View Poll Results: Should I paint my intake manifold?
No, leave it bare cast
0
0%
Yes, but only clear coat to keep it clean
3
33.33%
Yes, aluminum paint
4
44.44%
Yes, other color (comment below)
2
22.22%
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll
Dumb aesthetics question - paint manifold after strip to bare metal?
#1
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Loganville, GA
Posts: 2,331
Total Cats: 203
Dumb aesthetics question - paint manifold after strip to bare metal?
I am having my VICS manifold chemically stripped and mechanically blasted. It will look 100% like new when done. I plan on painting the top half of the intake manifold wrinkle black but I am torn on what to paint the lower portion or if I should paint it at all. Part of me says bare, part of me says paint it with clear coat, and another part of me says paint it with aluminum paint...
I kinda also want to paint it ford grey to match the engine block.
What say you?
I kinda also want to paint it ford grey to match the engine block.
What say you?
#2
Cpt. Slow
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 14,440
Total Cats: 1,214
I always thought painting only the upper half looks weird, since from the side you can see a lot of the lower half. My vote is match the valve cover, but if it's wrinkle, keep it off the lower half. Just match...glossyness. Matte for Matte, gloss for gloss, that sort of thing. Between the upper and lower.
#5
If you blast it with aluminum oxide, make sure it's VERY well cleaned afterwards. I'm told that aluminum castings can hold onto the blast media and then release it over time when it's bolted onto the engine, killing rings and bearings in as little as a hundred miles. IIRC you need ultrasonic cleaning or something like that.
--Ian
--Ian
#9
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Loganville, GA
Posts: 2,331
Total Cats: 203
I'll see if I fan find pics of engine bay, but so much will be changing I don't know if it will be a good representation. I'll post valve cover and block to start?
I like the "alumablast" idea. I also like the idea of painting the whole thing black.
I like the "alumablast" idea. I also like the idea of painting the whole thing black.
#13
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Loganville, GA
Posts: 2,331
Total Cats: 203
VICS manifold is heavily ported, and this was done almost a year ago. I am just now getting around to installing it. My choices are use stock VCTS manifold, use ported VICS manifold, BUY a flat top, or BUY a Skunk2.
Should it not flow up to our expectations I may someday go to a skunk2 manifold and throttle body but I am trying to keep the extra espenses to a minimum for now. Cleaning and paint will get somewhat reimbursed in the sale of the manifold should I ever try and sell it.
Should it not flow up to our expectations I may someday go to a skunk2 manifold and throttle body but I am trying to keep the extra espenses to a minimum for now. Cleaning and paint will get somewhat reimbursed in the sale of the manifold should I ever try and sell it.