Correct 86-93 EFI intake/valve cover color

[DadBox]

I am restoring an engine and wondered if someone else has found a close or exact match to the original 1986-1993 5.0 intake/valve color silver paint. Of course I could go and have a custom color mixed up but thought I'd ask here about any rattle can success.

[negusm]

I thought those were natural. No paint needed.

[DadBox]

I stripped the valve covers and they look horrible. Casting flash and pits everywhere. They were painted for sure. Just sayin'.

I stopped at the auto parts store and they had 'aluminum' engine paint but it looks too bright and sparkly for stock. Seems the stock was a little more brownish, unless age and heat took their toll.

[JACook]

I would take a look at the VHT argent wheel paint.
<edit>
Another suggestion would be Eastwood's AlumaBlast
http://www.eastwood.com/catalog/prod...t/category/28/
or perhaps Detail Gray
http://www.eastwood.com/ew-detail-gr...sol-13-oz.html
</edit>

[GTJerry]

I don't have an 86, but the intakes on both my 88 and 89 are more of an argent color than natural. (First pic is the 88, second is the 89)

[GTJerry]

Just realized I had a can of Eastwood's AlumaBlast. I painted a piece of cardboard to show the comparison of colors. It's lighter than the intake color on the 88. (The darker area on the cardboard is where the paint had not yet dried - no patience tonight )

[DadBox]

Wow Jerry, thanks for the support! I guess I could drive my '93 feature car to the parts store and see what color matches best.

[Capriman86]

For what I recall, some valve covers are painted some are not, I don't think 86's where painted. I remember mine having paint on them.

The intake colors have changed too, 86 is different then what i have see on some aero's too.

Wish I had more info buy I don't.

[LxFiveO]

The valve covers were bare natural finish from 1986-1989. I believe at some point in 1990 they started painting the valvle covers a light grey color. As Jeff said the older upper plenums were more of an aluminum color verse the later ones being a light grey.

[LxFiveO]

low mileage '88 GT


low mileage '90 GT

[eeprete]

+1 to what Jeff and LX50 have said.

here's how mine have broken down:

(2) 86 5.0's VC's are natural finish, Intake is a light aluminum paint/coating color
(1) 88 GT had natural VC's, darker "grey" paint/coating intake
(1) 89 LX VC's I don't recall, darker "grey" paint/coating intake
(1) 90 LX VC's were natural and intake were darker "grey" paint/coating

[eeprete]

I think you also need to clarify what year you are restoring. While many of the components from 86-93 were the same, there may have been variations to the preparation and finish that would dictate the best approach for you to take.

[arj]

I've been using spray cans of Duplicolor engine paint. The color that's called 'aluminum' is bright, like you said, and it makes cast parts look like they've been sprayed with a cheap spray can. But the color that's called 'cast coat aluminum' works well. It's slightly darker, and looks a little bit yellow when compared to the 'aluminum' color.

[Jeremy86coupe]

When my dad and I pulled my engine out back in 96 he worked at a Dodge dealer and I had the guy in the body shop there paint my valve covers the same silver the wheels on Dodge trucks are painted. He cleared over them and I have over 75k since then and the paint is still in great shape and they look nice and match the 93 Cobra intake pretty close. I hope that helps! Good luck!

[DadBox]

I found a color that I like, although it may have a bit too much sparkle for some folks. Dupli-Color High Performance Wheel Coating WP101 Silver turned out nice and just a little 'warmer' than the 'aluminum' ceramic engine paint. Your mileage may vary, and since it's not going in a pure stock car, well, I feel that I can do whatever I want. I will post pictures of the intake and VC's next time the sun is out (forecasting rain the next day or so).Thanks to all for the input!

[GTJerry]

Good for you. Looking forward to the results.

Jerry

[86GT2r]

Here is a picture of my 18k mile 86. It looks like the valve covers are natural with a silverish aluminum paint on the intake.
Sorry the picture is so big.

[DadBox]

Here is the finished product. Notice how it seems to match the bare aluminum intake cover plate on top.

[J Alden]

"my 18k mile 86"

You don't see many of those.

Where in N IL are you? I'm in Palatine.

[GTJerry]

Here is the finished product. Notice how it seems to match the bare aluminum intake cover plate on top.

That looks good. I might use that on my 88!

[arj]

I've found that the wheel paint is not as durable as the engine paint, which cooks-off as the engine runs. Hopefully the wheel paint works... You'll find out after the car is driven repeatedly, or after any solvents get on the parts.

[DadBox]

I've found that the wheel paint is not as durable as the engine paint, which cooks-off as the engine runs. Hopefully the wheel paint works... You'll find out after the car is driven repeatedly, or after any solvents get on the parts.

It will be my grocery-getter, so I will be able to attest to the durability after a good Phoenix summer! Crossing my fingers, otherwise I'll just have to pull it off and install an Exploder intake. What a pity that would be! //sarcasm off

[86GT2r]

"my 18k mile 86"

You don't see many of those.

Where in N IL are you? I'm in Palatine.

I'm in the Rockford area.

[irvin]

im in mt morris. like to see your car sometime--irv toms

[irvin]

Here is the finished product. Notice how it seems to match the bare aluminum intake cover plate on top.

that isnt an 86 top plate though--irv