Polishing the Intake

[Petrograde]

Well,... I FINALLY got around to getting an air compressor. So I've started to polish the intake. :banana:
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=503/1111polished_intake_01.jpg
here's a close up.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=503/1111polished_intake_02.jpg
I spent about 10-15 minutes doing that. I estimate it should take me around 8-9 hours to complete it.

but, here's the problem: polished aluminum will start to corrode fairly quickly. Anyone know of a high temp clear coat that will work? I wonder how 'high temp' it really needs to be.

[SergntMac]

Tom...I investigated this myself with the front timing cover.

Powdercoat.

[Logan]

Under high heat, the clear powder coat will yellow and fade over time, and is a bear to get back off. Did that on a polished aluminum intake manifold for my 351w in my 69 Cougar... Wasn't impressed after a couple months, it looked like crap and I ended up replacing the manifold.

My suggestion, just polish it. Polished aluminum doesn't corrode any more quickly than cast aluminum. My polished manifolds for my windsors lasted forever without ever a corrosion blemish to be seen. Don't know who told you it'd corrode quickly...

[Petrograde]

Polished aluminum doesn't corrode any more quickly than cast aluminum.

I agree,.. but it shows up a lot faster.


Don't know who told you it'd corrode quickly...

I've seen it at work. Right now I'm up to my neck in AH-64 Apache rotor head parts,.. mostly cast aluminum. I've noticed after polishing out nicks and dents the aluminum it starts corroding after a few days. (if I don't get it Alodined in time)


Tom...I investigated this myself with the front timing cover.

Powdercoat.

I've been thinking more and more about that. Still worried about heat issues. hmmm.

Thanks for the input guys!

[Warpath]

I think there is clear anodizing which is different from powder coating. I believe anodizing is electroplating. But, that will be expensive. Also, Zoops sells Zoop Seal that keeps polished Al from oxidizing. I don't know how it performs in high temps. But, the website states it can be used on engines. http://www.zoops.com/zoopseal.asp

[Petrograde]

hmmm,.... Thanks Warpath. That looks like a viable option.

[rumble]

Tom, for what it's worth, I went ahead and had mine chrome plated after I had
it polished. Like yourself I was concerned that the polished aluminum would
corrode and dull. I only did the upper half because I didn't feel that it was worth
the expense and effort to pull the lower. Also I wanted it chrome to match the
valve covers. The cost of the chrome plaiting was $100 at Show & Go in Dallas.
I know their has been discussions on the board regarding heat and performance issues
with a chrome intake but unfortunately I haven't had the time to drive the car much
at all so I really can't verify or dispel those arguments. After buying the car last
June I still have only 1500 miles on it and that includes two trips to Ennis from
North TX. I hope to make some of the Saturday night and Thursday night gigs
this Spring. Hope to see you then.

[Petrograde]

wow,... well, if ya get a chance please post on the performance aspect of having a chrome intake.

only 1500 miles? I bought mine last June too,.. I have 13,000+ miles.

I'm afraid the thurs. nite meets are out of the question for me now. But, I'm hoping to make it up some Sat.

hey,.. could ya post some pics of the intake? pretty please! :bows:

[gilby04]

Petro,
You may want to consider a "Hardcoat Anodized" surface treatment.
Hardcoat anodizing is typically used to enhance the wear properties of aluminum, but imparts a good measure of corrosion protection as well. In my experience, the thickness of the Hardcoat buildup can be specified at either .0005" or .001" per surface. The resulting color is similar to light charcoal (rather than grey), but can be dark charcoal in color depending on the type of substrate. Also, Teflon can be added to the Hardcoat treatment to reduce the coefficient of sliding friction. Companies that come to mind are: International Hardcoat (in Detroit), Luke Engineering (somewhere in Ohio), and Electrolizing Corporation (in Cleveland).

[rumble]

Petro, yes when I get back this weekend I will snap some pictures and post them. Think you can make it the 28th? BTW who drives the Black MM with TX lic# TC32+++? It seemed very FAST Next to my wifes A6 2.7 at a Plano stop lite last Sat. night. Wife thought I was "less than stellar" with my driving. I launched and then backed off, he went past me like a black bolt of lighting. Very impressive!!!!!!!