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Oh absolutely. That's bonkers for a very small handful of sparkly bits.
Originally Posted by socketz67
From a design perspective, there needs to be a centralized focal point (engine cover) and the surrounding area should simply be complimentary and not detract you from the centralized theme.
Spot on. Couldn't have said it better myself. I've spent most of my life as a business applications developer, with a unique focus on visual ergonomics, so what you just wrote resonates with me. That said, the code is more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules.
Oh absolutely. That's bonkers for a very small handful of sparkly bits.
Spot on. Couldn't have said it better myself. I've spent most of my life as a business applications developer, with a unique focus on visual ergonomics, so what you just wrote resonates with me. That said, the code is more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules.
Thanks John. Reading a good book now on 15 cars that shaped American culture. Wasn't really even looking for this type of book, but history, cars and culture are interesting to me so I decided to take the plunge.
Love how seriously design was taken by GM early on, then Ford. Mopar lagged, but eventually caught up. I would have love to use my time stone (Avengers reference) and go back to this time and experience the excitement as each year approached and the new models were introduced.
I would still look to eBay or Amazon for hardware, though. And avoid whole engine bay "kits". I'd also recommend resisting the urge to have too many colored bits & pieces pop all over the place. It doesn't look good, IMO. But you can't go wrong with polished titanium. I'm using polished Ti bolts for the larger bolts at the corners, and I think they look classy.
Silver feels like a no brainer, but I'm still not sure on the gold specifically for the engine cover as its somewhat analogous with the burnt copper; would either look amazing, or really bad depending on the tone of the gold. I like that this set includes an acorn nut vs. a standard nut like the others.
Here's my comp for the engine cover: https://www.ebay.com/itm/395211469887
Would most pay 2x for one that looks new and includes the emblem properly fastened and includes all the OEM HW? Maybe. I will post the pic of it installed when I sell it.
Last edited by socketz67; Mar 28, 2026 at 11:36 AM.
No drift events this weekend, but I still managed to get out and have some fun with the car. Weather was perfect for a cruise to run some non-essential errands (definitely took some "scenic" routes to increase drive time). Pulled codes after my speedo stopped working and realized I'm getting a P0500, so ordered some new wheelspeed sensors. Planning to knock those out this week while also doing a quick restore on my headlights, the passenger side has begun to oxidize...
Bought a 2010 Camaro SS 6spd to tinker with on Black Friday so the Infiniti has been put to the side. I did have to replace the battery the other day as it was on it's last leg so that's "what I did to my sedan".
Never been a fan of the 5th gen Camaro unless it was a 1LE or ZL1 but the right deal came up that I couldn't pass up. 74k miles, original owner, mechanically perfect but the paint needs some love (never been polished before). So far I really enjoy the car, it's a different experience from the G but the V8 puts a huge grin on my face that I can't explain. On top of that, the TR6060 transmission blows the Infiniti's 6speed out of the water. Going to enjoy dialing it in and using it whenever I can.
Most importantly my kids love the Infiniti BUT the Camaro brings out a new type of excitement. Kindergarten and day care pickup have never been more fun. Only downside is the whole family can't use it as the Camaro is a 4 seater.
Long term plans? Sell both and get into a 1LE or ZL1, SS sedan, and then eventually a Blackwing as I had originally planned. It will be hard to part ways with the Infiniti as it's been a practical, reliable, and fun sedan - the best sedan experience for the money. Looking forward to the Q60 reveal but not sure if Nissan can "get it right" with this car.
The problem with always looking at cars is that you always find something. Sold the Camaro and picked up a 2009 G8 GXP halfway across the country. 44k miles and a 6spd manual of course (only 846 manuals produced)! I think this bridges the gap between the Camaro and G37 quite well!
At this time it is very likely I will sell the G37 for sale very soon.
The problem with always looking at cars is that you always find something. Sold the Camaro and picked up a 2009 G8 GXP halfway across the country. 44k miles and a 6spd manual of course (only 846 manuals produced)! I think this bridges the gap between the Camaro and G37 quite well!
Oh man that G8 is quite a snag. Congrats on the new ride!
And absolutely relate to the plight of “always looking”
Still getting email notifications from Autotempest and a few other sites. All filtered for low-mile, manual transmission sport sedans. It’s just my formula, one that has gone extinct.
Even with the G still in great shape/low miles, and now a low-mile S4 stashed away with family, I’ve got an eye out for another four-door with three pedals…
Guess it’s our “thrill of the hunt” caveman instincts emerging in the most absurdly materialistic way (ok maybe a stretch but it’s up there)
Long ago I got a chance to drive a 2006 GTO 6MT. I've always loved that car, even though those pillowtop seats are weird.
Back in 2009, I test drove the Pontiac G8 GT. It was rocket fast, but handled like a boat, and the styling was really awkward. Now I know the GT is not the GXP, and the GXP is rare and special, but there was a little bit if ick about the car inside and out. No offense, it's awesome for many, and for good reason.
Then some years back I got a chance to drive a Chevy SS 6MT. And while also a very heavy car, it was a total blast to drive, with a very luxurious interior. The only complaint I had about the SS was the blah exterior design.
The problem with always looking at cars is that you always find something. Sold the Camaro and picked up a 2009 G8 GXP halfway across the country. 44k miles and a 6spd manual of course (only 846 manuals produced)! I think this bridges the gap between the Camaro and G37 quite well!
At this time it is very likely I will sell the G37 for sale very soon.
Love the GXPs and GTOs as well. Almost pulled the trigger on a manual trans GTO new in 2004. Put the deposit down.....cold feet and ended up with a G35S as it checked the "use for work" box since I was receiving a car allowance at the time which required a 4-door.
I thought about buying a used one, but most of the older GTOs are in rough shape used (driven really hard).
Long ago I got a chance to drive a 2006 GTO 6MT. I've always loved that car, even though those pillowtop seats are weird.
Back in 2009, I test drove the Pontiac G8 GT. It was rocket fast, but handled like a boat, and the styling was really awkward. Now I know the GT is not the GXP, and the GXP is rare and special, but there was a little bit if ick about the car inside and out. No offense, it's awesome for many, and for good reason.
Then some years back I got a chance to drive a Chevy SS 6MT. And while also a very heavy car, it was a total blast to drive, with a very luxurious interior. The only complaint I had about the SS was the blah exterior design.
Between the three Aussies, I much prefer the SS.
The manual transmissions in these cars were notchy as hell, but it was a very familar feeling to me because I drove many manual 60s-70s cars in my teens/20s.
Oil change
Washing engine air filters
Adjusting coilovers
Re-greasing brake pads and hardware (trying to avoid spending $300 on a new set of OEM pad shims)
Bolting on summer wheels and tires
Polishing exhaust tips
Couldn't have said it better myself. I've spent most of my life as a business applications developer, with a unique focus on visual ergonomics, so what you just wrote resonates with me. That said, the code is more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules.
