Called a place today and was looking to get my block, head, tranny, and valve cover powder coated. They told me since the d16y8 is aluminum that it may warp because they cook it at 450 degrees. Guy said he never did aluminum blocks before. Does anyone know if this would warp or not? Thanks

 

I dont think it should. Aluminums melting point is 723 degrees...

 

Its not going to hurt it, just make sure they mask it correctly and thoroughly or else its pretty much ruined. I would venture a guess as that being why he is reluctant to do it. Any good powder-coater won’t need to second-guess what he can put in his oven.

Melting point on Al is ~1220 degF BTW.

**You may also need a high temp powder as well, although i couldn't say for sure not knowing the worse case scenario surface temp of the block or tranny...

 

yea i am not sure that the baking would harm it at all, i just don't really understand why. seems like a lot of hassle with alof of possible problems. go for it though if you got the cash, i would like to see it

 

just check for squarness when it comes out, but it should not be a problem

 

Most aluminums start to loose strength above 300F, but this is mostly alloys that suffer this. Cast AL should be fine. The biggest problem i can think of would be the rates of expansions between the steel and aluminum. Id say it shouldnt be a problem though. I have never coated a block myself, but def check for warping after wards. A standard powder should be fine, as they wont start to break down until they reach extended use above 300-330F.

 

doesnt warping happen when two different metal heat up at two different rates? so if you heated the block by itself and the head by itself they would not warp.
right?

 

Talked to another guy today he said that he will only heat it up to 400 degrees and it will be fine. He said I will have to get it honed or machined afterward which I will do anyway because I get it done for free. The powder coating is only going to cost me about $450 for everything and that is a base coat of bonded chrome with a second coat of candy apple blue. I am thinking of getting some blow art in it too if anyone has some ideas.

 

why not just use dupi color 1200deg high heat spray paint? skip all the hasstle...

 

Already have my painted aluminum with high heat and that **** does not work or look good

 

I have seen painted blocks and thye look good. Post pics of how yours currently looks, then post more after it is done being coated

 

hey if youre powder coating it black i can make it look like that in about a week for 20$, my engine is black i use oil and dirt. LOL looks the same