hi-temp exhaust manifold paint?

[feverDream]

experience and preferences? I'm going to blast my intake, exhaust and valve cover today and figure I'll paint the stock exhaust manifold. I'm thinking of a metallic look for the exhaust but may end up just doing it black-might as well make it look purdy while I have the chance.

What have you folks used in the past and what were the results?

 

[cwwfj60]

I used the VHT Flame Proof rattle cans they sell at most auto parts stores and even baked it in the oven and let it cure but it still flaked off in a matter of weeks. I even used their recommended primer. Waste of $20

 

[BGarcia88FJ62]

^Yep my Sentiments exactly. Terrible luck with "Header Paint". I'd save my nickles and get'm powder coated
If I really had any interest in getting them coated.

 

[FJ40Jim]

"Cast aluminum" engine paint on the intake and Rustoleum High heat silver on the exhaust.

Paint/coat the exh. manifold silver or white to reduce the amount of radiated heat in the engine bay.

 

[micruz60]

"Cast aluminum" engine paint on the intake and Rustoleum High heat silver on the exhaust.

Paint/coat the exh. manifold silver or white to reduce the amount of radiated heat in the engine bay.

View attachment 1040323

Has this setup had a 'trial by fire'?
If so, how did it hold up?

I am reworking the combo manifold off the '87, it shows some flaking of the material on the exhaust manif. . . Any thoughts on how much section loss is too much?

Thanks Jim,

Mike

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I've used VHT in the past with success.

 

[txnight]

I use a product called calyx with great success on intake and exhaust manifolds, brake master and clutch master. Reapply once a year and it stays beautiful!

 

[micruz60]

@txnight Thanks for the tip. Looks like great product , Eastwood.

http://www.eastwood.com/calyx-manifold-coating.html

 

[txnight]

Yep, one little tub of it will last you a long time. Look on eBay and you might save a few bucks.

 

[alaska120]

Three letters... BBQ.
Always worked for me, lasted a long time and super cheap.

 

[MacGYVER1979]

I use grill paint or break caliper paint, they take plenty of heat, preparation is key, it can never bee too clean.
The valve cover does not get as hot as you may think, it is double walled. be sure to clean between the two parts of it, pour water in the PCV hole and you will see what im talking about. if it dribbles out of all 12 little holes then you are good, if one or two then get out the strong chemicals and boiling water.
this is gold silver and red, I was going for a retro copper look.

 

[Elbert]

most paint products that are sprayed or otherwise applied to the exhaust manifold will "cook" off rather soon....like in a week or two at best.