Aluminum engine corrosion protection
10-12-2016, 10:19 PM
#1
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Aluminum engine corrosion protection
I am seriously considering building a ZL1 427 big block engine from scratch. That's if I can get a new bare 12370850 block for $5K max. Any way, what would be the best way to keep it looking good and corrosion free for years to come? Is there a good quality satin clear paint? I see VHT has a gloss clear but I want to look natural, not shiny.
10-12-2016, 11:16 PM
#2
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Moving question from Parts classifieds.
10-12-2016, 11:31 PM
#3
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I am seriously considering building a ZL1 427 big block engine from scratch. That's if I can get a new bare 12370850 block for $5K max. Any way, what would be the best way to keep it looking good and corrosion free for years to come? Is there a good quality satin clear paint? I see VHT has a gloss clear but I want to look natural, not shiny.
10-13-2016, 06:57 AM
#4
You have this http://www.tcpglobal.com/VHT-SP115.html#.V_9nweArLIU
However, anytime you paint bare aluminum it should be have acid etch primer applied first. I would contact a reputable machine shop/engine builder or 2 and ask about this.
However, anytime you paint bare aluminum it should be have acid etch primer applied first. I would contact a reputable machine shop/engine builder or 2 and ask about this.
10-13-2016, 07:23 AM
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I am seriously considering building a ZL1 427 big block engine from scratch. That's if I can get a new bare 12370850 block for $5K max. Any way, what would be the best way to keep it looking good and corrosion free for years to come? Is there a good quality satin clear paint? I see VHT has a gloss clear but I want to look natural, not shiny.
The vintage racer in my avatar has an aluminum Donovan block which is about 25-ish years old. It's bare and there is no corrosion anywhere. I happen to live in California where the humidity is low, which helps preserve the block's appearance.
So, bottom line, don't automatically assume you have to do anything to "protect" the aluminum.
Jim
10-13-2016, 08:58 AM
#6
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Whether or not you need to do anything to prevent the appearance of corrosion depends on the environment in which the aluminum stays.
The vintage racer in my avatar has an aluminum Donovan block which is about 25-ish years old. It's bare and there is no corrosion anywhere. I happen to live in California where the humidity is low, which helps preserve the block's appearance.
So, bottom line, don't automatically assume you have to do anything to "protect" the aluminum.
Jim
The vintage racer in my avatar has an aluminum Donovan block which is about 25-ish years old. It's bare and there is no corrosion anywhere. I happen to live in California where the humidity is low, which helps preserve the block's appearance.
So, bottom line, don't automatically assume you have to do anything to "protect" the aluminum.
Jim
I agree with Jim 100%. I built a ZL-1, using the new GM block and ALL GM parts for my 67 L-88 tribute. This was 8 years ago and it still looks like it did when I built it. However I don't drive it on a regular basis which does help with the corrosion / cleanliness issue. I think if you just do routine maintenance and cleaning you should have no problems. Here is a link to my installation from a few years ago. I like it so much that I have enough NEW GM parts to build another one.
Good luck with your project.
Rex
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...minum-rat.html
10-13-2016, 09:16 AM
#7
Race Director
I don't think aluminum corrosion should normally be a problem but if you want to look at a product you might investigate Sharkhide. It's a very thin, but durable, wipe on product that isn't really noticeable or changes the appearance of aluminum. It's used in the Marine industry. BUT - although I used it on the aluminum engine bay panels in my Cobra replica - I have no idea what levels of heat it will tolerate.
10-14-2016, 01:20 PM
#8
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I built my ZL1 eight years ago. The exterior still looks fine. I spend more time concerned about coolant system cleanliness/corrosion that I do about external issues.