Just as the title says, I only ask because the 500 has way better color options. Would 500* work good?

 

500 will work just fine. 1500 is for the headers.

 

rustolium works great for a block, inside or out.

 

Inside?

I used rustolium for my pulleys and such. Great stuff.

 

I wouldn't use spray paint, it's just not going to last. I would recommend pro-15 engine enamel. You can also get it in a complete kit.

 

The spray paint works just fine. Most quality engine enamels hold up to heat and mild solvents. 500 degree is more than enough heat resistance, you'd be in serious trouble if your block was at 1500 degrees.

 

If anything but the headers get hotter than 500* the last thing you'll want to be worrying about is color!

The spray cans work fine, VHT is the best IMO, the duplicolor with the ceramic is good stuff too.

 

I used dupli color also. My dad used plasti-coat and it has lasted 10 years.

 

The Duplicolor with ceramic is great spray bomb. The past 4 engines we've done we did use good primer first then applied the paint and man does it ever shine, plus it makes for a very durable surface....just like anything dealing with paint-prep is key for great longevity.

We also used it on our roll bar tubing and after 4 years of dragging harness and my fat azz over the door bar there is still no metal showing, the surface is marred/smudged, but still holding strong....very shiney to boot. We've found that making the very last coat of it as heavy as possible (before it runs) gives the best shine you can acvhieve out of a spray can hands down.

500* is fine, we've always used the 1500* just cuz we can. The radiant heat off the headers is more than 500* so I wanted the painted surfaces that were close proximity to be able to handle it.

 

Some guys paint the inside of the block (non-machined surfaces) because the paint creates a very smooth surface, which means oil can drain back to the pan more quickly.