66 Intake Manifold Paint

[P.J. McGrath]

I am in the process of detailing the engine of my 66 L72. In the new judging manual it states on page 59 that, "Aluminum manifolds and the exposed portion of the cylinder heads are painted silver." On page 70 the manual states," L72 425 hp intakes are unpainted aluminium." Should the manifold be painted or unpainted? Also, what would be the best method of removing the layers of paint that presently cover the manifold without damaging the finish? Thanks - P.J.

[Dave Suesz]

I can't wait to see this...

This has gotta be a typo, I can't imagine Chevy wasting paint covering an aluminum manifold with silver paint.

[Terry M.]

see this

Dave,

I can't tell you about 1966, but 1970-1972 LT1 aluminum intake manifolds were painted with aluminum paint by Flint. I believe the purpose was to cover red overspray from the general engine painting operation. Moreover, they painted the rear of the engine behind the intake, red with a brush on the first several months of 1970 LT1 engine production. No doubt the cost of that hand operation was behind its short span.

[Wayne Kindschy]

Re: 66 Intake Manifold Paint

P.J.,

Can't answer your question about whether or not it should be painted. My L79 manifold had a clear type coating I didn't like and I wanted it to be natural so I used paint stripper to clean it up and it came out looking real nice.

Wayne

[Dave Suesz]

Amazing...

I always belived that the factory simply left some overspray on the edges of the manifold, at least on many show cars I have seen, there was some very carefully applied overspray.

In contrast, my 1997 family car engine has no paint on the aluminum intake, and the iron heads are raw unpainted- and rusty.

[Terry M.]

Re: Amazing...

I think that their practices varied with the time of build and the destination of the engine. I.E. Chevrolet full size, Chevelle, Camaro, Nova or Corvette could have different levels of cosmetic care. Gives meaning to the expression: "Most generalizations are not true, including this one."

[John M.]

Re: 66 Intake Manifold Paint

PJ.
I believe the idea was to paint the part of the head between the valve cover and the intake and just the edge of the intake. I have some good notes on this for a 66 that I had in another computer and will look for them for you tonight.

[Joe L.]

Re: I can't wait to see this...

Dave-----

In 1968 I factory-ordered and purchased a brand new Chevelle SS 396 with L-78 engine and M-22 transmission. My roomate at the time was a foreman at the GM plant in Fremont, CA and he followed my car down the line as it was being built late one evening. Since the dealership where I ordered it was in Fremont, too, I took delivery of the car 3 days later. The aluminum manifold of that car was completely painted with a semi-dull silver paint the day that I took delivery.

[Dave Suesz]

All I can say is WOW! *NM*