Prime manifold before painting?

[RandyB]

I have my valve covers and intake manifold ready to paint, question is, do I put down a base coat of primer or go ahead and put two coats of paint on them?

 

[ChargedDart75]

I've always just painted intakes and valve covers without primer and it seems to hold up.

 

[RandyB]

I've always just painted intakes and valve covers without primer and it seems to hold up.

That’s what I was thinking, it’s not like an exhaust manifold which gets super hot. thank you

 

[ChargedDart75]

Just make sure it's clean and free of grease and oil as well. If it's got the heat crossover, I would try to use some high temp paint.

 

[matthon]

I used vht high temp rust converter first, sprayed over bare metal and rust I hit with a wire wheel.
2 years ago engine still looks new.

 

[RandyB]

I used vht high temp rust converter first, sprayed over bare metal and rust I hit with a wire wheel.
2 years ago engine still looks new.

I’ve still got some chat black from when I did my intake and exhaust manifolds on my 72 Dart. Maybe have enough for just the intake manifold on this one. Wouldn’t hurt!