I'm having to remove my intake and exhaust manifolds. Long story that I won't bore you with. Since I have the intake off, what is the best method of cleaning it and protecting it so that it will be easy to maintain in a clean condition? I have a few ideas, but I wanted the advice of all you experts out there. '71 240Z Thanks

have it bead blasted or walnut shell blasted then have it clear powder coated. Have them use a semi-gloss clear so it doesn't look too shiney and it will be easier to clean off later. You need to remove all the bolts and studs before you have it done though.

If you are going to powder coat, there is a chrome powder coat also available. (Not quite the same as chrome palting) Depends what your engine bay looks like now and your plans for the future.

If you want the added benefit of reducing heat transfer you might consider a metallic ceramic coating, which is available in a variety of colors and textures. Not much more costly than powdercoating either. Just like powdercoating, you will have to remove all studs, but temporarily install bolts to protect the threads from being coated. They prefer to do the cleaning and prep work.

You can get the single stage reflective chrome powder coat from Eastwood at the following url:

http://www.eastwood.com

Item #11504

webdawg1

That reminds me, if anyone is planning on getting some ceramic coating done I'll pass this along. You would have to send more than just intakes though to spend the required $200.00, to use the coupon.

I appreciate everyones responses. Thanks to all

You can get the single stage reflective chrome powder coat from Eastwood at the following url:

http://www.eastwood.com

Item #11504

webdawg1

its not as good as it seems. It discolors if you get any type of engine degreaser or other solvents on it, just like the 2 stage chrome. I did a couple of motorcycle foot pegs for a guy and he brought them back a week later after he got degreaser on them, and they had turned gray.

Also, on my 240, I did the accelerator linkage, right on the firewall part and left it on when I pressure washed the engine compartment. Zep Industrial Purple turned it gray too.

2003z,

Can you recommend another product that will hold up to the underhood enviroment most engines will see? (I.e. - Name brand, Item #, Vendor) I think he was kind of thinking along the lines of powder coating....

webdawg1

you can use that single stage chrome, but I would put a clearcoat on over it. Since its the same price and both really need a clearcoat, I use their regular reflective chrome, because it shoots out smoother from the gun and doesn't get silver veins if applied a little too heavily.

2003z,

How about JetHot? I know that it is pretty much used on headers...etc...etc. How about the intake and heat shield as well? Would probably be a little bit of overkill...but from what I've seen of it...it should hold up quite well under the hood...

webdawg1

2003z,

How about JetHot? I know that it is pretty much used on headers...etc...etc. How about the intake and heat shield as well? Would probably be a little bit of overkill...but from what I've seen of it...it should hold up quite well under the hood...

webdawg1

I think that would be an awesome solution. I have an old hooker header on mine that was extremely rusty. I got it ceramic coated in black and it looks great. They first do regular ceramic (jet hot) inside and out, then put a black ceramic topcoat on it. Haven't got the engine running yet though.