Upkeep of the intake
 

I have a non-polished aluminum performer intake. When I bought it there was a nice satin finish on the new aluminum casting. was not long before it started to look pretty bad and just a dingy old gray aluminum look.

I am wondering what product or process keeps the bumpy aluminum casting looking new?
I have toyed around with powder coating it but am still on the fence. I have seen it done and it looks good but the raw satin cast looks good too.

The day I installed it
http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/o...l/DSCN4178.jpg

After about 1000 miles this is what it looked like
http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/o...k/IMG_0583.jpg

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

You've got to know what I'd recommend, powdercoat. I did this one for a member here. It's a silver basecoat with clear topcoat. That seals the pores and smooths the casting out so you can wipe any spills or leaks off.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k.../355310869.jpg

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

Paint or powdercoat are about your only options to keep it looking good. The rough cast finish allows dirt and grime to build up in the porous pits, and also stains the aluminum, so it's very hard to clean properly without media blasting.

Here's a pic of mine painted with Duplicolor Cast Coat Iron.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...c/100_1525.jpg

Here's a shot with Duplicolor Cast Coat Aluminum.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/100_0824.jpg

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

I'm pretty sure mine will get powder coated when the motor comes out for detail.... Speaking of detail who's blue motor is that???? Check out those spark plug wire holders..

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

I shot mine with this, right out of the box...

http://www.por15.com/PELUCID/productinfo/PELG/

I dont have many miles on it, but it looks great.

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

mine has been on for 5 years and i clean it with simple green. Edelbrock does sell a cleaner to restore the finish

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

I've used Berrymans carburetor cleaner with good results. Usually just spray over the intake when I'm cleaning the outside of the carb.

Keith

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

There is one option you all are forgetting about and that is having it polished. Polishing it will benefit the motor the most, it causes the heat to radiate from it rather than soaking it up.

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

I say get it powder coated by Kevin. He does top notch work. That intake sure does look nice and is easy to clean up

Re: Upkeep of the intake
 

Mines sorta stained but some carb cleaner and a rag makes it look good

brake cleaner does even better, but watch the painted areas!

mmmm powdercoat, matt your motor looks great