Polishing the engine block
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Get a die grinder and packs of emery rolls, some rough, intermediate and fine...use the rough paper rolls to get the block smooth, then the intermediate to get the scratches out, and finally the fine to polish.
Get some POR 15 engine paint, you won't believe the finish. You can thin the POR and apply it with a brush, or get a cheap spray gun...either compressed or airless will work.
The money you'll have invested in the tools and paint will be chump change compared to the 1500 to have it done.
Get some POR 15 engine paint, you won't believe the finish. You can thin the POR and apply it with a brush, or get a cheap spray gun...either compressed or airless will work.
The money you'll have invested in the tools and paint will be chump change compared to the 1500 to have it done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
It is common to debur the inside of the block, open up entrance to oil return and polish the lifter valley. Try that first and multiply it by the increased area of the outside and you will have an idea of what it takes. It is a labor of love, if you are not motivated, don't bother. Time is better spent porting the heads IMO. For the outside you can start with a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder and work your way down to a die grinder with rolled abrasive. This is with an iron block. Aluminum is a PITA because it builds on your abrasive wheels and needs another approach. After doing my inside, I started on the outside, but settled on less than what I had in mind for the reasons already mentioned. A smooth block looks good, but is less efficient in dissipating heat, something to keep in mind. It is definately a point of detail for a show car, but everything else better be in harmony with it. In other words, an exceptional engine could make the rest of the car look bad.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 92
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Not certain, but believe so
I have ruled polishing the block out now, due to expense/maintenance issues (and the fact that you can't really see much of the block). I'm now considering painting it. Any tips?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by GDaina
Get a die grinder and packs of emery rolls, some rough, intermediate and fine...use the rough paper rolls to get the block smooth, then the intermediate to get the scratches out, and finally the fine to polish.
Get some POR 15 engine paint, you won't believe the finish. You can thin the POR and apply it with a brush, or get a cheap spray gun...either compressed or airless will work.
The money you'll have invested in the tools and paint will be chump change compared to the 1500 to have it done.
Get some POR 15 engine paint, you won't believe the finish. You can thin the POR and apply it with a brush, or get a cheap spray gun...either compressed or airless will work.
The money you'll have invested in the tools and paint will be chump change compared to the 1500 to have it done.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
Originally Posted by hill3335lilo
That is what I am going with...
