i have a clean aluminum stealth intake that im putting back on my engine this weekend, i know that the bare aluminum likes to corrode from heat temp changes and looks like poop after a while, i want to get it clear powdercoated for logetivity and looks and cleanliness... is this a good idea or not? i know clear paint doesnt last long, and isnt very chemical resistant, just wondering how powdercoat would be...

i dont want to change the color just clear it so it still looks cast aluminum color

 

Well considering that Edelbroke sells a model of their Performer done exactly that way, it's probably not too bad of an idea.

In fact, I have one of those, ran it for a couple of years; except that the PC is soluble in lacquer thinner and such, and gets stained reddish-yellowish-brown by long-term exposure to gasoline, it's OK I guess.

I've thought many times about having stuff like that ceramic-coated, but I've always been too cheap to actually put it into effect. I think that would look better and hold up alot longer than paint or PC.

 

I wonder what chrome plating runs for an intake. It sure looks awesome though and would last longer than any coating. I know chroming bumpers for old muscle cars is roughly $200-300. Probably be cheaper for an intake.

 

i can get hi temp clear powdercoat up to 400 degrees

40 bucks to do my intake... do it or not? it would probably look better longer that way id think

 

Chrome plating would look the best but probably more costly. Chrome plating is extremely durable if done right. Probably more so than powder coat.

 

yeah but that would be the only chrome piece on the entire engine

 

haha doesnt have to be. To each their own though.

 

I powdercoated my runners . Looks great . They are a textured black powdercoat called Sandtex

 

I think Jet hot offers colored ceramic coatings for $170 for a intake. Functional and good looks! Just a thought.

I think standard ceramic coating is $150

 

Powder coating is cheap... do it!

For the absolute best looking results, have your intake blasted with glass bead first, then have it powdercoated clear. Bead blasted aluminum looks absolutely beautiful... looks similar to an 'as cast' aluminum intake, but just slightly glossier and lighter in color.

At the body shop I work at, I've done quite a few this way, and it looks absolutely gorgeous if done well.