Whats the best paint to use when painting your engine. I really dont want to paint my engine, but i have a set of side housings that have some surface rust on it and i know if i clean it off it will rust again. So what kind of paint do you guys use, can it withstand brake cleaner. I dont like painted engiens because when you use brake cleaner on it, the paint comes off.

I use Hi-Temp engine enamel from any parts store. If you want it to REALLY look like it was powder coated and be able to withstand abuse I suggest using some sort of heat gun after you have painted it. Use the heat gun 15 minutes after painting and this will allow the paint to settle as well as harden correctly.

wouldn't the motor do it itself the first time it gets to temperature?

I painted my side plates with a 2 part urethane paint, epoxy would work too, that looks good, doest flake off, and is easy to clean with any kind of cleaner including brake clean.

hmm yeah i painted my engine bay with this appliance epoxy paint, and it will not come off with chemicals

I bought some of that high temp paint for mine.. I have used it before.. it should be fine... right up till it melts off.. hahah..

The paint shouldn't melt unless it's right around the exhaust ports. My engine STILL looks freshly painted.

Thanks for all the info, i will have to rethink about this painting thing. Maybe i'll try it on one of my spare side housings.

hope the auto store paint holds up, i just sprayed my intake manifold black with 1200F paint