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Random Question on Anodizing

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Old Oct 9, 2006 | 08:21 PM
  #1  
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Default Random Question on Anodizing

Hey guys- rather random question here, but I've just about decided on an STS Turbo system for my 06' VortecMax 1500, and wanted to know if the piping that comes with the kit could be anodized a different color.
The piping is ceramic coated already, so would this be a problem? The pipe I'm concerned with is the one coming from the intake (the visible one when the hood is open). Do you suppose heat would be a problem? If so, is there a type of anodizing for high heat applications?

Many thanks! I figured the C4 guys are the guys to ask on this one!
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Old Oct 9, 2006 | 09:10 PM
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I'm not familiar with the system you mentioned but I'm guessing you mean the pipe from an intercooler to the intake manifold. The system manufacturer should be able to tell you how hot that pipe gets and if colored anodizing would work. I would think it would be less than engine room temp. Are you sure it's aluminum? It may be steel and ceramic coated because it's easy to do along with the hi-temp exhaust pipes in the system.

Anodizing is a thin formation of aluminum oxide, which is more or less a "ceramic". It's clear when formed and then sealed with hot water. The color is a dye in the water, so extreme heat would most likely degrade the color over time. The temp is the key. A web search on anodizing would probably give some info on temp limits for colored anodizing if the manufacturer can't help. Good luck
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Old Oct 10, 2006 | 02:47 AM
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You can only anodize bare aluminum. The process doesn't actually color the part, but leaves pores that are then exposed to a dye, and close after being boiled. At least tht's what I recall in a nutshell from when I used to do this at home.
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Old Oct 10, 2006 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by tonymax2
Anodizing is a thin formation of aluminum oxide, which is more or less a "ceramic". It's clear when formed and then sealed with hot water. The color is a dye in the water, so extreme heat would most likely degrade the color over time. The temp is the key. A web search on anodizing would probably give some info on temp limits for colored anodizing if the manufacturer can't help. Good luck
tonymax is exactly right about anodizing.
If your piping is ceramic coated, they are probably exhaust tubes, not tubes that carry the intake air. This would mean they are steel. Usually, the intake piping is aluminum and can be anodized...these are the tubes that are most visible anyway.
Put a magnet on them and see what they are....

Larry
code5coupe
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