I'm going to be painting my 400 block and needed some advice. I know that I need a super clean surface to start. I bought some Dupli-color Pontiac blue in a spray can. Do I need to use any primer? High temp primer? Is the spray can paint going to be worth it in the long run? I don't ever wanta see paint falling or flaking off. I'm am totally clueless when it comes to paint. Any tips would be appreciated.
--Kyle

I used the spray can paint.Make sure it is the correct stuff for your car.The Pontiac Metallic blue and not the later stuff.I degreased mine,then washed it with a tide detergent paste i mixed up and scrubbed it with a brush and toothbrush.I then powerwashed it down.I did not use any primer.I did many multiple coats though.The exhaust manifolds on mine almost instantly faded.I believe a high heat primer here may help. There is also another paint that many members here swear by: Hirsh paint.

David

Good luck with this one. I've seen them painted with spray cans and I've seen them done with the Hirsh paint etc. and every one that I have seen no matter how it's done, soon begins to turn color, burn off, flake off you name it!

It's kinda off subject, but I found this Pontiac color changes through out the years.
http://fiedlerh.home.att.net/enginecolor.htm

I just went through this with a new motor. The Pontiac Metallic Blue I got fro Ames highly recommends using a high temp engine primer and I pass that recommendation onto you to prevent flaking.

Hirsch paint...plus the thinner you paint the better it will hold up in heat!

I think it was on the PY site where a guy used a silver ceramic type paint that went to 1000 degs. he put that on the exhaust ports and then painted the whole engine with the Hirch paint. Looked pretty good many years latter the silver kinda blended into the blue instead of the rust. Just no way to keep the pontiac paint from burning off the exhaust.

I would also make sure you have degreased everything you can and use a hardner with the paint and a paint gun. I wish I had done this last time.

Duplicolor D1616. Holding up on block and intake, and timing cover perfectly after 1 year. Forget about the exhaust ports...just too hot.

Plasti-Kote Pontiac metallic blue #227 is what i used.
Yes,pontiac block colours varied through the years.That is why i mentioned metallic blue. You will notice many a car with repainted engines that are blue,ford blue,later pontiac blue,etc...

Anyone know what exactly did the factory use and how did they use it to (for the most part)hold up many years?

David