Originally Posted by TsukubaCody

The DC sports header is fine, it won't gain you any power, but the quality is probably okay. It isn't doing you any harm. K&N intake is a decent piece, filter looks like it might need clean/oiling? I would just paint that hood if I were you.

Welcome.

Originally Posted by Deckoz

Hey there, So you could actually wet sand that carbon hood pretty easily, I would remove it and place it on saw horses.

As far as after it is cleaned up - take it to a body shop and have them either clear coat it, or paint match.

The filter needs power washed and re-oiled, but it also looks like it is the wrong filter. So I would verify the part number from the AEM kits, and double check it against your's.

The DC header - as another mentioned isn't doing you any harm. If you really wanted, you could drop the header, sand or bead blast it, and then have it ceramic coated if you are concerned about it rusting over time. Also I would try to source the OEM Body Heat shield, so you aren't heating your refrigerant lines and fuseboxes, should fit just fine with the DC header in there. You can see the Body heat shield in this picture




As far as the rest of your paint - it looks like a good wash, claybar and a polish would do it some good. I still see plenty of shine from your further back pictures, just needs a good detail

FYI I am not sure if you noticed, but your valve cover has oil creep, likely valve cover gasket needs replaced, and the upper and main VTEC gasket are leaking. As you can see the front side of the block by the VTEC solenoid has grime build up. A citrus degreaser and a parts brush will make it look good as new

Hope you don't take any of what I mentioned above the wrong way - just trying to help what I noticed.

Originally Posted by Mcat069

I am a novice when it come to body work and painting. In your experience, could I paint it myself or would I need to take it to a shop?