Powder coat block?

[stuckwithgsx]

What are you opinions on powder coating an engine block?

I don't plan on doing this anytime soon, but it's something i've considered. It would be easier to keep clean, look better, and help with preventative rust.

The bad, it would be like insulating the block and the car would run hotter right?

So if someone had an advanced cooling system with bigger radiator, more efficient fans, lower temp t-stat, vented hood, etc., then would the engine temps really get that much hotter?

So i'll admit i have not thoroughly searched. But I did search some and couldn't find anything but opinions. And no opinions dsm related.

So i'm asking for some opinions here. Good idea? Bad idea? Good idea if...?

 

[Meshuggah]

I don't think temperature would be an issue at all IMO.

Here's our block we did, haven't ran it yet though.

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[Paching]

I don't think heat would be an issue. just make sure you block off every place something screws into the block because you'll have buildup in the threads and it'll be difficult if not impposible to thread something back in those holes. If you'd like you can even smooth out the roughness of the block with some grinding stones before you powder coat it, that way you can clean it with a rag!

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

I say go for it. I don't think it would effect the temps in any noticable way. It would look much better and be a much more durable finish. And as long as all of the rust is cleaned up properly, you wouldn't have to worry about rust after powdercoating.

 

[stuckwithgsx]

Your block looks good meshugga! I think i'm going to do this when the time comes. Like I said i'm not planning on doing this now, it's just a thought and i'm weighing out the pro's and con's.

Bolt holes are something I didn't think of yet, thanks for the tip. Kinda makes me wonder about freeze plugs as well. And hoping that it doesn't chip off. I think if the preparation is done right with removing all of the rust and the rough spots that shouldn't be a problem though. Let me know if anyone else has experience or ideas!

 

[Boostinsideways]

A lot of people paint or powder coat the block when doing an engine build. I doubt it would effect engine temps much. Most of that is taken care of by your cooling system.

 

[Meshuggah]

All you have to do is run some extra bolts into the bolt holes that you are going to use.

And for the freeze plugs, we knocked them out and before we put new ones back in we will just run like a small flapper wheel inside quick to get rid of the extra powder coat inside the plug hole.

 

[mattsGSTeclipse]

The only issue I see is on the front of the motor, where the exhaust is. The heat from the turbo and exhaust will probably dull the powder coat.

 

[Paching]

Put tape on the inside of an old gasket exhaust ports and secure it with adhesive silicone..spray away

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

chrome plating is similar to powder coating.....that would be blingin'

 

[stuckwithgsx]

So the heat from the turbo would dull the powder or actually make it chip? I'm sure with a turbo blanket and some wrap it would keep temps down quite a bit more on the block.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Spyder FX]

You're not really going to see much of the block at all once everything is installed. It would be more cost effective to get a few cans of high temp spray paint and mask the block off accordingly and spray away.

 

[hks-gst]

If you're going to get the block powder coated make sure you use a competent powder coater that has done engine blocks before and know not to not to get any blast media in the block.

 

[wolf28]

chrome plating is similar to powder coating.....that would be blingin'

Chrome plating and powder coating are not even remotely similar. Chrome plating involves dipping the part in chemicals...powder coating involves spraying a statically charged powder onto a part and baking it.

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

Chrome plating and powder coating are not even remotely similar. Chrome plating involves dipping the part in chemicals...powder coating involves spraying a statically charged powder onto a part and baking it.

Yea, I was joking any how. (reference the blingin' statement)

I guess I should have been more specific.

Chrome coating not plating.


There are numerous companies offering a powder coated chrome.

Doing everything in the bay chrome either via the powder process or purchasing prefab chrome items would make chrome relevant in the import world. I am usually not a big fan of chrome though I think I would appreciate seeing the block, head, vc, i/c piping, ic, intake pipe, turbo, exhaust mani, im, and much more.

I also bet the powdered chrome is significantly cheaper too.

 

[Detective Coating]

The powdered chrome isn't even comparable to a chrome plating. Chrome powdercoat is more a less a very shiny silver.

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

Is it shiny like chrome or is it a matte finish like bare metal? I mean this isn't rocket science or really a reason for debate.


It certainly looks chrome to me, and it's not like that rattle can home-made chrome......

 

[stuckwithgsx]

I'm not a big fan of chrome, or even the look of chrome. But I must say it would be sexy to see a chromed out engine bay on someone else's car Would the head be possible to do anything with? A nice shiney chrome style block, head, im, ex mani, i/c pipes, tb, spark plug cover or cop, and timing belt cover. All that in chrome would look really good. Not my style though.

So new question. Is it possible to put any type of coating on a head?

 

[2slow4now]

Aluminum is a pain to get stuff to stick to it reliably. If you sand blast it to give the coating something to bite onto and or acid etching is also a good way to promote adhesion to aluminum.

 

[stuckwithgsx]

I did a little bit of searching. The only thread I found was from 2008. A few people said do it, and one experienced guy said no it will chip off eventually no matter what. So under the presumtion that anyone would go through all this work i'm guessing that by the time it starts chipping off then the head will be off and gone through again.

So conclusion thus far. Paint or coat head= good idea

Again this is something I am not doing as of yet, but possibly in the future.

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

I agree I'm not a fan of chrome on 90% of things. I do love it on a custom bike though, there is nothing like a mirror rumbling down the road haha.

I would love to see a dsm with pretty much everything chrome (real or powder coat style *please don't get offended) or s/s under the hood.

Heat will kill the powder coating. I've got 3 vc's the one on the car I just bought is all cracked everywhere. The other two are in great condition though.

The acid etch is a great way to get a solid base. I've never done the process myself, however I had this done with my IM which I ended up being in a hurry and painting myself instead of waiting for it to get the powder coat. Which I get done for freeeeeeeee locally. It just takes a few days, at the time I didn't have it.