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to paint block or not?

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Old Jan 23, 2008 | 09:01 PM
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Question to paint block or not?

i was wondering what you guy's thought about painting a ls1 block? i wanna know pro's and con's. my block just came back from machine job but you can tell the engine saw rain etc in past and i wanna make her look sweet inside my 72 chevelle. i have looked for cons on painting ls1 block but i have found no info. also if your block was painted which paint and did you use clear coat at all? i want as much info before i paint and all my parts are here but my timing chain. i know your gonna ask yes afermarket heads and ls6 intake both will stay color they are for time being. thanks guys.....
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 10:10 AM
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I think a hugger orange block would look nice in a 72 chevelle. If you think it would look good go for it. There are no real "cons" to painting other than you lose the cool aluminum look. As far as paint goes, duplicolor high temp paint was made for this type of application. You might think about painting the front cover and water pump as well, just because a lot of the block is hidden behind the serpentine system and accessories. The main thing you want to be concerned with before painting is that the block is 100% free of grease or oil, use brake-kleen in the aerosol can and some clean towels to rid it of any grime before painting. Other than that, follow the directions on the can and do several light coats as opposed to a thick coat that will show runs. Clear coat will help it shine but is not necessary IMO. If you do it, post up some pics, I've been thinking about doing this to my stingray LS1 conversion....

Good Luck
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 11:00 AM
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i too was wondering about this...bc i just painted valve covers, fuel rails, intake manifold, coilpack/bracket, and the water pump. There is very little block showing, but what I see of the block makes it look older...
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 11:04 AM
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Also might wanna do the pan at the same time...and even the accessory brackets. Depends how far you wanna go.
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 12:53 PM
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I think it'll look awesome!
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 01:24 PM
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i wondered about paining mine when i did my build...i didnt...wish every time i show it off i had
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 01:38 PM
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what color is the car?
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 02:30 PM
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I got a hugger orange block in my White 86 TA, looks decent. Gives it that oldschool look when you open the hood
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 03:17 PM
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I'm helping a friend of mine put a ls1 in a 1955 chevy bel air.

We painted the block hugger orange for that old school look. It is duplicolor high-temp engine enamel.
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by TheLS1Kid
I'm helping a friend of mine put a ls1 in a 1955 chevy bel air.

We painted the block hugger orange for that old school look. It is duplicolor high-temp engine enamel.
Pics?
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 03:45 PM
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aluminum block? polish it!
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by NassyVette
Pics?
I'll get some tomorrow.
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Old Jan 24, 2008 | 05:47 PM
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What about a clear coat over it?
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 07:24 AM
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Would it not hinder the cooling advantages of just bare aluminum?
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 08:36 AM
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It would but it would be minimal.

Originally Posted by ChevyChad
Would it not hinder the cooling advantages of just bare aluminum?
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 11:41 AM
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+1 for duplicolor high-temp engine enamel......works great, never flakes.
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 12:27 PM
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Powdercoat. That's what I did. Block, pan, and covers.
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Old Jan 25, 2008 | 01:36 PM
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i just had mine tanked.....i plan doing the visable parts black on mine.....
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