Exhaust manifolds

[Ed P.]

I am putting my stock exhaust manifolds back on and would like to paint them or coat them to the look of original without the overspray. Any suggestions what will look correct. Thanks Ed

[Mike M.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

what year? SBC or BBC? mike

[Ed P.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

Small block 71

[Donald B.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

Two suggestions:

1. Contact Jerry at Camaro Hi-Performance and have them refurbish them.

2. Someone suggested bead blasting them and immediately "soaking" them in WD-40 several times over a period of a week or so.

I plan on trying method #2 in the near future.

[Ed P.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

I am looking for a more maintence free coating. They had some stuff at carlisle called caylx I think that you rub on by hand.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

The only problem with Calyx is that it nevers sets. It is always wet to the touch and will wipe off anytime you touch it.

Gary

[Patrick H.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

How bad to they look now? Could you post a picture?

I've not been a huge fan of bead blasting them, nor of any paint or Calyx-type coating.

My latest method is to bring them to the local engine machine shop. They put them in the shot blast cabinet for a while, and they look great. I then have the block mating surface trued, and take them home. Once home, I apply liberal amounts of (you guessd it, Gary) Pre-Lube 6. Yes, it may have to be reapplied on occasion, but I've found it to be the most "natural" appearance one can get.

FYI, it will smoke off when you first start the engine.

Patrick

[Joe Cauvin]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

I've used POR-15/ cast iron paint and they looked AWESOME. I've always thought that painted manifolds looked very artificial. Although you can never copy the look of cast iron exactly with paint, this stuff looked really good! Best part is, it will look good for 10 years.

[Barbara S.]

PreLube 6

I have to agree with Patrick. I did as he instructs and my exhaust manifolds continue to look great. I think the PreLube 6 is the way to go.

JMHO.
Tony

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

No surprise that Patrick recommends PreLube 6. I use it too, based on his suggestion a few year ago. However, to say it smokes is like saying a Pit Bull is not a very nice dog! Do the burn off out doors and on a windy day.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

Actually, I've done it in the garage the times I've done it, but at least the door was open.

Patrick

[Lyle24961]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

I use WD-40 and the results are the same and you can buy it locally and save a buck. Nothing wrong with bead blasting if you lower the pressure use plastic,corncobs,walnut shucks,glass,or black beauty. The media and pressure controls the result.
Lyle

[Patrick H.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

Lyle,

You're correct about the media and pressure. But, since I don't (yet) have my own cabinet, the local shop's shot blaster works well.

I've tried a few different oil-based solutions, and the Pre-Lube 6 has still worked the best for me. FWIW.

Patrick

[Ed P.]

Re: Exhaust manifolds

Ok thanks guys you have great ideas as usual.