Ready to paint my 427. I have seen some builds with paint on the head bolts, and the bolts not painted. I have the ARP black head bolts. My question here is if I paint the heads & block seperate will the exposed bolts rust? Or does one prep the bolts for paint before assembly. Such as wire wheel the heads on the bolts, and scuff? I have seen to many builds with the paint flaking off the bolts. I do like the black bolt detail, but of course not rust. Open to any clues here, and I am not really concerned with a factory correct look.

Also, steel or brass freeze plugs? Any pros or cons? I am going to install them after paint. Or is this not a good idea?

I'd paint the heads and bolts after assembly. I don't want any paint under the bolt heads or also where they seat on the head. The torque value may be off some. (I did say may be). I spray the whole thing down with brake or carb cleaner and blow dry before painting.

Steel core plugs are tighter in the block, but they can rust.

Brass core plugs are softer, and so they tend to have less press-fit, but they'll never rot away on you.

I generally install core plugs using epoxy as a sealant; they don't pop out on me. (Yes, all my engines have plenty of antifreeze.)

Actually, the brass plugs will not pop out if they are installed correctly. All cup-type freeze plugs are manufactured with a certain amount of oversize. When the plugs (steel or brass) are installed in a properly prepared core hole (clean, dry, no rust) they will not fail. Most important thing is how the are installed. A plug installation tool (or a socket) they fits inside the cup must be used to drive the plug in. No "sealer" is necessary, nor recommended, by the plug manufacturers.