one in person and MAYBE get a ride, but now OWN one???

[DCaff300ZX]

Oh yeah, and one other thing I forgot to go over with Doug, and want to see about doing...E85

Thoughts?

[Z-owned]

Where is e85 around here? I only know a couple locations in the state.

[DCaff300ZX]

Ooooooh, now that's a good question...didn't think it would be hard to find.
I'll have to look into that one, and I forgot top talk to Doug about it tonight.

UPDATE-
Well, Mr. Smith is one motivated dude! I get a message that he wants me to call and so I do, he says come get the cam covers so I can paint them and the timing covers again. I'm like OOOOO, cool and I get there in record time to see that he and his partner Eric have got the smics done, engine out and disassembled, cam seals both ends X4 done and main seal about to be, intake and everything else gone with my shot injectors exposed, exhaust and turbos off tomorrow and then injectors and exhaust manifold porting.
I'm just floored looking at it all, he's had it less than a day! AND, he'd pulled another motor and done some prep work for back in, and was working on another car while Eric was working on my engine!

BIG news also.
Seems that despite all of my research and the spotless PO records I have and such, my car HAD been butchered! The TB was installed off a tooth and left that way with timing dialled out to make it run, and the TB was some no-name crappy unit (GASP!!!!), some turbo hoses were incorrectly installed further debilitating the turbos, and to compensate someone shoved some boost jets WAY up the boost hoses where I couldn't find them when I checked after the turbos went out awhile back and I was searching for the problem. This all made it past Bruce Titus Nissan as well, as they did a full maintenance on the car the day I got back with it and gave it a full bill of health but noting two small oil leaks, of which I am sure now are the leaking VC.
I am appreciating my choice to have a true Pro do the work EVER so much now.
So Doug says "So I got you about 150 HP already!" to finish up that topic, and we went on with discussions regarding him weld back-filling and then porting the exhaust manifolds, and which injectors to get that will work with his ECU tuning which he wants to do with Hpex Power FC via an RB25 ECU. Doug even mentioned using 550cc STI injectors which mount right into our adapters perfectly and are cheap and plentiful...we'll see what he comes up with. Yeah, the spending fart is in FULL flow...more to come very soon I am sure!
Oh, and sorry about no pics but everything has been at light speed the past week and not slowing down one bit I found out tonight....WOO HOO!!!!!

[NolimitZ32]

Nice, be careful with those STI yellows though, they aren't 550cc they are 520cc. The 8 I have now (6 on the car + 2 extras) all flowed out between 518cc and 521cc. Plus the countless others I handled when I used to be balls deep in Subarus.

[DCaff300ZX]

Thanks Anton, I'll mention that to Doug if he hasn't already figured it out since it will make a difference tuning for sure.

Oh, and I didn't say that perhaps the best thing about the fubar 120K work was it explained SO many of the strange things I could never figure out despite all of the help and OSM, etc. After never finding the latest misfire nor really why the turbos went down, I was really starting to wonder if I was losing it- my touch AND sanity...

I got the TB covers sanded down and rough edges smoothed for repaint today at work and with tomorrow off, guess what I'LL be doing...yep, paint the TB covers and then clean and then paint the cam covers. I left all mounting tabs, but shaved the PTU stubs flush as well as those raised "bars" by the CAS, which became small air vents when shaved.
I'm staying VHT gunmetal wheel paint/AutomotiveTouchup CC with the TB covers which worked very well and took a little to sand off, so it was durable and thick, but I have decided to go CRP for the valve covers since you won't see them much under everything. It will add another splash of color with the balance tube, coil bodies, and silicone hoses.
Getting the CRP color should be fun, I got dark red and black VHT engine paint and will blend spray a coat or two, then with the final will wet-in some CRP body paint then VHT CC it all.