C1 - Aluminum Intake Manifold Restoration

[Brad K.]

What are the proper techniques and cleaning tools/materials for restoring an aluminum intake. It's gas and oil stained pretty well. I know it's improper to sand or bead blast it, or to paint it. So...how do the do-it-yourselfers among you do it? Or, should I throw in the towel and send it out to a professional? If so.....who?
Brad
#18060

[Craig S.]

Re: C1 - Aluminum Intake Manifold Restoration

Brad - best to go to Jerry MacNeish at Camaro High Performance.....many happy campers here....see link below....Craig




Camaro High Performance- Aluminum Restoration

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 - Aluminum Intake Manifold Restoration

You should take it off and send it to Jerry MacNeish. It'll cost you, both time and money, but it'll come out great. If you don't want to do that, take off the air cleaner, and go at it with a strong cleaner like Simple Green and a toothbrush. Not as nice as MacNeish's, but it'll pleasantly surprise you.

[Dave Suesz]

I've got away with it...

Chris' suggestion for cleaning is right on, and won't disturb the engine. I would add, after a thorough degreasing, use the toothbrush and "Cameo aluminum and stainless steel cleaner" from the supermarket. Don't get this inside the engine! Unless the manifold is really bad, this will make it look great. Worst case, if the corrosion is too bad for the Cameo to work, (and I have done it many times) is pull the manifold, remove EVERYTHING- plugs, bolts, sensors, right down to the original casting. Use NEW beads, at 30 psi. Hose and scrub with warm water for at least 1/2 hour. Air blast dry. Repeat wash and dry. manifold will look better than new. Remember, this stuff was sand cast to begin with, so proper cleaning is key.

[Gary B.]

Another reskinning guru

In addition to Jerry MacNeish, I've used the services of Don Dorfman. Don has been reskinning aluminum intakes, bell housings, etc., for many years and some of the old timers probably remember him. Don can be reached via e-mail at nw_guy4_fun@yahoo.com. Don reskinned my L79 intake a few years ago and it came our perfect. I don't know how Don's prices or turn around times compare with Jerry's, but Don does 1st class work.

Gary

[Craig S.]

Re: Another reskinning guru

Good point Gary, I had lost his email address. He is cheaper by about 25-35% from Jerry, last I checked. Don wanted $85-95 for a manifold, Jerry is $125-135 as I recall.....Craig

[Gary B.]

Another reskinning guru

Craig,

When Don did my L79 intake in July of 2002, the cost was $75 plus shipping. With inflation and likely increases in hazardous waste displosal, etc., I can see how his prices would be higher now. But his work is top notch.

Gary

[Craig S.]

Re: Another reskinning guru

Thx Gary!....Craig