Restoring an aluminum intake manifold
 

I picked up an intake for pretty cheap and I'm looking to bring it to spotless condition if possible. No damaged threads, no cracks, none of that. Just some oil spots.

I am not sure about blasting it, because that would leave the surface porous and it might collect crap again. If I do, I guess walnut shells are the best bet?

How would you guys do it? How would you protect it from oil, gas, and grime?

Glass bead

And then how would you protect it after that? Clearcoat? I think some of them turn yellowish...

For long term you will have to coat it with something. You could paint it or powder coat it clear or aluminum color. GB does seem to knock the pores down a bit. I did my serp brackets with it and they came out nice.

I drive my car, it gets dirty. Some brake clean on a rag is all I use.

Yeah, realistically I won't give two ****s about it staying spotless after a while, I was just wondering if there's something decent to coat it with to repel oil better.

Thanks

oil goes in the engine...not on it!

I am aware of this. But the engine is a beat '74 350. Not the best on keeping all of its fluids in the intended areas.

Blast it and then powder coat it.

Yeah, but won't powder coating retain heat?

I suppose, if your really concerned about that, wash it in a parts cleaner?

Edit: I just washed mine real well and so far it looks great. I am not sure about the heating part, most people powder coat the LT1 intake but we also don't have the crossover so I am not sure.

You can powdercoat it with no heat issues.

chrome or nickle it?

Really? You gonna worry about losing 3 hp? Put a milodon valley pan in. :)

Meh. I dunno if I want to spend the money to PC a low rise dual plane.

Just GB it & be done with it.

That's what I am doing.

Spray paint it!

you guys miss this post?

and billy i have access to a soda blaster if you want somthing more fine than walnuts or glass bead

Bill, I blasted and cleared the intake manifold on the chevelle, done a bunch others, they always came out great.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...0Rebuild/7.jpg

Jon that looks great. Bill is right.....you just have to watch what clear you use....some yellow almost instantly. Obviously you didn't have that problem.

Bill whatever route you take I'm sure it'll look good.

I cleaned one up with some 409 and a brass brush. It cleaned up really nice but I sold the car before I put a lot of miles on it so I can't say how it held up. I don't know if I would clear coat it. You may be risking the yellowing if you coat it vs oil stains if you don't. If it's a rare GM intake, Jerry MacNeish's company does a reskinning on aluminum intakes if there is any damage that needs to be repaired.

Actually your best bet is to polish it. When you put a high shine on aluminum the natural oxide that forms afterwards helps protect it from other elements. Other option would be to have it anodized. You can get clear anodize but it is more expensive than other options

You could try using a solvent such as Simplr Green to clean it. It that doesn't work then you may need to blast it.

Seal it with this. http://www.zoopseal.com/zoopseal.asp

Thanks, however I have not run the motor yet, I dont know what will happen with it. Another manifold I painted, did not yellow so I think I will be fine.