Painting engine block and.......
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Painting engine block and.......
Ok, so my engine is on order, Im having a shortblock 383 built. (Don't get me started, this thing is going to be awesome. I'm guessing close to 600 FWHP, but I cant find anyone to run a simulation).
However, the block is going to need to be painted. What's a good product to use? I dont know if it's at all worth it to go with an automotive type paint due to the cost and really small amount needed. I am considering a high-end rattle can w/appropriate primer.
I think I will leave the heads natural as part of them are polished finish. However, I am also strongly considering painting the supercharger base and the supercharger because they are the natural cast aluminum finish and just soak up oil and dirt from the engine compartment if you know what I mean. At least that way I would have a chance at keeping it clean.
Thoughts and advice please.
However, the block is going to need to be painted. What's a good product to use? I dont know if it's at all worth it to go with an automotive type paint due to the cost and really small amount needed. I am considering a high-end rattle can w/appropriate primer.
I think I will leave the heads natural as part of them are polished finish. However, I am also strongly considering painting the supercharger base and the supercharger because they are the natural cast aluminum finish and just soak up oil and dirt from the engine compartment if you know what I mean. At least that way I would have a chance at keeping it clean.
Thoughts and advice please.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
For engine block paint I always use Dupli-Color Engine Enamel. It holds up VERY well...10 years so far on my current engine, and I paint all my engine projects with it as well.
I usually don't even use a primer but for a very good job you could get the block super clean, use a metal etching primer, and then spray the engine enamel.
My favorite color is Cast Coat Iron so it looks like raw non-rusted iron.
I usually don't even use a primer but for a very good job you could get the block super clean, use a metal etching primer, and then spray the engine enamel.
My favorite color is Cast Coat Iron so it looks like raw non-rusted iron.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If you want to keep the natural aluminum finish, clean it with Marine-Kleen and then clear powdercoat. That seals the pores and keeps the nasty stuff out.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Since the block will already be freshly painted, all you need to do is clean the paint well, scuff it with some Scotch-brite, and shoot it with some 500 F engine enamel...Dupli-Color cans work well. Dupli-Color also makes the same paint in various metal colors, and their 500 F aluminum paint is dandy, too.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Well, actually it's my understanding that the block will be coming with no paint at all, but thats neither here nor there. I'm getting exactly what I want for about 4K for the shortblock, so Im not going to beat the guy up on paint.
Almost more importantly was what to do with the blower- but the natural metal color is what Im looking for. I dont want to do anything gaudy with it, but I do want to seal the cast aluminum- that stuff just soaks up oil and dirt. I think the duplicolor will be the right product for that.
I've looked at POR before- and no doubt its a solid product, but drawbacks are the inability to purchase localy, and IIRC, you have to topcoat it, because its not UV stable. Maybe not that important under the hood, yet...
On the other hand, if anyone DOES have a picture of a roots type blower painted to match the engine, I would ceartinly like to see it.
(BTW, nice garage, eastltd)
Almost more importantly was what to do with the blower- but the natural metal color is what Im looking for. I dont want to do anything gaudy with it, but I do want to seal the cast aluminum- that stuff just soaks up oil and dirt. I think the duplicolor will be the right product for that.
I've looked at POR before- and no doubt its a solid product, but drawbacks are the inability to purchase localy, and IIRC, you have to topcoat it, because its not UV stable. Maybe not that important under the hood, yet...
On the other hand, if anyone DOES have a picture of a roots type blower painted to match the engine, I would ceartinly like to see it.
(BTW, nice garage, eastltd)
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I would think you'd need to use some hi-temp paint on the blower. Those can get pretty warm. That's why I recommending the Engine Enamel (500 F). If you want to paint it body color, spray on a coat of zinc chromate first, and follow with the enamel. If you want metal color, I would advise you to get exhaust manifold paint [1200F+] (in metal color of your choice) and bake the housing/end covers at temps required to make the paint fully cure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
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From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Pretty. Looks expensive though. I like the way that they can stencil. Maybe I should send them my sidepipes and they can stencil
"These things are HOT. For the love of God, be careful" Because no one ever listens when you warn them...
"These things are HOT. For the love of God, be careful" Because no one ever listens when you warn them...
Last edited by Droshki; Nov 23, 2008 at 01:02 PM.
