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I'm considering having Jerry MacNeish at Camaro Hi-Performance "reskin" my exhaust manifolds. I believe members here have posted on this. But that information is old, I want to hear the opinions again to determine if anything's changed.
How much does it cost to do 2 rams head manifolds?
Jerry does not actually "reskin" the manifolds. I'm not sure if that's possible or, even, a condition that existed to begin with.
Jerry's process involves the application of a "high temperature coating" of some sort to the manifolds. This is followed by a user-applied painting with VHT Flame Proof "cast blast" paint. The paint is supplied with the returned manifolds.
After on-car curing, I believe that this will provide for long-term, rust free manifolds that appear like "new". I had my big block manifolds done by Jerry and I was happy with the finished product. Unfortunately, mine have not be cured yet or used, so I can't say anything beyond what I've said from my own knowledge.
Try lightly beadblasting, apply multiple dippings of Ospho (dilluted phospuric acid)machine head surfaces to true eliminating gaskets, chase threads, coat with a Jet hi temp coating from Protech? Looks awesome pretty inexpensive and long lasting finish.
i'm also most likely sending mine out to Jerry this winter for reskinning along with my intake and valve covers.
Jerry quoted me $210 for the pair on the exhaust manifolds. I think shipping was extra if I remember correctly.
I tried another suggestion, and I am very happy with the results. I had an original set of 901/902 cast iron manifolds bead blasted. Then I really soaked them in WD40. After this dried, I repeated it several times. About a week later, I applied a blush of Chevy engine red, and bolted them on. It's been over two years now, and I drive it a lot. You be the judge.
I go to car shows and see some really awful manifolds with hi-temp this or that slathered on, battleship gray or worse, designed to make your manifolds look NEW!!
This what I'm after. Not new, but not rusty and abused. I think they look darned good.
There is an article on this topic in the "Restorer" 2003 Winter issue. It was written by Greg Ellis. I found it to be quite informative. He suggests blasting the manifolds with #70 grit sand. He then experimented by trying several different products. His opinion was that Calyx Manifold dressing was the best product. I've seen this product advertised in Eckler's. The product is applied with a cloth. The claims is that very little upkeep is required. Good luck. Give us an update when your done.
As a mechanical judge, I deduct if I can identify there is a non- tfp (typical factory production) coating on the manifolds. That is generally easy since a rub will transfer some of the black coating to my fingers. I don't deduct for Calyx as a brand, I deduct for a coating since originally the exhaust manifolds were uncoated.
Yes, I know some years/engines the exhaust manifolds were painted orange/red with the rest of the assembly. We are talking here about a coating that is not the residue of orange/red paint.
On the other hand if you don’t enter your car in NCRS or Bloomington Gold ® judging – suit yourself.
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