Opinions on Engine Color?!?

Alright guys. I got into a spirited debate last night with a couple of buddies about what color I should paint my 408 that's being built. I plan on painting my car (eventually) in a Lexus color called Black Diamond Mica. It's basically a dark charcoal gray with flecks of red and blue in it that really POP in the bright sunlight. It looks black in any other light. I plan on painting my engine compartment that color while the engine is out. With the hood shading the sun, my engine compartment will appear black. Now, on to the debate.

Let me start by saying that my car is a mutt. It was originally a red 67 six cylinder car, that's been made into a black 68 GTS tribute by the previous owner. So all rules on originality are thrown out the window. I like it that way because there is no wrong or right. I would like to paint the short block with the Diamond Mica, leave the intake, heads and TTI headers all aluminum color, and then paint my aluminum valve covers and air cleaner also black to match the block.

Buddy number one says, no, it's a 68 tribute car so I need to keep that theme and paint the engine the correct red color for that year. Buddy number two says, F that, paint it Hemi Orange the same color of my old 340. Both of them HATE my idea of painting the engine black.

So what are your opinions? I know, everyone will say it's my car do what I want, but I am really looking for opinions. If you think that black engines look stupid, let me know. I don't care, better to ask now then to regret it later. What do you all think? If you have pictures of small blocks that you think look good, post em up!