Exhaust Manifold Dressing

[Douglas G.]

Recently, I used "CALYX" exhaust manifold dressing on my '63 and it looks great. I was wondering if anyone has used this product on any other cast iron parts and if so was it necessary to cure it with some type of heat source ie. propane torch or heat gun? Thanks in advance for any input.

[Jim D.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Dressing

Calyx is nothing more than powdered graphite. It looks okay but if whatever you put it on gets wet, you'll have rust. I quit using it 20 years ago. Too messy.

[Tom H.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Dressing

I agree. I used it years ago too. Good cosmetic fix, but not a long term deal. Every time you get your hands against it, it comes off.

I have used the product from Eastwood for a good cast iron finish look. It is brush on and lasts for years.

[William L.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Dressing

I agree. I used it years ago too. Good cosmetic fix, but not a long term deal. Every time you get your hands against it, it comes off.

I have used the product from Eastwood for a good cast iron finish look. It is brush on and lasts for years.

I agree with Tom I use the Eastwood stuff.
One can will last a long time even after all your buddies use it on their cars.

[Jean C.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Dressing

Jet Hot coating works for me.
Best regards,

[Joe L.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Dressing

Recently, I used "CALYX" exhaust manifold dressing on my '63 and it looks great. I was wondering if anyone has used this product on any other cast iron parts and if so was it necessary to cure it with some type of heat source ie. propane torch or heat gun? Thanks in advance for any input.

Douglas------


I don't like Calyx, either, for all the reasons described by others. However, it doesn't really need to be cured, at all. Even if it did, the heat of the manifolds would do the trick.

Actually, if you have manifolds that are previously completely cleaned of rust by bead blasting, etc., just using VHT High Heat Cast Iron paint will work very well. It will provide a very natural appearing finish after curing just by the heat of the manifolds.

The above works even better if you have Jerry MacNeish clean and coat the manifolds with a "high-tech", high temperature coating followed by the VHT paint described above. The paint permeates into the porous coating and looks even more natural. Plus, it's essentially "immortal" and the manifolds will look like new for as long as it's going to matter to you or, most likely, even the folks that follow you.

[Tom H.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Dressing

One can will last a long time even after all your buddies use it on their cars.

Sounds like we got the same buddies !!!