Cleaning an aluminum engines (LS-1) exterior ?

[Tim john---]

Good day all, I have a 2004 GTO LS-1 engine for my project and the engines aluminum is stained, blotchy, dark spots etc.. I have washed it thoroughly, no grease, no oil, no debris. Engine is complete ready to install but is there something that I can use to pretty it up better. It is just weathered. We use to use a product called "Renewsit" on the farm semi fuel tanks that I have not tried yet, do you have any additional reccomendations or processes. Thank You. Tim john---

[Che70velle]

Is the engine still together, or is is apart?

[BMR Sales]

Sounds like it is together if he is ready to install it

[Che70velle]

Originally Posted by BMR Sales

Sounds like it is together if he is ready to install it

Lol...I guess I should have carefully read the entire post first, huh?

TJ, I sprayed my aluminum engine with a mag wheel cleaner, which contains sulfuric acid. The stuff is harsh, the fumes will harm you, and it will cause unpainted steel/iron to rust almost immediately, if you get the spray on it.
BUT it will make the aluminum a consistent, uniform finish. Will it stay that way? No. All of these aluminum engines turn that way eventually. I guess if you coated the engine with a sealer afterward, it wouldn't do that, but I'm guessing.
I tried other cleaners/degreasers first, like Greased Lightening, and Purple Power, but the spotting still remained. It was like new when I installed it, but 500 miles later, it's back spotty again. I'm sure there are other options out there, but just saying what I used.

[SBDave]

Someone else on this website just painted their aluminum engine block to prevent the exterior look deteriorating due to corrosion etc. So maybe paint it a "cast aluminum" color? .... just a thought

Dave

[Tim john---]

Thanks guys. Engine is ready to fire but still on stand ready to go in. If I can't get it to look presentable it will get painted Pontiac blue for a 69 Firebird. Please keep the ideas flowing. Thank You. Tj-