C2 Exhaust Manifold Judging Question

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I have a question regarding the point deduction for exhaust manifolds painted some color other than Chevy orange.

My '65 has the correct manifolds with correct casting dates. After shot peening, I sprayed them with Seymour high temp. cast blast paint.

According to the judging sheets, manifolds have 15 originality and 15 condition points.

Would a judge say that the correct manifolds are not finished as original and deduct all 15 originality points and since the total deduction is applied, the 15 condition points would also be deducted (for a total of 30 points) or would a judge say that the manifolds are overly restored and deduct minor points?

What say the folks who have been there?

Thanks in advance,
Gene

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Exhaust Manifold Judging Question

minor deduction for incorrect finish. mike

[Gary B.]

Exhaust Manifold Deductions

Gene,

Based on the CDIFC (Configuration, Date, Installation, Finish, and Completeness) system for the originalty portion and an equal number of points for each of the 5 aspects, only 3 points are available for finish. If the manifolds haven't been sanded smooth (there is more to the finish than just the outer coating), I would hope that the total deduction would be 1 or 2 points for a cast-blast like coating.

If the manifolds are in mint condition, I don't think there should be any deduction for condition, even if they are coated with cast-blast.

Given that I've never judged mechanical, I'd like to hear what others have to say.

Gary

[Gene B.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Deductions

I would say the most I woudl deduct would be 1 point, or non deduct and point out the error for roiginality. COndition would be based on the condition of the manifold, but would not have anything to do with the cast blast finish.

My justification for the no deduct is that most judges would not have a clue that they were supposed to be chevy orange, but for that matter they really would only be orange on the ends and yellow in the middle. The heat from the exhaust would change the orange to yellow. If the yellow parts have started to show rust through them, and they will over time, then I would deduct 1 point, maybe 2 on condition.

My 2 cents

Gene

[Gary B.]

Exhaust manifold deduction for cast-blast

Gene,

The other Gene said he painted the manifolds with hi-temp cast blast, which is usually easily detected. In that case, I think one must make some deduction for originality.

I'm sure many owners have been thru just this scenario, so please chime in if your manifolds are cast-blast or hi-temp coated and you've had your car judged.

Gary

[Michael H.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Deductions

Gene,

I agree with the 3 point deduct on finish. If, as you mentioned, the surface had been ground smooth prior to coating, would that be considered part of the finish or would it be configuration? The actual configuration of the manifold would have been altered if the surface was ground smooth. Tough call on that one but either way, three points isn't a big deal.

Agree, no deduct for condition, even if they're the incorrect color or finish.

[Michael H.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Deductions

I disagree with the "no deduct because most judges don't know the manifolds are supposed to be painted". It's the judges job to know what he's doing out on that field. If the knowledge level isn't up to the task, he shouldn't be judging.

Also, if painted properly, the manifolds would soon turn from orange to mostly black, with orange remaining on some areas such as the alternator mounting ear.

I'll post a pic of a properly painted and "run in" manifold.

[Michael H.]

Properly Coated Manifold

Here's a shot of a correctly painted and run in manifold. The orange burns to black and stays that way for many years.

[Jean C.]

Re: Exhaust manifold deduction for cast-blast

On a '64 driver that is Flight Judged, exhaust manifolds and heat riser coated in "Corvette Grey" at Jet-Hot's Pascagoula, MS plant with no grinding, polishing or otherwise removing of casting marks resulted in 1 pt Originality deduct for "NTP finish on manifolds" at Park City. I have not yet applied any orange paint to the manifolds.

Best regards,
Charlie

[Gary B.]

Thanks Charlie; exactly what we want to know. *NM*

[Tracy C.]

What did you think of the scribes handwriting?

I see the guy who wrote that comment every morning when I brush my teeth...

Dang he is a handsome bloke!!

tc

[Eugene B.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Deductions

Michael et al,
Thank each of you for your reply and answer to my question.

Michael, your manifolds look great after run-in. I used the cast blast because I hate to see rusty manifolds when I open the hood. I wonder if the blackened residue from the orange paint will keep your manifolds from rusting?

I did not alter the surface or smooth up any areas; just cast blast. I am willing to take a 3 point hit for the "Chevy grey" color. The reason I thought that condition point deductions might apply is because I seem to remember that if you have an originality deduction greater than 90% then you loose all condition points.

Thanks again to all who responded.

Best regards,
Gene

[William C.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Deductions

Just remember not to use gaskets between the manifold and the head, that is another one pointer that is free if you assemble the engine like GM did it.

[Mike M.]

Re: Exhaust manifold deduction for cast-blast

At a chapter meet no deduction for cast paint on manifolds. A note in the column
said very nice.
At the National in Windsor 2 point deduct for originality with a note that says coating on manifolds.
Mike

[Gary B.]

Thanks for the info, Mike. *NM*