Show car quality engine block painting

[real57vetteguy]

Hi Guys,

Before reinstalling the 455 in my 442, I would like to repaint the engine block with something really durable. I would like to achieve a show quality job, I was considering powder coating the block but I really don't want to tear it down to do that. I am prepared to do a boat load of grinding/sanding/smoothing. But what process and products do I need to use to reach my goal?

[astroracer]

That's a lot of work for something you won't be able to see... If you feel you have to do it though there is a better solution to grinding. Clean the block with lacquer thinner until it is SQUEAKY clean. Use a small stiff bristle brush to get into ALL of the nooks and crannies. If you don't do this the paint will lift wherever there is dirt/grease/oil under it.
After it is clean give it a heavy coat of self etching primer. This stuff comes in a spray can from Eastwood or your local Paint supplier may carry it. I use Vari-prime from DuPont. Always had good results with it. After that is set up spray on a few heavy coats of epoxy primer surfacer. Sand these down and re-apply until you get it smooth to your liking (babies bottom?). Clean everything up and spray it with your top coat.
Stand back and admire your results, then bolt all of the tin on, put it in the car and wonder how come I can't see all of that work... :)
Mark

[mitch_04]

I've been spending a lot of time on Southern Polyurethanes forum lately, and have learned a ton about painting. Mainly, things that were assumed to be "truths" that aren't quite that. The recommend never using lacquer thinner or any etching product, just good ol' epoxy. The epoxy will adhere great, they recommend 80 grit sanding scratches and a good wax/grease remover. If you were to use lacquer thinner, they recommend washing with water and Dawn afterwards, blowing off the excess to keep flash rust away. After that you would use the high build primer, sand and repeat until you have a smooth block, then seal with a reduced epoxy to seal off all bodywork and have a consistent color. Spray your base and clear, or single stage for easier touch-ups, and you are good to go.

I'm sure there are 10 ways to do this, and this just seems to be the most popular way. Southern Polyurethanes makes a great product and the owner of his company has his cell number listed and lets you know to call him with any questions. He could probably better explain why self-etch and lacquer thinner don't always work the best. I don't know if I'll ever disagree with Mark again and I could be wrong, but like I said, 100 ways to skin a cat. Also learned about POR-15, not as good as once believed...

[racer8188]

Do yourself a favor and get the engine paint from POR. it goes on with a brush and lays down really smooth and thick like powder coating. It looks really good. That is what I put on all the engine for my customers and myself. Here is the link to it:

http://www.por15.com/ENGINE-PAINTING-KIT_p_49.html