Paint Color and Type For Engine - Lateral-g Forums

ccracin · #1 01-25-2010, 11:36 AM

We are getting an all aluminum LS3 based engine from Wegner Automotive for our project. We are having a hard time deciding whether to paint the engine or leave it natural aluminum. It is going to have black anodized valve covers similar to these.

It will also have a black anodized accessory drive. The truck is going to be all black. There will be no polish or chrome on it. Under the hood will be painted in satin tones. Probably a satin charcoal or gunmetal color.

Our thoughts are that leaving the natural aluminum engine will give it the race/industrial look which we like, but might present cleaning issues. On the other hand the paint will give it the finished/detailed look and probably be easier to keep up with. What do you guys think?

If the consensus is paint, what process and type of paint do you recommend for painting and aluminum engine? I don't want to have a nightmare on my hands with paint blistering and peeling. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, but I wasn't sure. Mods. feel free to move it if necessary.

Thanks,

ccracin · #2 01-25-2010, 09:09 PM

C'mon guys half a day and only 12 views? Greg hasn't even posted in this thread. I'm offended!

Seriously, I need some opinions. Help!

70rs · #3 01-25-2010, 09:20 PM

If you are going to drive it much then leave it natural. At some point down the road no matter what you do for prep, no matter how careful you are it will peel or crack.
And based on the other colors going on under the hood I think the natural will look better anyway. If you keep the truck clean and do it on a regular basis and don't let grime build up it will be very easy to keep looking good. And down the road when the engins springs a leak (they all do at some time) there won't be any paint to ruin.

customcam · #4 01-25-2010, 09:26 PM

70rs why will it Peel & Crack?

ccracin · #5 01-25-2010, 09:40 PM

Thanks 70. If we were to go with paint, it would be done in pieces so that the paint did not bridge gaps and gaskets. But, I know you make an excellent point. Thanks again.

Anybody else?

customcam · #6 01-25-2010, 09:51 PM

Hi-Temp coatings 1200+ F

70rs · #7 01-25-2010, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by customcam

70rs why will it Peel & Crack?

Have you ever seen one that had regular use that didn't?

With limited use and extreme care, perfect prep and doing it in pieces it will last longer but at some point it will let go. The block expands and contracts differently than the paint, over time it will let go. Small micro fractures let in dirt, moisture, oil or whatever. All of those things work against the paint.
Small chips and scratches appear over time from oil changes, tune ups, general service and use. Exposed edges are a prime point of entry for moisture....painted blocks just don't look good for long. Sure, it will retain some color for decades. But it will only be perfect for a very short time.

I guess it depends on your use of the truck and what you want out of it. Show piece? Cool, do the block. Track truck? Not a good idea.

Just my .02 on it.

Customcam, do you know of a way to help the issues I have mentioned? To make it look better longer? And I ask in all seriousness because I sure don't know all the tricks.

ccracin · #8 01-25-2010, 10:00 PM

Well, from my industrial experience that just means it won't burn off. My concern is heat cycles that cause expansion and contraction that can break the bond of the coating to the substrate. If I were to paint it, I would probably use a self etching zinc wash primer first. Then an epoxy sealer and urethane top coat. Yes/No? That's IF we paint it. Help!

ccracin · #9 01-25-2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs

Have you ever seen one that had regular use that didn't?

With limited use and extreme care, perfect prep and doing it in pieces it will last longer but at some point it will let go. The block expands and contracts differently than the paint, over time it will let go. Small micro fractures let in dirt, moisture, oil or whatever. All of those things work against the paint.
Small chips and scratches appear over time from oil changes, tune ups, general service and use. Exposed edges are a prime point of entry for moisture....painted blocks just don't look good for long. Sure, it will retain some color for decades. But it will only be perfect for a very short time.

I guess it depends on your use of the truck and what you want out of it. Show piece? Cool, do the block. Track truck? Not a good idea.

Just my .02 on it.

Customcam, do you know of a way to help the issues I have mentioned? To make it look better longer? And I ask in all seriousness because I sure don't know all the tricks.

Eric,

I think we are on the same page. You hit submit 1 minute before me.

It's going to be show at first then go. I still don't want it to go to crap. With aluminum I would have alot of options for cleaning from soap to solvent. I'm with you, if there are more tips for longevity, I want to hear it. Thanks again.

70rs · #10 01-25-2010, 10:14 PM

There may be some ways to do it. I really don't know how though. I am not a painter or an expert on it by any stretch. But the combination of heat, paint, solvents (oils and whatever) wear, use ........it all ads up to crappy paint down the road at some point.
Best of luck with it though. I would really like to see it when you get it together.