Suggestions on engine paint

[BuzzNectar]

I have the N code 383 out of my Barracuda(currently having body and paint work) sitting separately on a stand waiting to be reinstalled. The orange paint is starting to deteriorate and I figured for as much work and $ being used on the car, might as well refinish the motor paint. Any recommendations on what paint to use? I see a lot of rattle cans claiming to be "Hemi" engine paint from many different brands.
 Thanks, Mike.

[usraptor]

Eastwood has a good selection. If I remember correctly  you can get rattle cans or paint you can use with a spray gun.  Good Luck 

[Cuda Cody]

I would never use a single stage rattle can on an engine.  Use a 2 part (or sometimes labeled 2k) paint.  That way grease and gas will not ruin the paint.  Pretty sure I did a write up about it in the past, but would have to find it.  Also, you can have your local auto paint company put a 2k custom hemi orange paint in a rattle can to make it easy to use.  Just don't use off the shelf single part rattle cans.  You will not be happy.   

[Cuda Cody]

Quality paint will hold up.

[BuzzNectar]

Quality paint will hold up.

That looks great! I've heard that having a numbers matching orange N code in a Gran Coupe is rare so I definitely want to do it justice. I will look for a 2part or 2k to use. Also want to replace the chrome valve covers with original style and have them painted to match. May as well do the original intake manifold to keep with the car (has an aluminum Edelbrock currently)

[Skdmark]

I agree with Cody on the type of paint to use.

If you are looking for it to be OEM, N Code Gran coupes will have the 330 HP 383 that was blue. N code 'Cudas have the 335 HP 383 that is orange. The camshaft was different between the 2 motors.

https://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1970/70_Barracuda0006.jpg
https://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1970/70_Barracuda0014.jpg

Good luck with your resto.

[BuzzNectar]

I agree with Cody on the type of paint to use.

If you are looking for it to be OEM, N Code Gran coupes will have the 330 HP 383 that was blue. N code 'Cudas have the 335 HP 383 that is orange. The camshaft was different between the 2 motors.

https://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1970/70_Barracuda0006.jpg
https://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1970/70_Barracuda0014.jpg

Good luck with your resto.

Yes, blue is what it's supposed to be for a Gran Coupe, but the one in mine is orange and IS 100% number matching with the VIN. I will post up the info if I can find it. Someone on one of the car forums had the numbers on how many Gran Coupes left the factory with the orange N code 383 that was dedicated to the Cuda trim even though it wasn't supposed to be optioned per the dealer order guide.

[R/T's 4 R/P]

If you use the 2K paint system, do you use a primer? High heat?
Do you just have a paint match to hem orange?
What do you clean the block with?

[MoparCarGuy]

This video on Uncle Tony's Garage has info on prepping the block to rid of the oil/grease in pores of the cast iron.

[EV2RTSE]

My brother used the paint Frank Badalson sells on his 383 and it looks great. Requires a gun but maybe a Preval sprayer would work.

I've heard more than once on the forums that if you order up some EV2 hemi orange exterior paint and just leave out the metal flake in the formula, that it makes for a good engine paint. 

[headejm]

If you use the 2K paint system, do you use a primer? High heat?
Do you just have a paint match to hem orange?
What do you clean the block with?

Yes, use a good primer first. Here is the Hemi orange paint recipe for a 1970 383 N code engine. #2 on the list.

[BuzzNectar]

If you use the 2K paint system, do you use a primer? High heat?
Do you just have a paint match to hem orange?
What do you clean the block with?

Yes, use a good primer first. Here is the Hemi orange paint recipe for a 1970 383 N code engine. #2 on the list.

Wow, hand written formula! That's pretty amazing to have that on hand. Thank you very much for sharing that.

[BuzzNectar]

This video on Uncle Tony's Garage has info on prepping the block to rid of the oil/grease in pores of the cast iron.

Thank you for the link to that video. As you see, she needs a little cleanup.

[Cuda Cody]

Primer =  PPG DP48LF white (but grey and red work fine, just not as clean or bright of a paint finish as you get with the white primer).  Make sure to use the DP401LF hardener with the DP48LF and wait 30 minutes after mixing before spraying it.  That 30 minute (induction time) is only required with the 401 hardener.  If you use the 402 hardener it does not need the induction time, but the 402 does not have the long term flex that the 401 has so 401 allows the engine to warm up and cool off (heat changes metal size) without any paint cracking issues.  Which means a super long life with a super nice quality paint.

Clean before with a wax and grease remover (any auto paint store will have it).

If you use the 2K paint system, do you use a primer? High heat?
Do you just have a paint match to hem orange?
What do you clean the block with?

[7E-Bodies]

As @Cuda Cody says, don't rattle can. On my 440, I did what he recommended and will never do it any other way now. I got 1 quart mixed up at my PPG dealer and shot it on after I wire wheeled and needle gunned every square inch, used a degreaser from PPG, then shot PPG DP40 epoxy with DP401LF hardener and let it set a day. If you'd seriously consider, email me at kjc1970rt@gmail.com and I'll gladly share the formula and photos. I have zero regrets and love the results and am confident it'll last as long as the car. Stunning outcome.