Chroming Engine Parts???

[Dangerville]

Just wondering if anyone out there could tell me whether it's a bad idea for engine longevity to chrome the engine parts on a 1981 CB750C Custom?  Spent the better part of last winter polishing the valve covers, clutch cover, stator and spark advancer covers, and the front sprocket cover, only to have the last four weeks of dusty Michigan roads ruin my polish work. Thinking about having the aforementioned covers chromed, which requires much less upkeep.  Any ideas on whether this will cause the engine to lose some heat radiating ability? Don't wanna kill my engine just to make it look pretty....

Nick.

[davew]

chrome ?????-------go for it they are only covers -good chrome is not cheap but looks nice
heat radiant loss -------turn the right grip farther  afterall  cooling is done by the fins on the
head and barrels    

[Re-run]

I suppose it depends on how thick the chrome is too. If anything, adding an oil cooler will make up the difference.

[davew]

i really would not worry about a couple of microns of nickle plate
you could always do like honda and polish them to the hilt and
then put a coat of clear laquer over top
 if worse came to worse put a oil cooler on

[Re-run]

That was pretty much my thoughts too.

[pat english]

polished aluminum looks 100% better then chrome.its worth the work.DONT DO IT!!!!!

[Frank Keller]

my 1974 has been chromed since 1975 and has over 98,000 miles on it. no heat problems. even wrink black painted cylinders to really set off the black and chrome look.

[Dangerville]

Thanks guys....I got quoted about $460 to chrome all the aforementioned parts on the engine...So this winter, it'll get torn down and chromed.  But I'm buying an extra set of covers (which are remarkably cheap on eBay), and having those polished/lacquered.  That way, when I sell my bike down the road (it's only got 12,000 miles on it), whoever buys it can put it back to original if they choose. Hopefully, it'll up the value a little, too.

Nick