paint the intake?

Paint it, put it on the shelf, then bolt an 8-71 on the engine. Solved.

First, thanks for the mentions gentlemen!

The O.P. didn't say if the shop is installing a new or used Edelbrock so I'll assume it's a new one on the fresh build.

It looks beautiful straight out of the box for sure. The problem is that it won't stay that way for very long. Aluminum oxidizes immediately, and coupling that with new engine break-in and the typical fuel leaks and spills while dialing everything in only adds to the fray, especially on a six pack with its carb tuning challenges.

As soon as it gets up to temp the discoloration will start happening and will never stop since aluminum is a very porous metal that absorbs all liquids. The metal needs to be sealed with something because it will get dingy, dull and splotchy within a few months, and trying to clean it on the engine (especially in the narrow recesses between the carbs where most fuel pooling happens) is no easy task ... and it will just get nasty again anyway shortly thereafter.

If it has never been used, a clear coat will protect it. Not being a painter I won't recommend any commercial spray clears because the ones I've seen through the years always turn yellow eventually. Maybe someone can chime in with a good one that doesn't.

If it is used, clearing it without outgassing it first for a few hours is also a waste of time. Once it heats up, even after a good blasting, all the discoloration and splotchiness will come back except it will be under the clear. Forever.

I will not try to talk you into anything because it's not how I roll. All I can do is present the facts and let you make your own decision. If your time is valuable and you want your six pack to look fabulous for decades with no / minimal maintenance, then maybe a professional metal finisher will be the way to go.

I have a few examples here both brand new and very well used. The SBC Offy and the STR-12 Before Pics are simply to illustrate what your six pack will look like eventually if it's left in raw aluminum. The Afters speak for themselves.

I hope this helps with your decision.

Very classy. If I still had mine I’d opt for the aluminum look powder coating.

CudaChick1968 said:

First, thanks for the mentions gentlemen!

The O.P. didn't say if the shop is installing a new or used Edelbrock so I'll assume it's a new one on the fresh build.

It looks beautiful straight out of the box for sure. The problem is that it won't stay that way for very long. Aluminum oxidizes immediately, and coupling that with new engine break-in and the typical fuel leaks and spills while dialing everything in only adds to the fray, especially on a six pack with its carb tuning challenges.

As soon as it gets up to temp the discoloration will start happening and will never stop since aluminum is a very porous metal that absorbs all liquids. The metal needs to be sealed with something because it will get dingy, dull and splotchy within a few months, and trying to clean it on the engine (especially in the narrow recesses between the carbs where most fuel pooling happens) is no easy task ... and it will just get nasty again anyway shortly thereafter.

If it has never been used, a clear coat will protect it. Not being a painter I won't recommend any commercial spray clears because the ones I've seen through the years always turn yellow eventually. Maybe someone can chime in with a good one that doesn't.

If it is used, clearing it without outgassing it first for a few hours is also a waste of time. Once it heats up, even after a good blasting, all the discoloration and splotchiness will come back except it will be under the clear. Forever.

I will not try to talk you into anything because it's not how I roll. All I can do is present the facts and let you make your own decision. If your time is valuable and you want your six pack to look fabulous for decades with no / minimal maintenance, then maybe a professional metal finisher will be the way to go.

I have a few examples here both brand new and very well used. The SBC Offy and the STR-12 Before Pics are simply to illustrate what your six pack will look like eventually if it's left in raw aluminum. The Afters speak for themselves.

I hope this helps with your decision.

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You're right about the aluminum turning bad, it took several times for me to get it. I have spent more money on finishing the look of an engine, than many spend on the whole engine, everything Aluminum. One leaky hose and that's the end of it, never mind that it just ages to a dull waste of money look. I have used por-15 clear coat, but nothing beats what you can do, Period. To me cost doesn't matter if I don't have to revisit the problem down the road, once and done!! You do stellar work!!!

Nice pic of the Jenson version of the 440!

Cudachick for president!

Moparfeind said:

Cudachick for president!

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I love your confidence there Mr. Feind but had to lodge a formal disagreement with your motion. Lol!!! I already have my hands full here.

Thanks for the kind words guys! I love you all muahhhhhhhh

Give yourself a red x? Some people will do anything for attention!

MoparGuy68 said:

I was going to buy AMD valve covers, but found out their 71 covers are unavailable. They, as in AMD, told me the last batch they made were defective, and couldn’t tell me when they’d be making any more..

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How did you miss Kim selling his set for $75. I almost bought them for that price and they were painted.

davek said:

How did you miss Kim selling his set for $75. I almost bought them for that price and they were painted.

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I declined to purchase Kim’s. I saw the AMD 71 covers and decided I’d get a set of those instead of Kim’s. Only to find out the AMD 71 are no longer available.. Which I discovered after Kim sold his.

I thought being unpainted I could ensure they would match my air cleaner lid when I paint it and the valve covers at the same time. Also the AMD shouldn’t of had any rust between the baffles and underside of the valve covers. Oh well..

paint or powdercoat it

to paint or not to paint ?
that is the question

I chose not to
(I do like the Cudachick look)

it performs a lot different, than a OE look & style too
I didn't paint the alum. heads either
I wasn't after an OE look either (obviously)

I like the mechanical look & day 2 look of aluminum products