I keep hearing all the different buffers and polishes you have to use, my intake is nothing but, 1- degreaser, get the crap off and get it clean, 2- 400 grit to remove pits and scracthes, 3- steel wool, work down from 00, 000, then finally 0000.

 

Now you need to seal it somehow or it'll oxidize and you'll either have a nasty intake or you'll be doing it again.

Plastic coating, powder coating and anodizing can all be done at home for cheap if you look it up.

 

Thanks, I was kinda worried about what it will look like in time, definetly dont wont to redo.

 

i would have used some sandpaper in the beginning to get rid of the casting finish.
if you look close, you can see some orangepeel finish going on, but it is definitely better than stock.
good job.

to finish mine up, i used a product called "heavy metal polish"
you should try it out.
it will make it shine like a mirror

 

that is really fine looking - i will try it with my stock.
how long did it take?

 

Heavy metal polish applied with just a cloth ?
Also what did you use to seal, Im worried it will lose its shine.

Yes could have sanded a little better. One runner took about six hors including breaks. Cleaning took a while, was worried about denting or scratches. Also everytime I thought it was done and bright enough I would start over again with 0000 and it would shine up even more.

I wanted to do the plenum also then changed my mine and decided to paint it the same color as valve covers.

 

do you think you could use paint like the high temp stuff you would use on brake calipers? you can get it in spray cans.

and i found this site posted by someone else here - SPILLS of third gen. he rightly refered to as the holy grail of power coating. http://forum.caswellplating.com/powd...ing-questions/

found a clear coating site that is heat resistant - or so they say http://www.levineautoparts.com/seyhigtecglo.html

found another one http://www.westmarine.com/1/1/5930-e...m-moeller.html.

got one more http://www.thefind.com/crafts/info-engine-enamel-paint.

last one http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Engine_...view_id.217339.

 

Thats where im stuck, Id like a clearcoat I can trust not to ruin ceramic enamel or dull the aliminum.

 

Thanks on the links, I think Im headed to the parts supply store to see what they have in stock or recommend.

 

be sure to tell us what you get and if it works. some pics about work in progress would be great. they look great. how many hours did it take? did you use any machine work?

 

you know, honestly...
i just put the heavy metal polish on with a soft cloth and its been 2 months since and it hasnt tarnished at all
granted i went down to 1200 grit sandpaper before i used polish, so it was almost a mirror before, but the polish got rid of the swirls that showed up in it.
if you were super crazy about it, put heavy metal polish on once a month (use about the same amount you would put on a toothbrush) and you will be set.

 

From what I've been reading any kind of coating is gonna dull down the luster, I think polish once a month is going to be the cleanest look. I'll through up some pics once I get her put back together. This is my first do it all myself rebuild, so I will probably be a little bias on the results.