Good Quality Engine Paint?

[Dandy Don]

I'm getting ready to paint my 427 S.O. block and waterpump and wondered who made a good quality engine paint that holds up?
Also,excuse my ignorance, I'm a former GM guy who has only recently "seen the light"---what is the correct color? I thought it was black for Cobras but I see a lot of Ford blue?
Should a bare block that was hot tanked be primered before the finish color goes on?
Thanks-Dandy Don

[REAL 1]

If your worried about the paint peeling on the exhaust ports if you have iron heads, forget it. No paint will hold up to the extreme heat generated at the exhaust port area. You will just have to keep touching the area up.

[Bud Man]

Don:

When I built my 427 SO, I used Eastwoods Black (10017Z) and it went on over a bare and very, very clean block. Use plenty of lacquer thinner, clean rags and compressed air to dislodge the lint and you will get a great finish. I am very happy with its durability.

As far as color, a 1965 Ford FE would be properly BLACK. As I recall, Ford Dark Blue was used on the late 1965 and later Galaxies and Mustangs.

There are several folks on this forum more knowledgable than I, so they may want to weigh in, also.

Bud

[shnookie]

POR-15 extra pigment engine enamel.
http://www.por15.com
I just used it on a Sunbeam block and it is the best engine enamel I've ever used.

[STEVE POTTS]

I'll second the POR-15 engine paint...there is nothing better.

[Excaliber]

I bet the original Cobras paint was CLOSE in quality to the Big Three of that era. Quite possibly less quality than that.

The Cobras were built by a bunch of racers. I suspect that were more interested in performance than "show paint". Just shoot and sell.

Ernie

[xcobraj]

But,which color is correct blue or black

[STEVE POTTS]

I am almost certain that the 427 cars had black paint on the engine.

[Bud Man]

I feel like the AFLAC duck........

BLACK!!!!!!!

Bud

[DuckRyder]

Sorry in advance for double posting this.

Which of POR's 3 "Ford Blues" is the closest to correct for a 390?

They Have:

Ford Blue
Ford Medium Blue
Ford Corporate Blue

It doesn't have to be exhibition correct just about the same color as what is usually called "Dark Ford Blue" in a spray bomb.

TIA

[era427tp]

I've used VHT Ford dark blue...........almost black

[misfit41]

I havent used the por 15,but I have the eastwoods and it is great,much higher pigment than the shelve brands I have tried.
all 427 blocks as far as I know were blk,if painted at all,some werent I understand ,in 65 the 352's were gold ,the 390's were dark blue,I think it was the first year of 385's they went to the lighter blue but I am not sure.
earlier 390's were gold ,if I remember correctly the 406's and the early hi pos were black with gold or chrome valve covers,again i am not sure,the was also the funky powder blue like the 289's that was also used on early 352's and 332's.
to tell the truth,in all but a concours restoration,i say go with what you like . Tim

[trularin]

Don, yes tank the block. You should pick the color you like the engine to be, unless you are restoring.

Personally I like VHT in a yellow color.

There are several colors around.

At least you didn't put a Chevy in your cobra. LOL

Trularin

[Cobranut]

Don,

I think the 65's were mostly black.

By far the best engine paint I've used is POR-15.

I painted my block according to their recommendations and it has held up perfectly.

Start with a coat of their standard POR-15 rust resistant paint and after it sets up the proper amount of time, but while still slightly tacky, brush on a coat of their high pigment engine paint.
It is self-leveling, very glossy and very tough.

I clearcoated all my aluminum parts with POR-15 Glisten PC. It is a 2-part urethene which is also brushable and extremely tough. It has even held up on the heads, although it has turned a bit gold around the exhaust ports.

Later,