Engine painting procedure--big block, aluminum heads and intake, orange valve covers

[Mike E.]

Block and water pump were painted, intake and heads were not. Valve covers were. (1971 454 LS6). How exactly did they do that? A different mask than for other applications? How much paint on the bypass hose coming out of the top of the water pump?
Substantive documentation rather than opinions preferred, but opinions based on experience welcome.
Thanks

[Terry M.]

Re: Engine painting procedure--big block, aluminum heads and intake, orange valve cov

Block and water pump were painted, intake and heads were not. Valve covers were. (1971 454 LS6). How exactly did they do that? A different mask than for other applications? How much paint on the bypass hose coming out of the top of the water pump?
Substantive documentation rather than opinions preferred, but opinions based on experience welcome.
Thanks

Mike
I can't remember which LS6 I saw a line of red (orange if you will) on the head. I concluded they wrapped the heads with masking tape. Hard to believe given it was so labor intensive, but then the limited number produced argues against a mask. That of course doesn't answer your water pump question.