Engine color opinions

[78 L82 4spd]

I need some help. I am almost completed with an engine rebuild. I know that the correct color for my 1979 L82 is blue. The engine rebuilder says he usually uses black or red.

The car is basically stock but I have no idea how original it is (notice wheels and exhaust). My goal is just to have something that is clean and looks good and runs good.

So what is the forums opinions?

Thanks!!!

Stephen

 

[MidShark]

Well I personally would go with the blue because that's what it came in, but that's just me. I would go with whatever you want to see. Nice looking car, by the way!

Dick

 

[Tom]

I would go with the origional blue.

 

[KenSny]

Chevy Orange. Since it's modified anyway why stick with blue? IMHO blue is for Fords.

 

[paintdaddy]

I would stay with blue,because its not easy to change and thats what it was when new.

 

[king80vette]

What is a good source for the correct blue paint.

 

[paintdaddy]

Any local parts store should carry it but the best place to get the closest match would be eastwood.

 

[C3forME]

The engine in my car was originally blue also, however it is now chevy orange, I found the blue to be very boring. The orange really looks great with my Edelbrock aluminum manifold, aluminum valve covers, and chrome accessories. I painted it with Duplicolor Chevy Orange engine paint and painted my headers with Duplicolor Hi-Temp 1200 degree black header & exhaust paint.

 

[78 L82 4spd]

Wow - thanks, everybody! I appreciate the feedback.

I have a feeling I might go with the orange. I like the "stock" but blue just doesn't do it for me - makes it look too stock.

Even though my car is a '79, I bought it with the rally wheels on it. With the orange paint, the casual observer would never know (nor should I care, I guess) that it is a '79. It reminds me of my 1968 327 Camaro with the Rally Sport package - hmmm hmmm.

Midshark - thanks for the compliments!!!

Again, thank you all for your opinions!!!

Stephen

 

[GATOR454]

If my car was the same color as yours I think I would rather see orange or black when I opened the hood.
Orange looks good with black components, head covers etc.
Black would look really good as a base for lots of chrome.
I also think black would hide any oil leaks which might not be a good thing.
Blue or red would be my last choice.

I painted mine orange.

 

[78 L82 4spd]

GATOR454 -

Thanks for the pictures. Looks sharp!

Stephen

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Gator's engine pics...

I especially liked the contrasting paint on the numbers!
That is something I will do with mine while we paint it. How did you apply the paint on the numbers?
Heidi

 

[resto75]

I have a black block and chrome accessories such as valve covers, alt,timing cover etc. I am not a big fan of chevy orange and really don't care for the blue. Black and chrome looks good no matter what color the outside of the car is and doesn't look so stock.

 

[Fishman]

;stupid

Mine's black... looks great!

 

[GATOR454]

Hi Heidi

I used a black paint pen and just ran it over the top of the raised numbers. It's really easy to do.

David

 

[Jacko]

A black motor runs much cooler than a colored motor.
Somewhere around 20% cooler.
I painted my motor, including oil pan, flat black.
I am going to sand blast my chrome valve covers and do them also.
Then I am thinking of painting my aluminum heads the same.
Or having them Black Anodized.
It's always a good idea to keep the heat out of a motor.
May not be the prettiest color around, but it WORKS.
:cool

 

[Corvette Craig]

Stephen......

I like your Vette. That dark maroon is cool.

Imagine this......

1. Your block the same color as your car.
2. The air filter housing, the same color as your car.
3. Chrome, EVERYWHERE you can afford.
4. Chrome Paint everthing else.
5. Black and Maroon accent paint as wanted.
6. Chrome Wire Loom

Fact is, it's your car, paint the engine any color you like.
Look at some Hot Rod web site for ideas, Those guys don't let the "Original Bug" hold them back.
You'd be suprised how many are using 350 small blocks.

Here's mine......

 

[Jacko]

I do agree with Corvette Craig, it's your car, paint it to your taste.
Although, as I said, black is great for engine longevity because it runs much cooler.

 

[drduckster]

engine color opinions

My 76 L48 is still close to being a "# matching car", engine ect.... it will never, imho ,be a collectable car as a 63 split window or a 67 tri power have turned out to be. Having said that, as time goes on I have begun to modify mine to my taste. It is completly up to you. Personally, I like to engine color the same as the body, but I also like the black. Save The Wave........... Donald NCRS # 39420

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I don't understand...

...black is great for engine longevity because it runs much cooler.

I don't understand how engine color can make a difference in what temp an engine runs at. Especially when the hood is closed most of the time and cannot absorb any rays from the sun.
Are the properties of black paint different from other colors?
Heidi