painting engine

[the_legend_1981]

I was wondering if you guys have painted the engine and header while in the truck? I would have done it while it was out but i'm pressed for time because i have a 21 month old and 7 month old.  I think the engine paint might look decent if i degrease it but should i paint the headers first before i do that? I am going to change the intake and carb too from the current 2 barrel. What paint do you guys use?  Thanks for any help

[cracker0169]

For paint, I use the engine enamel from Duplicolor. You can pick it up at really any parts store, I even think wal mart carries it 

If doing it in the truck, I would get a couple cans of heavy duty degreaser and use a pressure washer.  To really get the headers painted right, you will prolly have to take them out. Which would be a good time to paint your engine without the headers in the way...

[85shorty496]

Duplicolor will work well on the engine, i did mine black while still on the engine stand and it has weathered very well. the high heat paint they sell won't work on the headers at all. within days the "silver ceramic" was peeling off. i've heard that flat black BBQ paint works well but have never tried it myself.

[Captkaos]

You need to prep the block and get all the oil and grease off before you paint it.  Otherwise it won't stick.  I also recommend priming it before painting.
I painted my 454 Block with automotive paint.

[SUX2BU99]

I followed Vile Zambonie's advice and painted my new heads with Rustoleum. Just their regular paint, not any hi-heat stuff. He said he's painted many engines with that and they've all held up well. I primered mine first with their primer. Well, I'm in Canada so I used Tremclad which is also a rust paint. No problems yet but it's still pretty fresh and not a whole lot of time yet on the new heads.

[VileZambonie]

I had nearly 11 years on the paint on the 454 before it chipped at all. Prep is the key and keeping it free of oil and dirt until it's heated up and thoroughly dry. I have yet to find an actual engine paint that holds up better with the exception of boring machine grey.