Correct engine color 1987 L98...Black??

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Nov 22, 2007 | 12:15 AM

1987 C4 25969

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Correct engine color 1987 L98...Black??

Just dropped off my engine today at my local engine machine shop.
What was the original color of the engine block and oil pan for a 1987 L98 Corvette?
How good is the silver spray paint for the valve covers. This paint is advertised in several of the corvette catalogs for $7.99 a can.
Thanks

Nov 22, 2007 | 12:20 AM

vinnies87

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From: Magnolia Mississippi

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I'm thinking that all SBC were Chevy orange, but could be wrong... I've done my in Gloss Black (Hi Temp) and other stuff powercoated black, chrome or just chromed...

Nov 22, 2007 | 12:23 AM

comp

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From: eville in

Nov 22, 2007 | 12:39 AM

rodj

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From: Australia

Got a '87 , a 89 and '90 engines sitting here and they are all black.
Block and pan

The OE color on the covers is brown for want of a better description

Nov 22, 2007 | 02:42 AM

pmihaltian

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From: Charlotte NC

Black

Black and the aluminum heads were not painted.

I have seen valve covers that were painted with the paint carried by MAD and Ecklers with prety good results. The secret seems to be to sand any chipped spots to blend them in or strip the OEM epoxy off entirely before you start spraying.

Nov 22, 2007 | 03:30 AM

Demonic85

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From: sw Ohio

'55 to '75 blocks are orange.
'76 to '81 blocks are blue.
'82 to '96 blocks are black.

I'm not sure about LSx engines though.

Nov 22, 2007 | 07:55 AM

RollaMo-LT4

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From: Rolla Missouri

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonic85

'55 to '75 blocks are orange.
'76 to '81 blocks are blue.
'82 to '96 blocks are black.

I'm not sure about LSx engines though.

LSx blocks are aluminum, and are not painted.

Nov 22, 2007 | 12:45 PM

c4cruiser

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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonic85

'55 to '75 blocks are orange.
'76 to '81 blocks are blue.
'82 to '96 blocks are black.

I'm not sure about LSx engines though.

Once GM decided to consider the SBC a "Corporate" motor in 1976, they began to use a universal color. Black paint was used as it helps for heat transfer. You should be able to find rattle cans of universal black high-temp engine paint anywhere spray paint cans are sold. Home Depot, Lowes, Wally World or the corner parts store and it will run about $4 a can.

The valve covers are magnesium and the paint color GM used is unique to the L98. Clean the valve covers carefully and shoot on the OEM color or maybe go with aftermarket covers.