hey, i want to paint my 350 before putting it in my camaro, what would be the best way to do this, what do i take off, and should i use primer. thanks

 

We just used Duplicolor Engine Enamel with Ceramic.. They make Engine Primer too. You can get it at WalMart, or any auto parts store in many different colors.

It has held up so far, so id say it's pretty good paint, you just have to prep it good. Take off or mask whatever you dont want to paint. Most people paint the block, the heads, oil pan and intake, sometimes the valve covers. We have aluminum heads and intake, and chrome valve covers and oil pan, so we only painted the block.

 

If you want to paint the engine body color, I have had good luck primering with PPG DP90 Epoxy Primer, then using a single stage paint that matches your paint code. I personally use Imron for engines because it handles heat expansion well. Imron is toxic as hell, so use precautions.

 

ACRYLIC ENAMEL HOLDS UP REALLY WELL. I HAVE PAINTED SEVERAL ENGINES AND THEY ARE STILL HOLDING UP. SINGLE STAGE URATHANE HAS CLEAR MIXED WITH THE PAINT SO IT WILL TEND TO YELLOW IN TIME FROM THE HEAT.

 

ok thanks guys, i don't plan on doing the fanciest thing in the world, but hey, what should is use to clean before spraying?

 

Usually scrape off any heavy deposits, then follow up with hot soapy water.

 

I think it would be a good idea to get it hot tanked.

 

3M solvent cleaner or laquer thinner

 

right before you paint it spray it with brakleen or equivelant to get all of the last minute bs off of it. it doesnt leave a residue and it evaporates very fast, thats what i did to mine. then i put 3 coats of grey engine enamil with ceramic primer on it, then 3-4 coats of the color you want , then let dry and put on 2-3 coats of clear coat.. hope this works for you. it did for me