Short of spending 170-200 dollars to have a set of exhaust manifolds speciality coated, what is the best type of high temp paint to use? Something that will hold up pretty well, considering it is a paint. Thanks.

I just applied the POR 20 high temp header paint to my small block. prepped with the Metal ready Product they sell. I have ran the car a couple of times for about 15 min each drive. It seems to be holding up so far for my needs. I had a horrible time with dust from the original paint on the headers. It does appear that it bubbles a little, but adhesion (sp) seems to be good. :waving:

You might want to check this stuff out, I applied it and it works pretty well, just need to touch it up once in a while...worth a look...
http://www.calyxmanifold.com/

Most of the really nice stock restorations I've seen have been done with eastwood manifold paint.

VHT makes some hi-temp exhaust manifold paint that is really awesome. Just sandblast you're manifolds first, then spray.
Great results.

I will second the Eastwood endorsement. I used their black hi-temp on the manifolds on the 68, without doing anything in the way of prep except a light wire brushing (because using the manifolds was only "temporary" until I could rebuild the engine and install headers). When temporary turned into 4 years and 5 to 7K in mileage, the manifolds still looked as good as the day I painted them.

Thanks guys...I have already ordered a pint of the Eastwood paint. If this was for my 69 Z28 I would go ahead and spend the money to have them professionally "reskinned" but since I am just working on my old 66 C-10 Pickup...I think the paint will work fine. Thanks again.

Gambitt

Last Spring I sand blasted and coated my exhaust manifolds with POR15 high heat manifold gray. All Summer they held up great and looked fabulous. I popped the hood a few weeks ago after the car sitting in my garage all winter and both manifolds were surface rusted. Made me sick. I wouldn't recommend POR15.

I used the por hi temp silver on my stock manifolds, water pump etc and they have held up for over 4 years now. I would recommend por 15, I would also recommend wearing gloves with whatever paint you are using and to follow the directions ;) Good luck with your project!
p.s. I just had my headers ceramic coated inside and out...it was more like 300 bucks.


Dano :beers:

The thing about the Eastwood stuff is that it has a short shelf life. Dont remember exactly, but I think around a year. Not a big deal if youre just doing one car. Ive had mixed results with it. When I did my GTO 6 years back, I chose VHT spray bomb over the "coatings" because previous cars didnt hold up well. It has held pretty well, not perfect, but touches up easily. Havent tried the POR.

I think the key is to prep them right (sandblast). I guess if you have the $$, send to MacNeish for the reskin.

dave