Clear powder coat??
Thanks for all the mentions gentlemen! :-D < curtsey >
Has anyone ever powder coated an aluminum intake manifold clear? I'm wondering if it would hold up.
I only recommend clear coating brand new aluminum rather than anything that has been used / had gas run through it in the past. Aluminum is VERY porous and it absorbs everything over the years. Media blasting removes the crap on the outside (and occasionally leaves a splotchy look depending on
how well-used it was) but only a qualified pro will be able to address the nastiness that will leach out of the metal once it gets heated up to cure the powder. I will not clear coat a used manifold without putting another powder underneath it to level out the color; otherwise all you're doing is preserving the old used splotchy look and nobody wants that.
With powder coating you need to remember it will keep the aluminum intake from heat dissipation and that will create higher internal engine temps. Just my experience.
Dan, what do you base this assertion on? Please share your research and facts and explain how powder encapsulates more engine heat than paint does. I've been in the industry for many years, and though this 'belief' is widely posted no one has ever shown me real numbers. I hope you can.
I powder coated my aluminum intake Argent Silver with a clear satin over top. It looked Great until my leaky Holley dribbled some gas on it and it turned yellowish-brown where the gas pooled. Other than that minor discoloration, it has held up perfectly. Been on there 5 years now.
Powder coating is durable, beautiful, comes in thousands of colors and lasts much longer than paint if it's applied correctly but keep in mind that it's NOT completely indestructible. Any spills must be cleaned up promptly or it can and will affect the finish. Most of the time harsh chemicals will only dull a shiny finish somewhat rather than completely destroy it unless it's left on there forever. Thanks for sharing the pics of my work Inkie and Rob!
Alien Silver is without a doubt my customers' most popular choice for replicating brand new aluminum. I've got another newer color in stock now called
Heavy Silver which is a bit more flashy with ultra-fine colored metallic in it. Quite a few motorheads have been opting for it lately on their intakes and valve covers too. Here's a few pics of an old Edelbrock dual quad I did awhile back in the
Heavy Silver with
Clear Vision on top:
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