C1 / 270 / engine paint question

[Joel M.]

Should the exposed cast iron cylinder head surface between the intake manifold and the valve cover be left bare or painted engine color? Thank you.

[Bill B.]

Re: C1 / 270 / engine paint question

Joel, this response certainly won't answer your question but you can bet it will be rusty in time if you leave it bare and your car sits long periods and is exposed to any humidity. I cannot believe they would have allowed this when building the motors but what do I know? Just a thought which can be dangerous at my age.

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 / 270 / engine paint question

Practice depends on year of car and this specific area is usually addressed in the NCRS Judging Guide for that year car. Basically you'll find some books call for the 'valley' to be natural while others say, in that time period it was 'touched' with silver....

[Bernard M.]

Re: C1 / 270 / engine paint question

In judging of early cars that I've witnessed, even the aluminum 2x4 intake manifolds are expected to display some engine color overspray from paint having been applied in this area. I'd expect it to be painted engine color.

[Joel M.]

Re: C1 / 270 / engine paint question

Jack

The 57 JG does not address this. I have been told that the paint mask on aluminum valve cover engines ran from outside cover one side to outside cover on the other side but would like to confirm. This question arises from the fact that I have dual four intake that I believe is unmolested that displays paint traces along this margin. Would one conclude that this manifold came from a 270 passenger car with painted steel covers? Regards--Joel Miller