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View Full Version : Polished or powdercoating


KNIGHTRIDER
12-31-2008, 04:37 AM
OK here is trhe situation i have the option to have my valve covers and intake polished or powdercoated, I like both options just dont know what to chose. HELP i could use some opinions.
Joe Walsh
12-31-2008, 05:04 AM
If you are comparing silver powdercoat to polished aluminum:

Silver Powdercoat is a LOT easier to maintain and to keep looking good.

Polished Aluminum looks nicer, especially if you have other polished aluminum pieces under the hood.

I was going to polish my cam covers and my timing chain cover, but did not want to invest the future hours of labor required to re-polish them.
I ended up powdercoating the timing chain cover, alternator housing and the upper intake manifold in a bright silver....they look pretty good and are still shiny.
03blackvegas
12-31-2008, 06:13 AM
Have it polished, then clear powered coated.
bob6364
12-31-2008, 06:23 AM
I have had polished covers on my Mustang for 3 years now ....never do that again not without some sort of clearcoat
fastblackmerc
12-31-2008, 07:00 AM
Powdercoating is cheaper to apply and easier to maintain.
Blackened300a
12-31-2008, 07:10 AM
I have my upper intake cover polished and I have to apply some aluminum polish every 6 months to maintain it. It doesn't take too long to do so I can't really complain.

I have the chrome appearing cam covers on order and they are powder coated. The cam covers would be a PITA to maintain if polished.
Pops
12-31-2008, 07:28 AM
I have my upper intake cover polished and I have to apply some aluminum polish every 6 months to maintain it. It doesn't take too long to do so I can't really complain.

I have the chrome appearing cam covers on order and they are powder coated. The cam covers would be a PITA to maintain if polished.

Paul watch those new Cam covers. I looked at the Ford ones and they scratched really easy!
Blackened300a
12-31-2008, 07:32 AM
Paul watch those new Cam covers. I looked at the Ford ones and they scratched really easy!

I learned that the hard way!

These are the Ford ones and the first set they sent me had runs and a few chips in them. I sent them back and the second set is on order but hasn't arrived yet. I plan to tape them up before the install.
Pops
12-31-2008, 07:35 AM
The polish rag will scratch them!
DOOM
12-31-2008, 08:45 AM
you guys already know my answer :D
Blackened300a
12-31-2008, 10:48 AM
you guys already know my answer :D

Yeah and its thanks to you that I had to get them! Ill be the N/A king of bling lol
O's Fan Rich
12-31-2008, 11:09 AM
you guys already know my answer :D

Yeah, but your so use to using your hands and wrists to "polish" already that polishing your engine compartment is nothing....


Powder coat is the way!
sd8683
12-31-2008, 01:15 PM
Yeah and its thanks to you that I had to get them! Ill be the N/A king of bling lol


Your gonna have some stiff competition Paul! I want that title!! :)
KNIGHTRIDER
12-31-2008, 05:52 PM
If I have them pollished they would be clearcoated. any more pictures out there?
jgc61sr2002
12-31-2008, 07:17 PM
Powder coating is the only way to go. IMO:D
merc
12-31-2008, 08:49 PM
The first set of Marauder polish value covers made are on my car.
http://web.me.com/mwhite26/Site/Cobra_Build_up_Pt.1_files/Media/DSC_0263.jpg?derivative=web
http://web.me.com/mwhite26/Site/Cobra_Build_up_Pt.1_files/Media/DSC_0265.jpg?derivative=web
http://web.me.com/mwhite26/Site/Cobra_Build_up_Pt.1_files/Media/DSC_0282.jpg?derivative=web
ImpalaSlayer
12-31-2008, 11:23 PM
merc you have polish value covers? no way! ;)
ImpalaSlayer
12-31-2008, 11:24 PM
oh polishing is going to cost at least double then powercoatring
Vortex
01-01-2009, 08:14 AM
Man those polished valve covers look great. I was just looking at them and then realized from that photo of the assembled engine where the hell are the heads on our engines?? Is that black piece a cover so you cant see where the heads and block come together or is it all one piece? I need to study an exploded diagram of our engine design, heck I never really noticed that before. After looking awhile I assume thats the timing chain cover Im looking at, sure looks nice painted black and really sets off those polished pieces.
Pops
01-01-2009, 08:26 AM
The timing cover is that big Vortex!
merc
01-01-2009, 08:34 AM
I installed new guides, chains, tensioners,and a MMR billet steel timing trigger wheel. This Billet Trigger wheel is replaces the weak factory stamped sheet metal or Cast Aluminum version. One of the biggest causes of engine failures is caused when the trigger wheel cracks and timing is affected. Highly recommended with aftermarket underdrive pullies or supercharger. The MMR trigger wheel is the highest quality billet steel available, do not be fooled by cheaper copies-as used by the MMR 2100 HP racecar! Fits all 96-2008 Applications.


http://web.me.com/mwhite26/Site/Cobra_Build_up_Pt.1_files/Media/DSC_0009.jpg?derivative=web


merc you have polish value covers? no way! ;)

Doom saw my covers and had to have a pair. He needed these to complete the Dooms day effect.
KNIGHTRIDER
01-01-2009, 02:14 PM
Merc those Valve Covers look Great.
DOOM
01-01-2009, 02:30 PM
bling bling *****es :coolman:
rumble
01-03-2009, 07:40 PM
OK here is trhe situation i have the option to have my valve covers and intake polished or powdercoated, I like both options just dont know what to chose. HELP i could use some opinions.

Might I suggest chrome?


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=2738&catid=searchresults&searchid=3412

I've had these for several years now. Very easy to maintain.
Obviously the intake was before I installed the Trilogy. That's
on GMTech's car now.
Blackened300a
01-03-2009, 08:18 PM
Might I suggest chrome?


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=2738&catid=searchresults&searchid=3412

I've had these for several years now. Very easy to maintain.
Obviously the intake was before I installed the Trilogy. That's
on GMTech's car now.

Very nice! I had the option to buy your intake and crossover tube but didnt have the $$ at that time. I kinda regret it since I went ahead and went the same route.
rumble
01-03-2009, 09:02 PM
I always liked the shiny intake like you have. When I went with the Trilogy I discussed going with polishing but decided against it because of the upkeep. Chroming wasn't an option with keeping any kind of a warranty on the Eaton.
KNIGHTRIDER
01-04-2009, 06:12 PM
chrome looks real good to, is their a major price diffrence?
ImpalaSlayer
01-04-2009, 06:17 PM
chrome looks real good to, is their a major price diffrence?

in order to chrome, you first have to polish. how ever if dosent have to be polished as well as if you wanted the polished look. in other words chrome is going to be your most expensive route follwed by polishing followed by powdercoating
rumble
01-06-2009, 08:40 PM
chrome looks real good to, is their a major price diffrence?

Probably if you figure in the upkeep labor, no.

Mine were about $300 but that was several years ago and that
shop is now out of business. They specialized in motorcycle
show chrome.
Blown3.8
01-06-2009, 09:09 PM
I'll post off car pics of Dooms covers tomorrow, Chris polish version 2.0:D.
Blown3.8
01-07-2009, 01:06 PM
Here's Dooms covers before install. Notice no webbing on the bottom side of covers.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/blown38/carlisle08002.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/blown38/carlisle08009.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/blown38/carlisle08013.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/blown38/carlisle08014.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/blown38/carlisle08015.jpg