Protecting sand blasted intake????
 

My aluminum was looking bad, so I sand blasted it with aluminum oxide blast media. It look great right now ,but I know the finish will get dull. I was going to use a walnut shell media next to see how good it l looked. Does anyone have an idea on how to protect the finish on this intake? I have used a clear polurethane from Eastwood, but I did not like the results after a couple of months. Maybe power coating is the answer.

Thanks
Tony

Powder coat it !!!I did and it always looks good!!!!!!!!!!! David

send it to Nitro Plate and get it coated !

i would say intakes are made from 6061 t6 alloy, so if there is a process where it can be plated, that,s your best bet, or powder coating, otherwise be prepared to do a lot of buffing, and blasting.

I had mine done as well as the timing cover in an aluminum powdercoat for my Buick. Still looks like brand new. Total cost from my guy for both pieces...$85 bucks!

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i paint my single carb intakes Black...MY Taste i guess.

No one has yet mentioned this, but I would be much more concerned about what the blasting did inside the manifold. Sand blasting an intake manifold can be very bad. No matter how hard yopu clean the media or sanding particles will be imbedded in and will get into your engine.

The outside is easy. Powder coat. Polish and clear coat. Paint with engine paint.

Ed

My powdercoater guy placed bungs into all holes to keep the blasting media out of it. He has some sort of pliable rubbery stuff that presses into the holes then expands to keep the media out. None was in the intake when he was finished and even then after several minutes and times being blown out,did anything come out. He is really particular in his ways. I realize not everyone is like him so you need to keep an eye on your powdercoater guy.

I used to do that. My first engine when I was 18 yrs old I painted everything black. :D Brand new intaske included. My dad said I was crazy. I think it looks good.

I forgot where I heard this but I heard that black and chrome are the two worst colors to have on an intake manifold because they absorb light and heat up the intake. and aluminum like the pic above is the best because it doesnt absorb as much light and heat. Im sure it doesnt matter as much if it is under a closed hood but can anybody comment on this, if it is just an old wives tale or if there is something behind it?

I agree that black and chrome look awsome but it wouldnt be so cool if you loose ET because of it...

well - the factory makes the molds out of sand- thats why they look like sand-
high pressure air, and some care will get it all out-

i agree with the coating from nitro plate- it looks great- i am definitely going to use them-when i do mine--(thanks for the great info)----

I don't know about that wise Tale could be true i do not know..but as of now its pretty fast for a 3,004 lb true street car with 511ci, stock 2 bolt block...this run was a 5.99 et @114 mph with a 1.32 60 ft...and i drive to the burger joint......will run 5.70's with my Alochol carb on it....


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http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/b...t=100_0263.flv

bjuice what size header tubes do you run on that thing? Mine are 2" hooker super comps with 3.5 inch collecters I've been told I should go bigger but I'm not so sure.

they are 2-1/4...i purchased the dynatech header ( weld up) kit and welded them up. they have 4 inch collectors.....they seem to work well...
i also had them thermal coated at a local shop that does coatings...


My vette has 2-3/8 stepped to 2-1/2 with 5 inch collectors..( hawg legs)..lol



Later- Brian

thanks

Ceramic Coat your Intake !
1 - Use 80 grit sandpaper to smooth out as much as possible the sand casting marks. (Elbow grease here no getting around it.)
I spent 2 nights sanding my intake.
2 - Most place that do powdercoating can also do Ceramic coating.
Ceramic coating is what you see on headers.
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My intake looks great.
110 racing gas looks pink where I live. I no longer have pink stains.-
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Good Luck