Paint water pump

[tdangle]

I'm collecting parts for my new GM crate engine and wondering if I should paint the new water pump or not. Its currently like a raw cast metal look (AC/Delco pump) The block and valve covers are black, chrome timing chain cover and alum intake manifold. Will regular spray paint be OK or do I need VHT paint? Opinions on color?

[sick472]

I've always painted my water pumps unless they where aluminum and I used high temp engine enamel. I doubt that high temp is necessary, but for a couple extra dollars it's good insurance.

As far as color...gloss black is, by far, the most forgiving with respect to grease and grime showing and being able to clean it, but accent colors look fantastic until you stop detailing the engine. It's pretty much a matter of opinion and yours is the one that counts. I can say that I have never found a silver type of spray paint the weathers very well so stay away from silvers.

If we're voting...I say gloss black to contrast your chrome and match the valve covers.

[Steeveedee]

I personally try to match the water pump to the engine color on my vehicles.

[dmjlambert]

I put mine on and enjoyed that raw cast metal look. It lasted a couple weeks and it was completely rusty! So I took it back off and cleaned it up a little and gave it a coat of orange engine spray paint. It continues to look great after 3 years.

[tdangle]

Thanks guys. I was thinking of silver, but will be painting gloss black. You have convinced me.

[toolboxchev]

The stupid chinese monkey will always slam the bearing in sideways so the paint will last longer than the pump.