Re-Painting an engine...Corvette Valve Covers

I'm in the process of cleaning up some old parts for my project an I have a couple of questions. The 327 that I have has about 3 coats of old paint on it, how much do I need to strip off in order to paint the block? Are there any certain places that I need to pay specific attention to i.e. the exhaust ports? Any recomendations on the paint?

Next, I have a set of old Corvette ribbed valve covers. I'm polishing the up with some Mothers. Any suggestions on how to get into the ribs of the covers? How about once I have finished polishing them, should I seal them with something or leave them alone? If needed what should they be sealed with?

Thanks in advance. H

 

Wire wheel and drill. Work it forward, then later in reverse. Because the 'wire's' tend to twist.Got a compressor? De-burr the really nasty snag's of casting flash. Scotch Brite pad's with laq. thinner will help as well. Clean, Clean, Clean that block so the new paint can grab. Light coat of etching primer. Spray bomb block color? Plasti-Kote is a good brand, VHT, also. High Temp. Tough to get between those fin's. I've done that with some Early 'Vett cover's 2 yrs back, by hand 12hrs ea. Folding a rag and working it down deep will turn yer finger tip's into bloody stump's. Wenol was a polish i used, and a lot of soft rag's. Zoot's sell's a sealent that will help hold the shine, bt a high $ price $100. Some Napa store's carry a arbor kit to help polish.

 

Here's how I do it. Block off all ports and openings and use Easy Off oven cleaner to take the paint off.

You want good durable engine paint? Spray bomb ain't going to cut it then. Either use POR 15 engine paint or normal automotive body paint. Either will be durable. Spray can engine paint usually gets looking haggard as soon as gasoline or much heat hits it.

I can't say enough good about the POR 15 engine paint. It is bulletproof.