Engine discolored
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: Spring City Tn
Engine discolored
Hey guys, one thing I meant to mention in my last post. My engine is discolored on my '92. I noticed its not the bright aluminum color I see on most LT5s, its dull and looks like its tarnished. I figure the previous 2 owners tried to clean it with 409, simple green or something. I will post some pics later. Is there anything I can do to bring it back to its original luter????? thanks
also, which #s on my vin is my production? The are 3 zeros toward the end of the vin followed by a 88 which is the last 2 digits. Does this mean my car is #88?
also, which #s on my vin is my production? The are 3 zeros toward the end of the vin followed by a 88 which is the last 2 digits. Does this mean my car is #88?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 37,053
Likes: 69
From: This city NEVER sleeps! Frank's back yard!
Yep - looks like you've got a very early production model there - and below 100, which means it likely got a little extra 'massage' in mercury marine before it went out the door.
You can't really bring back the luster of the engine - what you can do is have it repainted the original color, or better yet, have it powdercoated a similar color for a stunning shine. You can also consider painting it the colors of your choice too.
Enjoy!
You can't really bring back the luster of the engine - what you can do is have it repainted the original color, or better yet, have it powdercoated a similar color for a stunning shine. You can also consider painting it the colors of your choice too.
Enjoy!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 643
Likes: 2
From: Boulder Colorado
St. Jude Donor '06
I'm thinking that the LT-5's you've seen are the ones that have been powdercoated, like mine.
From what I've seen over the years here, no one has really found any cleaning method that doesn't make it worse. Or that doesn't cause it to worsen over time.
First and foremost, remember : NEVER pressure wash (or ANY wash) this motor. Water will collect in the valley and cause you much headache.
Pulling the cam covers and plenum isn't too hard. I'd say it's worth every penny to send them out for powder coating.
From what I've seen over the years here, no one has really found any cleaning method that doesn't make it worse. Or that doesn't cause it to worsen over time.
First and foremost, remember : NEVER pressure wash (or ANY wash) this motor. Water will collect in the valley and cause you much headache.
Pulling the cam covers and plenum isn't too hard. I'd say it's worth every penny to send them out for powder coating.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 2
From: It's 5 o'clock somewhere
Yep - looks like you've got a very early production model there - and below 100, which means it likely got a little extra 'massage' in mercury marine before it went out the door.
You can't really bring back the luster of the engine - what you can do is have it repainted the original color, or better yet, have it powdercoated a similar color for a stunning shine. You can also consider painting it the colors of your choice too.
Enjoy!
You can't really bring back the luster of the engine - what you can do is have it repainted the original color, or better yet, have it powdercoated a similar color for a stunning shine. You can also consider painting it the colors of your choice too.
Enjoy!
the latter part of his observation is correct
although...since he and i both own..1990 Zr1's he had a bit of a
brainfart...when he quoted the top paragraph..since your car is
a 1991..it probably didn't get the little extra massage..
dwight was speaking of...
you see, they wanted the first zr1's to be perfect.
the first 60 or so..went to GM executives..and friends...
my car is number...#74... and a 1990..but it still doesn't absolutley
guarantee extra anything...although..i'd like to think...hiding somewhere in the
car..is a gold nugget or diamond or ect...
check the inside of your drivers door it has the build date.
One of our members here, JEFFVETTE does the powder coating on
these engines...and his work is A+++ LocoBob his partner will also
do a little porting for you..at the same time..to add a few ponies.
check em out...
good luck with your zr1 hope to meet you in Bowling Green in may.
Last edited by kmoudy; Feb 13, 2007 at 10:35 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 37,053
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From: This city NEVER sleeps! Frank's back yard!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
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From: The Old Dominion
FWIW, mine is original and in reasonably good shape (except when I see pictures of those cars with like 11 miles on them). It is a flatter color than the refinished ones most people have:
It looks shinier in the picture than in real life.
I cleaned mine when I took the top end off, I just used a nylon brush and a mild degreaser. If you use something like Simple Green, I'd probably dilute it like 8:1 as it can be caustic.
It looks shinier in the picture than in real life.
I cleaned mine when I took the top end off, I just used a nylon brush and a mild degreaser. If you use something like Simple Green, I'd probably dilute it like 8:1 as it can be caustic.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: ontario Ontario
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,979
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From: Poquoson VA
Ok you are all going to call me crazy but i used Adams detail spray and claybar on mine and it cleaned up nice and has not turned in 3 years of hard driving. Mine was in great shape when I bought it so I'm not saying it will clean one that has turned, just that it seems to clean a good one and not cause it to turn.
Last edited by YorkL8apex; Feb 13, 2007 at 06:46 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 565
Likes: 38
From: Springfield Minnesota
Ok you are all going to call me crazy but i used Adams detail spray and claybar on mine and it cleaned up nice and has not turned in 3 years of hard driving. Mine was in great shape when I bought it so I'm not saying it will clean one that has turned, just that it seems to clean a good one and not cause it to turn.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,383
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From: It's 5 o'clock somewhere
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Poquoson VA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,376
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From: Traverse City MI
Not having the time or the $$ at the moment to tear the top of the car apart to have it power coated, I painted mine with it still in the car. Used Ligenfelter's LT5 paint. Turned out fairly well.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: The Peoples Republic of Boulder 30 sq. miles surrounded by reality
