[Healeys] Intake manifold finishes

[WILLIAM B LAWRENCE]

The "naked" aluminum will stand up to the heat just fine. The added coating may even be detrimental to heat transfer. I'm not surprised that the powder coating is discoloring.

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From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> on behalf of Bruce Steele <healeybruce at roadrunner.com>
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 5:55:32 AM
To: 'Healey List'
Subject: [Healeys] Intake manifold finishes

I’m interested in my options for finishing my intake manifold.  It was powder coated clear 12 years ago, and the coating has yellowed at the head flanges from heat, and over the years what look like rust spots have developed in the powder coat, which is odd since the manifold is cast aluminum (see the attached photo).

I’d prefer to preserve the natural cast aluminum color, and I’m not a big fan of the chrome or polished look on the intake (my apologies to all you out there with nice shiny intake manifolds—it’s just not my taste).  I had the exhaust manifold Jet-Hot coated in a cast iron gray 12 years ago, and they still look great.  So, Jet-Hot coating the intake is one option, but the color samples they sent me of their lightest grays are all at best a medium gray; all considerably darker than their online color catalogue indicates.  I’m going to call them Monday, but I’m not sure they have a coating light enough.

I also don’t want to paint it, as I know that won’t hold up long term.  I’m curious about blasting the clear powder coat off and leaving the manifold uncoated.  How does the “naked” aluminum hold up to the heat?  What have others done?  Your experience is appreciated.

Bruce Steele
Brea, CA
1960 BN7

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