Engine Color

[Phatsalmon]

OK, this ought to start a great discussion. The question is "what is the color of and engine in a 1984 K20". I have completely rebuilt this four bolt 3/8" valve HD engine. This vehicle is a survivor that has no dents, rust or bad paint. It has been taken care of. I want to make this keep the looks of coming off the showroom floor right down to the hubcaps. The only change to this Scottsdale is I would like to put gauges in the cab where the idiot lights go. Can this be done fairly easy?

 

[1979jimmy350]

engines of that era should be GM corprate Blue

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

That's what I was thinking

 

[Phatsalmon]

The block is Black though. I thought it should be blue. Maybe at some time a crate was put in the vehicle. However I doubt it due to the fact that all the original wiring harnesses were intact including the lower spark plug wire holders. The machine shop started arguing that it should be orange. But blue is probably correct. Thanks.

 

[1979jimmy350]

The block is Black though. I thought it should be blue. Maybe at some time a crate was put in the vehicle. However I doubt it due to the fact that all the original wiring harnesses were intact including the lower spark plug wire holders. The machine shop started arguing that it should be orange. But blue is probably correct. Thanks.

yea the machne shop does nto know what its taking about then, my 79 had the orginal engine and it was blue my 74 was orange on the orginal engine so the 80's were defently blue

 

[76zimmer]

I'm pretty sure my 85 was black, and I got it new.

 

[k20]

my 87 was black....

 

[lochenjons]

Doesnt orange usually mean its been rebuilt? I heard that somewhere didnt know if it was true or not...

 

[bigblock72]

Orange until '75, corporate blue until '85ish and black after that.

 

[Tominator II]

My 84 Impalas engine is black and it is stock. Black supposedly transmits heat better(runs cooler) too.

 

[76zimmer]

Doesnt orange usually mean its been rebuilt? I heard that somewhere didnt know if it was true or not...

Only if thats what they wanted to paint it.
IIRC Chevys were Orange in the 60-70's til maybe 75 or 76. Then the corporate blue came in for a few years, then black from mid 80's up.

 

[76zimmer]

wow triple play.