I'll provide the counterpoint. Our car is "light beige" and I hate the color. Because of the pressure to maintain originality, we repainted the same color. It looks better, but I wish I had have gone for a slightly different (less beige) color. So my question is who are you painting it for? If you are painting it for the next owner, then don't change color or if you do, spend lots of money and do it right. If you are painting for you and you can live with a different color in the engine bay then go for it. It will lower the resale value but if you aren't going to sell it then that hardly manners. Another consideration is whether your car is an expesive restoration show car or a driver. If it's a driver then enjoy it the way you want it and on your budget.
So there!
ps. I wish my car were white instead of light beige.