Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

[Jason S.]

When rebuilding my 1963 engine, I will be cleaning up my cast exhaust manifolds. These manifolds have always been treated with Calyx paste and look decent - however - I'd be interested in using something more "permanent" going forward.

I was assuming I'd ceramic coat the manifolds - but have been hearing several people in these forums prefer some different brands of paints?

Jason

[Don H.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

Jason
I pulled this old thread up from the similar threads list near bottom of this page.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?73254-exhaust-manifold-coatings

[Jason S.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

Yes indeed - I read that thread before posting. I suppose I should have mentioned that. It has alot of good info.
I've just been assuming a ceramic coating would be the most "permanent" beyond any other method - and wondered why that hadn't been mentioned. Perhaps this is too "thick" and takes away the resolution of the casting texture and P/Ns or there is another downside?

[Gene M.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

When you are dealing with heat and something that can rust, nothing is permanent. You are just prolonging the inevitable. Take your pick of the least detectable to the most prolonging that is the most obvious. If flight judging most anything you put on the exhaust manifolds will be a deduction. They are supposed to be NO FINISH raw cast iron.

[Doug W.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

I have had great results using POR15 cast iron exhaust manifold paint. I applied it as directed and has not deteriorated after 7 years and 3,000 miles of use. My 2 cents

[James R.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

I had mine done by Jerry MacNeish's, Camaro Hi-performance (www.z28camero.com) back in 2010 and they still look great. He puts a coat of aluminum on them and then you spray them with a cast paint (he provided). I would recommend you at least check him out.

[Don L.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

I have had great results using POR15 cast iron exhaust manifold paint. I applied it as directed and has not deteriorated after 7 years and 3,000 miles of use. My 2 cents

+1 here. My exhaust manifolds were coated with POR 15 when I bought the car 10 years and almost 7,500 miles ago. They've held up very well, showing practically no degradation at all. As has been mentioned here, you should expect an originality deduct in flight judginng for any coating. That said, heavily rusted manifolds may earn a condition deduct, so you need to choose your poison.

Here are a couple photos of my POR 15 coated maifolds. Hope this helps...

IMG_2139.jpgIMG_0083.jpg

[Joe R.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

I had mine done by Jerry MacNeish's, Camaro Hi-performance (www.z28camero.com) back in 2010 and they still look great. He puts a coat of aluminum on them and then you spray them with a cast paint (he provided). I would recommend you at least check him out.

I agree with James. I saw a post by John Hinckley that showed his done by Jerry MacNeish years earlier that still looked great. I had Jerry do mine and am quite pleased. No more rust on the outside, ever!

Joe

[Jason S.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

That helps a great bit - thanks to everyone. I'll consider taking the POR15 approach, the MacNeish approach, or just keep my Calyx jar at the ready going forward.

[Bill L.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

Sent mine to Jet Hot for Ceramic coating on my 70 and they still look great. I am sure I will take a hit when judged.

I decided to take the hit rather than look at rusty manifolds.

Bill

[Jason S.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

Do you have any pics of your manifolds with Jet Hot?

[Bill M.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

Jay
I wire brush them back to clean metal. I then put them back on car bring them up to operating temp and spray WD 40 on them and they look pretty good. the treatment lasts about 6 mos

[Bill L.]

Re: Experience with Exhaust Manifold Coatings

Do you have any pics of your manifolds with Jet Hot?

Best I have at the moment. The engine is currently wrapped in plastic while I work on the front frame and restoration of the front suspension.

After DS Engine.jpg