Coating an aluminum intake

[Alex_c]

Looking to coat this intake I bead blasted so it stays shiny.

Options:
- VHT or other hi-temp clear. Pros: Cheap and easy. Cons: will probably yellow
- Powdercoat. Pros: durable, high quality finish. Cons: cost, I don’t have to coat it, but I gotta go pick up and drop off during work hours probably
- Silver hi-temp paint: Pros: cheap, easy. Cons: I prefer the colour of the bead blasted aluminum.

Any other options? I know there are a lot of experienced pros on here that might have a better idea.

 

[noluck]

the clear should not yellow, it is not sitting with uv rays on it like a exterior part

 

[Brando]

Clear anodizing

 

[Buckethead905]

You could use an adhesion promoter and a 2k rattle can of clear. Have heard it yields pretty great results if it’s not a high-wear part. Another option would be Cerakote mc-160. https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating/MC-160/high-gloss-ceramic-clear

 

[kingblazer84]

if you want to get really fancy you could ceramic coat it but $$$

 

[Alex_c]

the clear should not yellow, it is not sitting with uv rays on it like a exterior part

That’s what I thought too, but guys on the Mustang forums were saying the heat caused yellowing over time

 

[Alex_c]

if you want to get really fancy you could ceramic coat it but $$$

Not worth it for a stock speed density 351 lol

 

[Alex_c]

Clear anodizing

Any idea how much that would cost, and who in the lower mainland could do it? Is it possible to DIY with the right acid solution and a DC power supply?

 

[Brando]

surf-tech is the place I have used, cost I’m not sure

 

[Alex_c]

surf-tech is the place I have used, cost I’m not sure

Just called them. $85 minimum charge, which is more than fair, but this intake/motor isn’t really worth that added cost. Thanks for the suggestion! To keep my project on budget, I'm thinking paint or clear is the best option.

 

[Saveth]

Just called them. $85 minimum charge, which is more than fair, but this intake/motor isn’t really worth that added cost. Thanks for the suggestion! To keep my project on budget, I'm thinking paint or clear is the best option.

You might want to make sure that hose barb isn't steel where that vacuum hose is. If it's anything other than aluminum or titanium, you won't be able to anodize it unless it's removed.

 

[Alex_c]

You might want to make sure that hose barb isn't steel where that vacuum hose is. If it's anything other than aluminum or titanium, you won't be able to anodize it unless it's removed.

Not going to anodize but will keep that in mind in the future, thanks