This is my first subaru engine that I have torn into (EA82). I am a SBC guy and a Cummins guy. I searched but have not seen anyone with a painted block. Does this design of engine cause too much heat for the paint, or is it simply just not done (taboo)?

 

just woundering

 

Dan

I painted an EA81 with ceramic Ford gray, but sold it before I ran it. I don't know if it's been installed and run yet.

Painting the engine block will not allow the metal to breathe, and increase heat.

I think it's probably because they're aluminum blocks, and hence don't hold paint very well compared to a cast iron block if you don't prep it properly.

Paint does not stick to aluminum well but it can be painted Ive seen lotsa trannys' painted but they usually end up looking worse than if they had not been painted. Also aluminum isnt usually painted because it doesnt rust like cast iron. (why waste the money)

they were grey when new!!

Subie flat fours keep pretty cool. I think the engines just aren't worth the paint lol. Nah I would paint mine, but its in an offroad car so its just gonna look like brown mud in a few weeks.

I painted my old EA71s with Ford Dark Blue. Never had an issue with them peeling and the one I ran rapped out most the time:banana:

Quite a few of the aircraft guys with subie swaps powder coat their blocks. I don't see any reason not to paint it with your favorite high temp paint.

Quite a few of the aircraft guys with subie swaps powder coat their blocks. I don't see any reason not to paint it with your favorite high temp paint.

 

 

Except for the most part where they fly tend to be a lot colder then surface temps.

 

I've seen painted corvair blocks, vegas, and VW blocks. Engines used to be apinted to protect them from rust. Its not really needed on aluminum engines.

 

 

nipper