No way! Paint them! Make it look like you care. They don't have to flashy, but clean and pretty never hurt any engine bay. The 2GR engines just don't look very good, no matter what you do to them. The VVT-I 1MZ's look the best, I think.
I've made my choice, and yes it will be painted. It's not going to be flashy, it should look subtle but still look like there is something a bit different in there.
Ok so this is the current engine bay state, all of the "hotwork" has been done, you can see we take out the stock engine lid catch panel, add two rear support bars and reuse the original mounting tabs on the new crossmember. This gives us plenty of engine clearance and no need to alter the engine lid catch.
Also the cam covers and plenum now painted in Joshs choice.
Engine bay resprayed in 8M6
Fantastic! Glad I went for blue now.