There is nothing like a nice clean engine bay.  One of the easiest ways to improve your engine bay is to remove and replace as many of the plastic components as possible. Doing this can make a huge difference when opening the hood of your car.  Tanks are one of the most common plastic elements in an engine bay.  Unlike an engine cover though, they can't just be removed and thrown away.  They serve a functional purpose that will need to be addressed.  Replacing them with aluminum not only improves the aesthetics but also prevents the common failure of aging plastic tanks. Keep reading to see some of the great engine bays we have seen featuring aluminum tanks.

The main job of an expansion tank has to do with, not surprisingly, expansion.  As a basic requirement, expansion tanks should allow enough space for coolant to expand at normal operating temperature and not be pushed out of the pressure relief fitting in the neck. 

Cooling systems are one of the most important systems in an engine.  Running an engine too hot can cause fluids and parts to break down an can ultimately lead to a catastrophic failure.  At the same time an engine that is running too cold can be inefficient and poor performing.

There are two ways that engines have traditionally been cooled, by air and by water. Many old cars and even some newer motorcycles feature air cooled engines.   However, most modern cars require liquid cooled systems.