Factory Engine color?

GrimsterGMC · Jun 4, 2023

A black engine block will radiate the internal heat faster just like the water radiator. The heads and cylinders are cooled by the water but the internal components are cooled by the oil flowing through and over them and then thrown onto the inner surfaces of the block. The heat is then transferred through to the outside were it has to dissipate and flat black is the best colour for doing that.

Martin Evans · Jun 5, 2023

If you're going to paint it anyway, color doesn't take any more effort than black does.

DeCaff2007 · Jun 5, 2023

Well, I found some semi-dark caliper paint. The only difference is the amount if heat it can withstand. Otherwise, it'll work fine as engine paint.

I'm settling in the interest of making progress.

CrustyJunker · Jun 5, 2023

That "anodized," kind of paint worked for me too. I used it on an intake manifold it was marketed by VHT as "Metalcast." It's basically color-tinted clearcoat. I wanted a dark red color, so I bought a can of purple, and a couple cans of red. A light coat of purple gave me a dark base on brushed aluminum, then every superseding coat of red made it a darker red (and obviously less purple). :waytogo:

Nad_Yvalhosert · Jun 5, 2023

Factory colors were:
Orange up to 1979
Blue 80-85
Black 86-current.

But to each his own. My '88 truck is 2 tone blue, engine is Orange.
My '89 resto project is all black, gray/black interior, gray engine and compartment.

Mwhit · Jun 5, 2023

fancyTBI said:
I’m painting my valve covers and air cleaner GM Med. Garnet Red Metallic. GM-8979.

I painted mine the exact same. All the parts look great.

Mwhit · Jun 5, 2023

Schurkey said:
GM saved a heap of money by painting engines black.

Hid the oil leaks. Customer can't see 'em, customer doesn't complain for repair.

A GM service rep told me that they started painting the engines black and added dye to the fluids. That way they could check for leaks with a blacklight.

99xcss4 · Jun 5, 2023

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some good info here (if you ask me anyway)

99xcss4 · Jun 5, 2023

GrimsterGMC said:
A black engine block will radiate the internal heat faster just like the water radiator.

how dose it work is it like wearing something dark or something light ? is there some sort of explanation for slow learns such as myself?

Reluctanse · Jun 5, 2023

You got a compressor?

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-ceramic-engine-paint-buick-red-quart.html

Factory Engine color?

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