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Cleaning Plenum and runners?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Punta Gorda Florida
Cleaning Plenum and runners?
I've tried everything I could think of, rubbing and polishing compound, chemicals (being weary of the ones that I know mess up aluminum wheels). I'm not having very much luck.... ANY IDEAS? One day I plan on having them polished but until then I just want a clean engine bay
I'll input and experience's welcomed
I'll input and experience's welcomed
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
i did my plenum and runner with the brush side of a benchgrinder. Turned out great. Looks brand new still even 3 years later. I think I used an air die grinder with the brush tool to get all the hard to reach spots (since its smaller). I love having a buddy with a full garage of air tools 
I used no cleaning compounds at all, just brushed it all. it still looks completely stock (no scratches, mars, discolorations, etc).. since it's aluminum, it will brush down pretty easily.
oh yeah, I had my plenum and runners completely off the car while I was rebuilding my engine, thats why I was able to use the brush grinding tools.
I used no cleaning compounds at all, just brushed it all. it still looks completely stock (no scratches, mars, discolorations, etc).. since it's aluminum, it will brush down pretty easily.
oh yeah, I had my plenum and runners completely off the car while I was rebuilding my engine, thats why I was able to use the brush grinding tools.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,956
Likes: 706
From: WI
I did mine the same way.It might be possible to use a drill or dremel and brush them on the car. I used a brass brush in my drill for some of it. In a die grinder it will start to make the casting smooth.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland Tennessee
For more information and pictures these guys can do it all, and basically anything aluminum too or more.
Here is a link to find out more:http://www.fastcoolcars.com/TPI-polished-and-more.htm
Last edited by RonVette2; Sep 12, 2006 at 08:14 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Eagle 1 machined finish mag cleaner will make it look brand new, in fact. use it on any of the underhood aluminum parts for brand new looking stuff. Spray it on, let it foam, and spray it off with high pressure.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Punta Gorda Florida
GREAT info!! LOVED the pictures.
I guess I have a good project for this weekend.
Does anyone know of or heard of an engine cover for the L98? They have them for the LT1 in the mags... just curious if they have something for us.
Also, Does anyone have pictures of a polished tpi they drive alot? I would like to see the way it looks on a driver. not something for show n tell. (mechanics will respect the car if it's clean
)
I guess I have a good project for this weekend.
Does anyone know of or heard of an engine cover for the L98? They have them for the LT1 in the mags... just curious if they have something for us.
Also, Does anyone have pictures of a polished tpi they drive alot? I would like to see the way it looks on a driver. not something for show n tell. (mechanics will respect the car if it's clean
)