I couldn't think of where else to put this,

i am thinking about painting my engine block. anyone done this already?

can it be done?

what paint/supplies do i need?

I've painted blocks before, but not aluminum ones. I'm thinking that you won't get good adhesion without a lot of prep work. Cleaning the block is the biggest key, you should be able to eat off it.

heh, well, you pretty much have to paint cast iron blocks. either you do or it will rust and fall out the car six months later.

i just want to be an asshat and paint my aluminum engine. how is it done?

Ask any body shop what primer they use for painting aluminum body panels. Apply said primer, apply paint, sit back and admire. Keep in mind, anything but black will retain heat.

ncp, i am thinkign about chevy orange, jsut to be an asshat. :D

ps-don't forget to use high temp paint

I think you should polish it instead.




Don't forget to block off all holes with tape.

As said above primer is key when painting various materials. If painting plastic you will need to find a primer designed to stick to plastic. If stainless . . ., if aluminum . .

In the case of a motor you will need to find a heat resistant primer as well.

You could get it powder coated :)

i ran out of time on the build. so it's plain ole aluminum.

the next one will be polished....

Beadblast and/or use a fine polishing sand blast and then have it sent for a nice powdercoat! Have a clear coat applied afterwards for a prestine shine and great durability.

Why Brian don't chrome plate? :)

I was watching a tv show where they did a how-to on painting engine blocks and they used regualr automotive paint. The said that most of the heat is in the heads and that hi-temp paint for the block wasn't necessary.

rather use hi temp paint, because the block does heat up, and wouldn't want to paint it again.

I've seen blocks painted, but after 3 months, on daily driver, it looks like booty. and then with dirt and all, i just don't see the point for all that work, unless your some crazy car show guy.

powdercoating would be nice to, but what about the disapating heat. do you guys know if after powdercoat cures, it will melt under high heat? I don't think it would, cause guys powdercoat there ic pipes, and valve covers all the time.

powdercoat doesn't melt

Yeah, I think my BBQ grill is even powder coated ;)

Why Brian don't chrome plate? :)

why don't you pay for it?


it's too late anyway, the motor is in the car already.

i ran out of time to do anythign with it.

next motor will be wacky, probably chevy orange to piss people off.....powdercoated....or maybe i'll just have the whole thing polished. dunno yet. that's next years project.....500 hp....

A scientific approach would be to paint it BLACK as in "black body radiation" The engine will disapate more heat.

Bare block would disipate the most heat. Any paint will cause the block to hold a small amount of heat like insulation.

i vote polished. look way better than any paint scheme you try to come up with.

~Josh~

Here is a motor CUE Auto Restyling has built

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/Whiteghost25/DSCF0001.jpg