im picking my bare block up at the shop. it is a new block. what do i need to do to paint this properly. use a metal prep? 2 part primer? vht? im planning on chevy orange. thanks dave

Por 15's engine paints have been getting good reviews.
www.por15.com (http://www.por15.com)

Here's a direct link. Just be sure to follow their instructions to the letter.
http://www.por15.com/enginepaint.html

yes por 15 products are good . i have used them. i have to get this done over the weekend and dont have the time for shipping and what not. what is the next best way. thanks

I've found that the high quality urethane top-coats are the best. The shine lasts, unlike ANY spray-bomb paints. POR-15, yeah you can use it but you'll have to order it and it's not cheap especially with shipping & handling.
Here's what I would:
Wipe down bare metal engine with acetone or lacquer thinner really well and thouroughly. There's a lot of oils & contaminants on the engine that could cause fisheyes.

Go to a body shop supply store and purchase a single stage self-etching primer and a pint of 1969 chevy hugger orange urethane & hardener.

Smooth out any rough edges if you like and spray the primer.

Spray the urethane and watch it shine. For a long time.

I bought some paint from NAPA that is gloss
good to 600 degrees. Degreased the block and masked it off. Paint has been there for 2 yrs
and still looks great. I put several coats on to fill in a lot of the pinholes etc. Wipes down really well with WD-40 and then a dry cloth.

I have always used Plasticote engine enamel. Just clean 'er up and spray 'er on. Done deal.

Tim

Degrease it, and shoot it with single stage acrylic enamel of your choice with hardener and forget about all the por15 crap and the spray bomb. Acrylic with hardener will hold up, it won't burn around the headers and will outshine can paint to all degrees. Por 15 has it's place, it's good, and it works, but why go through all the trouble with something when you have to order it when you can go down to the local auto paint store and get something in any color you need.

Later, RandyB..

Since time is a concern, the rattlecan is about the only option you have.