I want some opinions and experiences on exhaust manifold paint/coatings. I'm trying to decide between Calyx manifold coating, Eastwood factory gray high temp coating and POR-15 factory manifold paint. I'm concerned with durability before looks, but both are determining factors. FYI- I got some Fenton SBC headers for my '55!!! I'm so excited!
I've used the POR hitemp stuff and it didn't bond well. I think I didn't get the headers clean enough. It didn't burn off it just flaked.
Calyx looks great on cast iron manifolds. Just did a set of 327 ram's horn manifolds and have about 3-4 hours of break in time. So far they have no discoloration and a nice natural metal look. Make sure to apply thoroughly to get in all the pores of the casting. As a bonus its easy to touch up on the engine. Never used POR-15, but have done quite a few with Eastwood's hi temp gray. It lasts a long time if you get the casting clean, and bake it after application. Don't think it is very good to use on sheet metal header tubes, IIRC.
i used the por 15 silver manifold paint on several headers and cast manifolds very pleased with it i painted them then put them in the sun all day then recoated them and installed them when dried
i also used the eastwood on some ramshorns, look great, and have held up very well. i cant tell you how much exhaust paint ive tryed over many years, and this stuff seems the best.
I'd say to do what Bass did and smooth them out and then have them ceramic coated. Much nicer and more durable than any paint will ever be.
used eastwoods on ramshorns on my 57 Fuely--been on there 3 yrs and look great--blasted them ,then cleaned, then painted and put on barbecue--did on 62 Vette same way
Only thing we find to last any time....even on blasted and prepped cast iron manifolds is to get them ceramic coated...the guy that does ours has a new cast iron color that looks real good...not the shiny silver.And its not that expensive for a pair The por 15 holds up for a while but after a year rust bleeds though...at least on something that gets driven reg.
I've had good lock with the POR-15 stuff. I blasted them and handled them with gloves prior to painting. It may sound a little anal but I think cleanliness is the key when using these high temp coatings. Todd
I've had Calyx on my BBC manifolds for YEARS and it still looks good. Easy touch-ups when needed. If there's a downside to Calyx, it's the fact that it never dries. It will always rub off onto your hands, even though it isn't apparent on the manifold. Goes on easy with a toothbrush to get it down into the rough casting. One small tub will do MANY manifolds. Short answer; I'm very happy with the results.
I used the stuff Speedway sells with good results and the color looks like raw cast iron. (exhaust man. dressing- Hot Stuff) I also tried the VHT hi-temp exhaust paint. The 1st time it flaked right off after running the engine a few times. Pulled the rams horns off, wire wheeled the paint off, cleaned them real well and tried again and still had some flakie spots so I can't recommend it.
Wow, I didn't know it never dries. I was leaning more toward the Calyx but that seems like it could me a big pain in the ass.
I used Eastwoods on an exhaust system from the collector back. I actually followed the instructions which included blasting the pieces. Did this 8 years ago and system still looks great.
My headers were nickel coated (also inside the tubes) Rust protection and no color changing like chromed headers. Best regards Marcel
Folks, As I read this thread, I got a wild idea: What about zink coating? It's cheap, neat tidy color, protects from rust and you can do it by your own in your garage (if you do not mind fiddling a bit with acid and batteries...) However, I've never seen anyone done it for exhaust manifold... ???
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