Paint or not to paint manifold?

[r15303]

Time to re-attach the exhaust manifolds on my 70 Chally R/T 440 6pack.  I've heard paint black, grey and no paint.  Figured you guys would give me the correct scoop.         If they are painted, where can I get the correct color in high temp paint?
Thanks

[72hemi]

I have 2 sets of hipo big block manifolds that I first had balsted and then painted with POR-15 exhaust manifold coating. The coating matched the orignal cast iron pretty well. The only problem was that after I installed them an ran the engine for the the first couple of outings the manifolds released a funny odor, but are fine now. I would highly recommend this process.

[r15303]

Thanks 72hemi   Where can I get this paint?  Is it a spray?

[Robb]

I did the no-paint once and then the spotty rust started coming back, and looking not-so-great.

This last time, I used a hi-temp cast iron color of paint that I got at Autozone (or the like), with several coats, and it still looks great and doesnt necessarily "look" painted.  Very happy with result and was easy to apply.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I would definitely paint them. I know Eastwood sells a silver paint for it, that is probably the same stuff 72hemi used.   If not, I have used POR-15 on my engine, and I love the stuff!! Just don't get it on you.   If you left it unpainted, it would only get rusty, which doesn't look so great.  


  Mike

P.S.- POR-15 is put on by a brush.   http://www.por15.com/

[72hemi]

The stuff is brush on and I got mine at my local body/paint supply store, but they carry the POR-15 line many don't. Here is the direct website to the stuff I used. Good luck.

http://www.por15.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1457/.f

[r15303]

thanks - looks like the POR-15 is available in black, grey, silver and clear.  Which did you guys use?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

thanks - looks like the POR-15 is available in black, grey, silver and clear.  Which did you guys use?

I have only used their engine paint. I would imagine silver would be what you want(natural color), but it's really up to you. Maybe you want to match best with engine bay color? 

  Mike

[Chryco Psycho]

I use the Eastwood or Por 15 natural grey iron color , either works well