making under hood (engine) aluminum parts look better

[Lazerred98]

Is there any simple way to dress up the cast aluminum parts of the engine other than just having it CLEAN? My engine is very clean, as it was detailed before I bought the car last year. But, I do take the car to shows, and was wondering if there is a simple way to make it pop a little more, especially the cast aluminum parts. I know what to do to the plastic and rubber, but the dull aluminum looks kinda drab. Oh, it is a v6.

 

[ttocs]

You have the choice of sanding/polishing it or painting it or anodizing. There really isn't much in between with cast. everything from the supercharger to the intake was cast and polished. I love the look but hated the action but in the end I can say no years later the juice was worth the squeeze.

 

[dwcopple]

Research some chemicals that brighten aluminum. Perhaps easy-off oven cleaner? I know there are several cheap OTC products. Meguiars wheel brightener.

 

[ttocs]

while those do brighten up aluminum by removing the oxide that forms on them they are also a light acid that will hurt paint and may other finishes

 

[dwcopple]

Yeah, you can be a douche when using that stuff. Mask off and protect. Do small areas at a time with a wet rinse rag ready.