I say aluminum, but I also have a very specific idea of how engines should look.
Small blocks.
Block
Color- Orange
Exception- None
Heads
Color- Orange
Exception- Aluminum heads can be natural, unless painted for "Sleeper"
Intake
Color- Orange
Exception- Aluminum intakes should be raw
Timing Cover/Oil Pan
Color- Orange
Exception- Chrome/Zinc/Cadmium plating
Valve Covers
Color- Chrome/Zinc/Cadmium
Exception- Factory painted covers should be orange
Water Pump
Color- Orange
Exception- Billet pumps
Accessory Brackets
Color- Black
Exception- Aluminum brackets raw, or silver painted
Pulleys
Color- Black
Exception- Billet, or chrome
Headers
Color- White
Exception- Chrome, Ceramic coating
What can I say, I have issues...
