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Stock engine color or what?

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My Spitfire's block, head, and valve cover are all light blue. It looks like the old Chrysler/Dodge small block V-8 blue, like some previous owner rebuilt it and had the Chrysler paint lying around. The picture of the other Spitfire block the same color was a real surprise, so now I wonder if my engine is still painted the OEM color.

My old Midget 1500 had a black engine with a metallic copper valve cover. It looked sharp enough that when I rebuilt the 1147 engine in my Mk. 1 Spitfire I painted its engine the same way. When I got that Spitfire, its engine had been rattle-canned Chevy red, exhaust manifold and all.

Scott
 
What kind of paint is everyone using on their block and head? Temps should not be so high as to need High-Temp stuff correct? I'm already spending a fortune on parts/machine shop and would like to go with the least expensive paint that will last.
 
I went with black on black (tremclad) and then a few shiny bits and a little color here and there....what car you working on?
 
My red 78 Spit started making very scary noises on the freeway Sunday before last so I decided to do a transplant from my 79 parts car. That engine is out and at the machine shop and now I'm fixing to pull the engine from the 78 and get the engine bay cleaned up. I think I'm going to go stock blue for the block and light grey for the head with black for the waterpump housing and intake manifold.
 
eejay56 said:
What kind of paint is everyone using on their block and head? Temps should not be so high as to need High-Temp stuff correct? I'm already spending a fortune on parts/machine shop and would like to go with the least expensive paint that will last.
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I just used Rust-O-Leum. It says it's good to 250 deg. If temps get that high, I've got bigger problems then worrying about the paint blistering. :eeek:
 
As Art says you can use any paint, Just go over it with a hi temp clear. That way you have more choice to choose from
 
I use Plasti-Cote engine enamel from my local auto parts store. High solids content so it covers well, smooths out nicely.

The trick to a long lasting finish is to get the surface clean and completely oil free.
 
PeterK said:
The trick to a long lasting finish is to get the surface clean and completely oil free.
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Clean shouldn't be an issue since they are hot-tanking it at the machine shop.
 
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