I've read posts in the past that strongly advise against sandblasting an Aluminum intakes. Reasons given were things like having great difficulty getting all of the sand out etc. I was wondering though, if I were to take great care to tape off all the ports, holes, etc. is there any reason why I shouldn't ?

Sandblasting will change the look of the manifold. It won't look new, it will turn a dull grey color. You can use beads or walnut shells to have it look like new. The guy still has to know what he's doing, but really no big deal.

I use Glass beads on my cast Aluminum parts....works great...esp if you clear it afterword.....

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Steve McCorry - Central Ohio Camaro Club
'69 Camaro RS/SS-350 - Daytona Yellow
'95 Camaro Z-28 - Sebring Silver
click here to see my car ---> www.mindspring.com/~mccorry (http://www.mindspring.com/~mccorry)

I glass bead blast the distributo0r bodies during conversion. If left as blasted, parts will pick up dirt aon oils, making them look not so good. Clear coverings can dull, discolor, and burn off exhaust passageways in aluminum intakes. To make the aluminum look like new after blasting, go over it with Brillo or S.O.S. steel wool pads. Closes the aluminum pores that were opened when it was blasted. Makes the aluminum stain and dirt resistant better than anything else I have ever used, including clear coats and enamels.

I've heard having the manifold placed in a vibrator with ceramic pieces works well. This proccess peens the surface of the manifold, sealing it.
The manifold would not look stock. The finish is a little like "hammertone" paint. If the right type ceramic is used it's just a slightly peened surface.
David

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The older I get, the faster I was!

Shawn, I just had my used Dart intake glass bead blasted and it looks like new, (Don't use sand).It should only cost ya around 25.00 to 30.00 bucks to get it done. Like the other guys say though, be sure to squirt some clear on it.

be sure and remove the valley tray if it has one... sand $ beads get trapped in there and CANNOT be removed no matter how well you clean it... I just went thru this with an alum Z intake that had been clear powder painted.... the 'professional' that did the job didnt remove the valley tray and then blasted top and bottom... then they painted the bottom over with the powder paint... take my word for it, powder paint doesn't hold up to the heat and oil... it was flaking off
I used 'old' sand to blast mine; it didnt tear up the surface and it came out like new; I didnt tape up anything just washed it out REAL well afterwards

Zman has a good piont. REMOVE the valley tray after blasting. You will be amazed at how much crap is in there. If I have a manifold that has been blasted I use a Scotch brite pad or SOS pad or steel wool and dishwashing liquid in warm water. alot of scrubbing and it starts to shine like when it was new.