<<The other logical option is to paint it black (like 18V engines) in order
to disguise oil leaks...>>
I used to paint my blocks in the race cars rebuilder's grey for just the
opposite reason - so as to be able to locate the inevitable fluid leaks.
Then I got back into vintage racing and went back to red - but I did cheat on
my cam covers and chromed them. The alloy covers will hold a shine for part
of a season and then you have to polish them again, by which time you are
normally screwing around fixing something else and don't have the time. I
just tell people that I use a special polish and lots of elbow grease to get
such a brilliant shine!
Bill S.
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