Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I did a little searching....

My buddy's dad is a professional bodyshop guy, he does not reccomend painting the heads. And he owns an LS swapped 1st gen Camaro and has been around this stuff.

I'd ideally like to paint the heads and block for my Mercury.

33willys

iTrader: (1)

I've never had a problem painting the block or heads with a quality body paint. May get some discoloring around the exhaust ports but other than that no peeling or other ugly things. Some people say it reflects heat back into the block and will run a little hotter or harder to cool but I never experienced that. I also used a good primer/sealer to fill casting and make the block smooth for cleaning.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

Go for it. I've seen plenty of people do it in cars for a more nostalgic look and in boats with the intent to protect the aluminum from the salt water.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Car is dark blue, could do all black, but all gold has for some reason caught my fancy...

alocker

iTrader: (10)

It depends on the engine but LS motors and chevy motors do fine. Motors with the extended ports like Pontiac's have issues with burning and discoloration.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Just LS engines.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

Did he say why you should not paint them? I've painted a lot of them with no problems at all. I use good paint though, not spray cans. I usually spray them with an etching primer, I use Vari-prime, then a catalyzed enamel. My truck has 13k on it and they still look great.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

He hasn't done one but I plan to have him help me do mine. I was thinking along the lines of what you are saying, etching primer and then go from there.

I wouldn't be trying to disguise the newer mill but I'd like it not to look like it just came right out of a stock vehicle.

jimmyg

I just used engine paint with the primer my ls3 heads looked kind of beat so I used cast coat aluminum. if u look at pep boys they sell engine primer .now base coat clear coat auto paint is another story but people do it all the time

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

I want to see some pics of ones who have done this.

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

LSXPerformance on IG just posted some pics of custom painted LS Engines so it can be done. I don't know about longevity though.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

Not a great pic, but the only one I could find on my phone.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Sharp!