Engine Painting
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 82
Engine Painting
Would you guys suggest painting the engine before assemble or after. I know the factory shot the whole thing but it seems kind of sloppy.
The engine builder wants me to paint after. Thoughts either way?
Kevin
The engine builder wants me to paint after. Thoughts either way?
Kevin
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
powder coating ia by far a much better, more permanent, and withstands the elements much better than any spray paint. i race my vette, so not a show car per-say... but I do like a clean looking block and engine bay. So, other than money and looks, which are both a matter of perspective, is there any reason not to powder coat a block, over a fizz can???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,922
Likes: 839
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
the best way to prepare metal for powder coating is to media blast. I've never been a fan of sand in an engine , cleaning is a pain. that said it handles heat well stays glossy . run some sandpaper discs over it some light plastic filler then a good quality paint is what the show guys use
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 108
Likes: 5
From: Connellsville PA
I usually take some grease and thin it with a little oil. Not too thin, then carefully "paint" the freeze plugs or any small detail you don't want coverd with engine paint. After shooting the engine and allowing it to cure, simply wipe away the grease and the part looks like new.Not the best pic but it shows one of the plugs done this way:
Rodger
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,713
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From: Seattle Washington
powder coating ia by far a much better, more permanent, and withstands the elements much better than any spray paint. i race my vette, so not a show car per-say... but I do like a clean looking block and engine bay. So, other than money and looks, which are both a matter of perspective, is there any reason not to powder coat a block, over a fizz can???
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
You should be able to Powder Coat about anything but I'm not so sure You would want to do a Block. A Powder Coater will Heat the Part to about 400 degs . They use a special Tape for this that can take the Heat. It would take them a long time to get the block up to temp and it might throw there time schedule off for the rest of the parts they are doing. 400 degs probably isn't going to hurt a Block but if it was me I would finish machine the Cylinders after the Coating was done. So now we are Machining after Painting and the resulting damage to the Paint is bound to happen. I say Trailer Queen yes Race Car no.