BB Corvette Engine Paint

[Mark D.]

Joe Raine asked me why I put so much paint on the exhaust manifolds and bellhousing so, I thought I would answer that and stir some discussion on the subject of restoration painting of the motor. I'm no knower of all knowledge but, I painted this one based on what I think I know of the process.

This is a 1967 435 and, IMO, the exhaust manifolds were on the car when the motor was painted as was the bellhousing. Here is a pic John Hinckley has shared with the membership previously...



For whatever reason, evidence shows Tonawanda engines had more complete coverage of the bellhousings although this one has very thin paint on the bottom. The coverage of the outside of the exhaust manifolds is fairly complete (much will burn off immediately when the motor is started) whereas the backside has little or no coverage. Also the side of the block has very little coverage behind the exhaust manifolds. Lastly, I believe the exhaust manifold studs were attached during painting and a very knowledgeable member here has shown me original studs with orange paint...







The back of the water pump and the front of the timing chain cover were very thin in coverage...

[Mark D.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

The spark plugs were installed during paint and although protected, there is often overspray on them so, I tried to do just that...



That same knowledgeable member I mentioned previously, showed me pics of original valve covers that had lots of runs in them so I tried to reproduce a few on each side of these. I found it tough to reproduce an accurate run...

[Mark D.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

I've always had the impression that overspray on an aluminum intake manifold was more of a sharp break line...









Anyhow...that's why I did what I did.

[Bob D.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

Mark

Nice pics. Thanks. I have been working under my '71 BB for some time. I am the second owner--bought it with 8,000 miles on it in '72 and the motor and trans have never been out of the car. There is quite a bit of paint on the bell housing--all over it--with less on the bottom. Also, as you mentioned, paint behind the exhaust manifolds was very light. Thanks for the info.

[Patrick N.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

I did the same with my 68 L68 based on the original coverage (what I believe to be the original). Trans.jpg

[Dick W.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

Do ya like the paint?

[Mark D.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

Yup, Farmer...not too glossy

[Jim M.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

EXCELLENT post, Mark! Thanks, Jim

[Michael H.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

I like it Mark. Looks very close to what these engines looked like when new. I painted the most current engine that was installed in the 67 12 mile L88 car and it looks much like yours. I even added an intentional run on the left side valve cover. (I don't think Burroughs liked it though)

If you look closely at the Tonawanda picture, you can see a contraption that is attached to the front of the engine. Part of that contraption covers much/most of the water pump bypass hose. Orange paint can be seen at each end of the hose and on part of the clamps. The paint line is more defined though. Not much mist/overspray on the center section of the hose.

Follow the contraption down and you will see a plate attached to it that covers the stamp pad on the block.

I'm not sure on the painted exhaust manifold studs. I think Flint engines were painted with the studs in place but the studs for Tonawanda big blocks were installed at the St Louis plant??? The 67 AIM should show this.

I agree 100% on the amount of paint coverage on the exhaust manifolds. If the folks that think there was just a "little paint on the upper end of the manifold" could see how much material flows out of a pressure feed spray system, they would understand why it would impossible to paint any part of the sides of the engine without completely coating the outer side and ends of the manifold.
If manifolds are properly prepared, the paint will burn to black but won't immediately burn off. The coating will last for a long time. "Properly prepared" includes a lacquer thinner wash after the manifolds are glass/sand blasted. If not cleaned, the paint will flake off.

[John H.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

I'm not sure on the painted exhaust manifold studs. I think Flint engines were painted with the studs in place but the studs for Tonawanda big blocks were installed at the St Louis plant??? The 67 AIM should show this.

Michael -

The studs were installed at Tonawanda as part of the manifold machining process, just as they were at Flint V-8.

[Mark D.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

If you look closely at the Tonawanda picture, you can see a contraption that is attached to the front of the engine. Part of that contraption covers much/most of the water pump bypass hose. Orange paint can be seen at each end of the hose and on part of the clamps. The paint line is more defined though. Not much mist/overspray on the center section of the hose.

Follow the contraption down and you will see a plate attached to it that covers the stamp pad on the block.

I see that, Cranky. I'll address that when the car comes back from paint. BTW, this coupe is being painted with a Marina Blue Factory Pack.

[Steve B.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

Mark,
Great post! I have always believed that the manifolds/bellhousing had more coverage than is currently accepted. I think it looks great.

[Joe R.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

Mark,

Great thread! I need to paint my L72 engine. This is the best thread I have seen on this topic!

Joe

[Keith B.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

looks great that will help when its time for me to paint dads 67 L68. what brand of paint did you use

[Mark D.]

Re: BB Corvette Engine Paint

I got a PPG code from Dick Whittington, got a rattle can from LI Corvette, Quanta and Duplicolor. In the end, I went with Dupli-Color Chevy Orange for a couple reasons. First, the gloss was more on the satin side and the color was orange without the red undertones. The final result, although difficult to see in the pics, is right on (at least as I remember these motors in the day.) My recollection is of a big pumpkin...orange all the way.

Here is a video of the motor on the dyno where it cranked out 444 HP and 513 lb ft...