I tried cleaning up my performer manifold, but i think it sat too long to really bring back its nice look so i figured i'd paint it. Will regular paint like Rustoleum work, or do you have to use the same engine block paint? Dont want paint melting off.

I painted my engine and accessories with Dupli Color paint. I wanted to use engine paint and that's the brand the parts store I usually go to stocks. I used their primer then their color paint. This is the first time I've ever used primer on any of my engines. It seems to work a little better then without using it.

As far as using regular spray paint instead of engine paint, I'm not sure if it'll work good or not. I've never used it on any of my engines.

I used the parts store "ALUMINUM" engine paint on mine. It works great. It has held up very well and is stain resistant.

I've had very good results with Dupli-Color engine enamel. On intakes I use cast coat aluminum. The part number is DE1650.

I used the 99 cent wal-mart black enamel on my intake and it worked great.

Edit: oh yeah, I did take it to work and bead blast it before I painted it.

take it to a machine shop to get cleaned like media blasting or chemical cleaning

I media blasted mine, flushed it well, and then shot it with high heat aluma-blast. Looks brand new after this treatment.

Cast aluminum wheel cleaner works really well on filthy old aluminum intakes. Use the cleaner with gloves and eye protection.(itstings like crazy) A fine wire brush also comes in handy. Once its clean you can clear coat it. I like to heat the intake with a halogen work light once its warm, shut off light and remove it from the area and clear it.

Cast aluminum wheel cleaner