intake manifold help

[mattman4x4]

Hi all,
My lovely wife bought me a Edelbrock intake manifold for X-mass. It’s the basic cast aluminium rough finish, what’s the best way to prevent the manifold from oxidizing, staining, and getting messed up? I was thinking of just painting it with engine paint.

Thanks for your suggestions in advance Matt
moderator please move to garage!

 

[adamforsythe]

I was told the clear stain (spray cans) that you buy at the hardware stores.

 

[chulisohombre]

i never put anything on mine.still looks the same as when i installed it,except for the dirt and grime i never get around to cleaning off of it.i didnt think i had to do anything to it.if you run your engine it wont let water or anything sit on it long enough to oxidise it.i have seen them painted with before and come out pretty good if you want to color match your block.im not sure of that method though,sorry.

 

[GsxrMike]

I've never done anything to mine either. They get a little dirty but thats about it. If you are going for "show" then paint it. But the paint is going to get dirty too. If you are concerned with it looking good for resale or something after you use it you can always sand blast it!

 

[phreddei166]

VHT aluminum rattle can.

 

[pauly383]

I never thought to paint iron heads aluminum

 

[mattman4x4]

I think I will just give it a coating of engine clear coat, thanks for all the advice...cheers
Matt

 

[k30bb468]

Don't use clear , it will discolor from the heat generated by an aluminum intake. (yes even the high temp stuff)
Use VHT satin aluminum engine enamel, it's hard to tell the difference between it an a freshly glass beaded aluminum surface , plus it is gas & oil resistant.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Take it to your local powder coating shop and have it powder coated clear. The spray clear does turn a yellowish color in a short amount of time and looks like crap.

 

[mattman4x4]

Thanks Thats what Ill use.....VHT satin aluminum engine enamel!

 

[4xcrazy]

don't install it on a dirty, greasy, leaky engine....