Putting A Little Pep In My 390's Step

[XR7]

Sorry for your loss... looks like you went above and beyond on the build, very meticulous and detailed. You did a good job for sure. I guess it is a crap shoot on blocks, you just never know even with good sonic numbers. I was curious what paint you used on the tunnel wedge, it looks good. Hard to find decent "aluminum" paint, that has the right "sheen" to it. Seems it is either too dull or too shiny and/or the wrong color. I like cast-blast for iron, but the aluma-blast just doesn't look as good to me. I have tried a few other brands/colors of aluminum, but nothing I like.

[Nightmist66]

Thanks, Thor. The paint is Duplicolor cast coat aluminum # DE1650. I was using Rustoleum "professional" aluminum enamel before, but it started getting very inconsistent. One can would be a nice aluminum color and the next would look like a real bright silver like the fake chrome spray paint. I kept going back to the store to get some more, but cans were more "chrome" than aluminum, so I gave up on that color. This was the first I've used this color, but it isn't too bad looking.

[Barry_R]

We use the same Duplicolor often.  I like the results when I stand back a bit and dry spray "fog" it on from a distance of 18" or so.

[Tunnelwedge]

Bummer. With 4 sleeves already are you going to sleeve this hole?
Maybe hard block?

[Nightmist66]

Bummer. With 4 sleeves already are you going to sleeve this hole?
Maybe hard block?

I'm weighing options at the moment. Whichever way I decide, I don't think it'll need hard block.

[ROBSREDFORD]

On page 8 you said you never felt it nose over…. FE engines never do…do they? 😀 My 390 seems to run clean off the end of the camshaft and is still pulling… seriously no inside paint anymore.  I’m building a HP diesel and was considering it… you must not like what u saw… elaborate plz

[mbrunson427]

Thanks, Thor. The paint is Duplicolor cast coat aluminum # DE1650. I was using Rustoleum "professional" aluminum enamel before, but it started getting very inconsistent. One can would be a nice aluminum color and the next would look like a real bright silver like the fake chrome spray paint. I kept going back to the store to get some more, but cans were more "chrome" than aluminum, so I gave up on that color. This was the first I've used this color, but it isn't too bad looking.

Ever tried this? I've always used the cast-blast for cast iron look and alumi-blast for intake manifolds.
https://www.seymourpaint.com/product/ca16-55-seymour-alumi-blast-specialty-coating-with-aluminum-paste-inside-the-can-12-oz/

[Nightmist66]

seriously no inside paint anymore.  I’m building a HP diesel and was considering it… you must not like what u saw… elaborate plz

I saw some starting to come off in the oil pan when it came off. I did try to scuff the pan some before applying it and I did cure it afterward. The other engine parts looked fine yet, just the oil pan. It was a zinc plated Milodon pan. Sandblasting would be best if doing it again. Oh well.


Mike, yes I've used it before. I don't know if I had a couple bum cans or not, but I was noticing some fine "texture" particles coming out with the paint a d resulted in a slightly bumpy finish. I didn't quit care for it.