NCRS Correct Method to Restore Original Exhaust Manifolds

[Kirk M.]

Is there a "correct" way to do this that won't lose you any judging points. Thanks.

Kirk

[Paul J.]

Re: NCRS Correct Method to Restore Original Exhaust Manifolds

Kirk:

There was a great discussion on this not too long ago, it should be in the archives. I recall someone using graphite.

Paul

[Terry M.]

Re: NCRS Correct Method to Restore Original Exhaust Manifolds

There is no method that will not get some deduction from some judge. If you know who will judge your engine compartment, ask that person -- but based on my experience knowing who will judge your Corvette at any meet is a roll of the dice. As Paul points out, this subject has been tossed around a few times, and there are as many opinions as there are certain parts of the body.

[Joe R.]

Re: NCRS Correct Method to Restore Original Exhaust Manifolds

Hi Kirk:

If you search the archives you can amuse yourself for some time reading various opinions about different methods for protecting exhaust manifolds while maintaining original appearance. I don't think any of the coatings that have been described will guarantee no deductions for originality, but some treatments will do okay with some judges.

When I was preparing my car for judging, I simply bead blasted the manifolds and put them on the car. That way I knew I could look the judges in the eye and state that there was absolutely no coating on my manifolds (the judges never questioned the finish, though). The manifolds looked great and the finish held up fine for a couple years with indoor storage.

However, sooner or later, uncoated manifolds will rust, and will detract from the appearance of your engine compartment. So, you can plan on removing and cleaning your uncoated manifolds every year or two, or you can put a durable coating on them and take the hit in NCRS judging.

If you have not yet had the "pleasure" of removing and reinstalling the passenger side exhaust manifold under your AC compressor, you have missed one on those really tedious operations on your car.

Once I finished with having may car judged, I bit the bullet and had a set of manifolds coated with the Jerry MacNeish method that is described in the archives. This coating is detectable, but reportedly bulletproof.

My goal is to never have to worry about rust on my manifolds again. So far so good, but the new manifolds have only been on the car for a few months.

[Edward J.]

Re: NCRS Correct Method to Restore Original Exhaust Manifolds

Kirk, I think its a catch 22, if the manifolds are rusted theres a deduct, if the manifolds are painted or whatever coatings there are - theres a deduct, its the same with the carbon steel pipes on the exhaust system,my two cents is -If your planning on to duntov your car you'll want all the points you can get, but if your looking to top flite your car, a few points won't hurt. coating you manifolds certainly looks better and will last 4 to 5 yrs., as long as you don't drive in the rain.

[Stewart A.]

Re: NCRS Correct Method to Restore Original Exhaust Manifolds

A rusty pair of exhaust manifolds can make an engine bay look like crap ! I used a GM original manifold look paint. It might not be NCRS approved but people always comment on how nice the manifolds look. 2 years plus 13000 miles and driven in rain, hale and shine still look like brand new. Stewy

[Gene M.]

Re: NCRS Correct Method to Restore Original Exhaust Manifolds

One has to keep in mind that a finish on a part should only be subject to a maximum of 20% deduction.

Most judges adhere to this or less, thus it's not a big hit.