What do yall use to paint your engine blocks?

[Skunksmash]

When getting an engine all ready and prep'd up to go in a nice engine bay, most people of course will paint the engine block. My question is,  what kind of paint do most people use to paint it? I get the impression that most people use those spray paint cans that are labeled "High temp engine paint" or something like that. They can be found at any wal mart, oriellys or autozone. I really dont know of any alternatives. Perhaps powder coating or something? Maybe some people buy high temp paint from the paint shop and spray like you would a body paint job? I ask cause i got ahold of an old block that i want to start building up for when my motor finally kicks it. It's already back from the machine shop, a buddy had it all worked over but went another way with something else. So he sold it to me for cheap. Supposedly it originally came out of an oldsmobile, so i am thinking of painting it gold. So what would be the best looking, most glossy, most durable paint to use when painting this block?

[BigBadJohn]

At one time I was thinking of rebuilding an engine for a camaro I sold. I wanted to make the entire engine flat black and was considering powder coating it myself. I was told by some guys on a camaro board not to use plastic-based powder coat as it could heat up enough to melt and become liquid

[VileZambonie]

Just clean it VERY good and use rustoleum. High temp rattle can paint is garbage.

[82k5diesel]

I agree prep is number 1 important. Doesnt matter what you use if you dont prep and make sure it is clean nothing will stick for very long. Oven cleaner works great. We used the same paint on the block as on the body on my buddys 51 ford and after 6 years still looks great.

[1HI4x4]

I have used base and clear just like I use on the body and have had great success with it.

[Skunksmash]

Sweet. So just take it to the body shop and have them do it. Easy. And probly cheap as well. Kinda weird though, i never thought that just plain old car paint would stand up to that temperature. Do you know if they have to primer it like a car? Or do they just spray on the paint and then some clear?

[1HI4x4]

Sweet. So just take it to the body shop and have them do it. Easy. And probly cheap as well. Kinda weird though, i never thought that just plain old car paint would stand up to that temperature. Do you know if they have to primer it like a car? Or do they just spray on the paint and then some clear?

I primered mine just like the body, everyone said it would discolor around the exhaust but it never did. I'll be painting another one this fall that goes in my current truck.

[exilous]

Wow, i never would have guessed rustoleum or regular car paint would work. So I should probably return the cans of high temp engine paint I bought?

[Skunksmash]

Anyone else know if you are supposed to use primer?

[Blazin]

I have used a self etching primer on a block before. I have also use Chassis Saver, then sprayed over them both with both single stage acrylic enamel, & High temp spray bomb. All of them have held up good.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Why paint in the first place?

[VileZambonie]

Why paint in the first place?

Protection, appearance, better heat dissipation...

[Skunksmash]

I didnt know it helped with heat dissipation, i figured if anything it would help hold heat in.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Protection against rust?

[VileZambonie]

yes rust and corrosion protection. A clean painted engine will better dissipate heat.  And of course most of all appearance. I have a nice clean engine in all of my vehicles.