cmonkey713

We are building an LS-2 with the OEM cast aluminum oil pan. The engine will be installed in a show car and we would like to paint the pan black. The question is: Should the pan be primed with zink chromate primer before painting with a ceramic paint product (similar to caliper paint). Powder coating would require removing the oil pan from the engine and replacing all seals and gaskets. The pan does not need to be removed for any mechanical reason at this point and would rather not remove it if possible. Thoughts!

DUB

Painting aluminum usually requires cleaning it with a prepping solution to etch the aluminum. then...applying a primer that will stick....and then the paint.

All I can say is this. I am dealing with an LS oil pin where the orange paint is peeling off of it in sheets. NOW..I did not previously paint this peeling oil pan...but it is coming off. And for whatever it is worth... Getting it CLEAN as a whistle...is so important. And if it were me....even though I know this is fora show car...I would keep the paint film to the absolute minimum.

QUESTION:

Is the rest of the block/heads painted also??? ( just curious).

DUB

cmonkey713

The heads and block are un-painted aluminum. The reason for the black oil pan is for the contrast against the polished and chrome parts on the undercarriage. I will check with my local Dupont Automotive Color dealer to see what they recommend for an etching primer. Thanks!