L79 INTAKE MANIFOLD

[John F.]

The manual says the intake on the 350hp 327 is "painted" silver. When I asked some local chapter members what the correct silver paint was they looked at me like I suggested chrome plating the thing. I was then told the correct finish is a natural unpainted finish. I know a guy who can "re-skin" it. Anybody know what the correct finish is, it definitely needs restored. Thanks

[Jerry]

Re: L79 INTAKE MANIFOLD

Hi John:


I can't respond to your question regarding the "correct" finish but might point out that if natural is the general opinion the reskinning process is by far the way to go, I had my 400 hp intake reskinned by Corvette Craft four years ago, it still looks as new and resists any stains and cleans easily and that's four years and 6,000 miles BTW.


Good Luck


Jerry.

[Gene M.]

Re: L79 INTAKE MANIFOLD

John, Odd as it sounds GM did paint the L79 manifolds silver. As a general rule coverage was skimpy at best. I am under the impression that the silver was just to cover up the overspray from the orange paint. Application of silver paint around the outer edges of the manifold appears to be more prevalent. The water neck (which is cast iron) was also shot with silver.

[John F.]

Re: L79 INTAKE MANIFOLD

Hey Jerry & Gene,


You both make good points and good sense. I stripped off a couple of old coats of silver paint and the manifold looks a little rough underneath. I guess that's why it had so much paint on it. I think I'll have it re-skinned and after installation it might catch some paint on the edges if necessary to make it right. Thanks much!!


John

[John H.]

Re: L79 INTAKE MANIFOLD

My '65 L-79 (bought unmolested from the original owner in '67) had no paint whatsoever on the intake manifold - just natural aluminum. Must have been built at Flint Engine on Friday night or Monday morning.......


John

[Jack H.]

Same....

My '65 L78 intake wasn't painted except for rather ragged in some places, crisp in other places, Chevy Orange along the sides. It seems we change opinion on natural, silver paint at edges, silver paint overall, Etc. Might actually be that ALL methods were done over time based on engine source plant (Flint/Tonawanda), engine specifics, QA/QC campaign current in plant, Etc.


Personally, I find it hard to swallow that the engine would be shot with Chevy orange to preserve/protect and beautify the engine compartment, on high horse small blocks a pretty set of aluminum valve covers would go on without paint, the aluminum intake would be FULLY painted silver over natural aluminum, then the valley between the valve covers and the intake would be left natural steel to QUICKLY pick up surface rust and destroy the cosmetics of the surrounding parts.


But, hey! What can ya say? Some think this is the way it was....