Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

I think I know the result, but is it more desirable to leave the exhaust in natural cast or paint with high temp paint. Not going for show points but just a good looking engine for an every day.
Ed

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Unpainted cast iron rusts, and its shape makes it difficult to clean, so if you want it to stay rust-free then some kind of protective paint is a good idea.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Cast blast his temp is a good silverish compromise.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

oops, Cast Blast high temp is good silverish compromise.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Check with your local powder coater to see what "natural" colors they offer in the way of high temperature coatings. It will outlast anything out of a can.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Sounds crazy but I use Slip- Plate. Once cured it is very durable. Gives a nice matte graphite sheen. Don't get it on a painted surface, you will never get it off.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...52eed6eb51.jpg

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Another thing, the intake and exhaust have been assembled and ground flat. I hate to take them apart just to coat the exhaust. Any thoughts? Also is there a reason to spot face the washer surfaces so they are flat to the mounting surfaces.
Ed

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Those coatings that require a high temperature cure can be cured in your outdoor grill.

Blockhead, That is a beautiful engine. Did the plugs come with the copper tops or did you add those?

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

I've had good results from Calyx paste as long as the manifold is reasonably clean to begin with:

LINKS:

https://www.eastwood.com/calyx-manif...ting-3-oz.html

https://www.eastwood.com/garage/two-...ron-manifolds/

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

I used Cerakote, it holds up for years.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

I use stove black and it still looks good after many years of running.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

I'd check with those who've done thiers years ago, after lots of miles. Because when the coating starts to burn off or wear it then looks really ugly. It doesn't come off/burn evenly. I replaced mine with a repro about 10 years ago. Left it natural, it has an even rust color to it. I think it looks "right". However, my car is definitely a driver. My $.02

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Not as long as the washers are flat, don't have ridges from when they were stamped.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Haha, Busted. Those are Champion W18 Plugs with copper pipe caps that I polished to dress up the engine for car shows. "Faux" 3X's.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...772663bb10.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3480bba81a.jpg

Thanks for the compliment.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Great idea. Probably keep curious fingers away from the running engine.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

Very cool, love it!

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

http://www.advancepainttech.com/

They have an incredible hi temp coating. Used it on three vehicles including my A. I think they do some coating for Snyders.

Nice people and great coating.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

D - did you polish the brass spark strips too? 😉 Way too much time on your hands.

I have to admit to being hit with a dose of practicality. As cool as the original cap and strips are, a couple of weeks ago I installed a modern cap and wires to try to reduce RF interference with the CB I use on tours with the club. Too early to tell if it’s effective, haven’t been out on a tour with anyone to talk to yet.

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

I have been told the more than once...

Re: Painted or natural cast exhaust manifold
 

I also used CALEX manifold dressing. Applied it on my installed manifold. It had an odor when hot for a time after application. Good results with a clean look!