What should I use for engine paint? I am rebuilding a '68 Malibu with a 307 and bringing it back to original condition. The engine has been professionally cleaned and stripped. Should I prime it first? If so with what? Also, I'm not sure what color it should be. I think it's supposed to be orange but where can I get a good paint that will handle the heat and not chip and be the proper color? The same question applies for the primer if I need one.
Thanks in advance.

You might give this a try.
www.por15.com (http://www.por15.com)

They have a complete line of engine finishes and none require primers.

Also, give these folks a try.
www.eastwoodcompany.com (http://www.eastwoodcompany.com)

[This message has been edited by Randy Mosier (edited 04-24-2002).]

I painted my friends 468 with acrylic enamel hugger orange.
Same paint for the cars body.
Put reducer and hardener and it'll hold up to the heat and the gas..
I didn't prime it and I've never primed my motors either before spraying bc/cc urethane.
Theres no need in it. But you do need to scrub down really good with some wax and grease remover so the paint won't fish eye.
I painted my big block 2 years ago and it's still holding better than ever. Hasn't even discolored around the headers.

RandyB.. www.angelfire.com/ky2/mycars (http://www.angelfire.com/ky2/mycars)

I once heard a while back that painting the block was discouraged because it caused more heat retention...

I can understand that reasoning, but is it really a big deal? I've always just used the spray bomb engine paint. I don't think I've ever had a problem due to the paint, but what about using the BC/CC kind of system or with a primer? Seems like the extra layers might hold in more heat?

Thanks,
Bill C.


------------------
Bill C.
'71 SS (now with 467BBC)
'70 Nova 350/700r4
ACES #2780
Colo Spgs, CO

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BC:
I once heard a while back that painting the block was discouraged because it caused more heat retention...

I can understand that reasoning, but is it really a big deal? I've always just used the spray bomb engine paint. I don't think I've ever had a problem due to the paint, but what about using the BC/CC kind of system or with a primer? Seems like the extra layers might hold in more heat?

Thanks,
Bill C.


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wondered thsi very same thing abiout the POR being that it dries super hard and doesnt breathe. Havent heard any complaints about retaining heat so I assume its not an issue. Saw a 67 SS last weekend at the show and he POR'd his mill. Just brushed it on and it looked absolutely great. He smacked and grinded the side of the mill pretty hard putting on the drivers side manifold on and didnt even so much as scratch it. Im going with the POR when I rebuild.

Even if it did retain a bit of heat you have to remember that these aren't air cooled engines we're dealing with.

Good point. But I figure some heat has to be dispersed with less insulation but I guess its really no different than paint and a hardener. POR is where its at, IMO.

You paint your engine for the same reason you paint anything metal, to keep it from rusting. You southern boys may not appreciate what road salt can do to a car.

My Impala was a Michigan car and the original orange paint on the engine was replaced with rust almost everywhere.

RandyB
Mt Washington! I was living in Bullit Co at the time. My lovely bride is one of those Jefferson Co. "Kentucky women".

------------------
1967 Malibu
1967 Impala SS396 Conv.

"In theory, theory and practice are the same,
but in practice, theory and practice are different."

Hey GaryB what drove you away. Them Bullitt girls aint so bad either. HAHA. Lived in Louisville and got tired of the traffic. Seems everytime I move I go further south..