If you use our method of pre-assembling...
If you use our method of pre-assembling the engine for paint, the next step is to disassemble the engine and clean the parts that will be used for the build.
So, now the million-dollar question . . . what color? Again, that largely depends on the intent of the restoration, as well as the tastes of the owner. If you're building the car like the factory did, there are countless resources, both online and in print, to tell you what color the engine in your car was originally. Most factory engine paint colors are available in spray can form from companies like Summit Racing. Chrysler used many colors including turquoise, several oranges, red, and blue over the years, and sometimes multiple engine colors in a single year, so if your car is a factory restoration, be sure you do your research and use the correct color. If your car is not a factory restoration, then the sky is the limit. You can use any color you'd like on your engine, although we do prefer seeing the engine in its factory hue if possible. An exception, of course, is if the factory engine color would clash with the car's paint, or if you installed a high-performance engine in the vehicle that would have been a different color than the stock low-performance engine. One of our favorite Mopar engine colors is Race Hemi Orange because it's a subtle color that looks vastly different from the oranges of off-brand vehicles.
What if you're not planning a complete restoration at this time? There are still plenty of ways to make the engine and engine bay look better. By simply cleaning the engine bay and repainting highly visible items like the air cleaner and valve covers, you can make your car look much more presentable. So remember, don't neglect the engine or engine bay during a restoration, and you won't be afraid to open the hood the next time you're at the track, a car show, or cruise night.
Using spare parts to cover...
Using spare parts to cover the engine saves your nice parts for final assembly, and also ensures that paint covers all the areas exposed once the engine is put together. All the exposed hardware also gets painted this way, so we don't have to punch holes in cardboard and paint it separately.
Should you paint the core...
Should you paint the core plugs along with the engine? We've found that brass plugs expand and contract during heat cycles, eventually causing the paint to flake off, so we install brass plugs after painting. Steel core plugs can be installed and painted along with the block if desired.
This photo sent in by a reader...
This photo sent in by a reader is of a factory engine that was never installed in a vehicle, and clearly shows the exhaust manifolds were painted with the engine from the factory. Chrysler wasn't too particular when painting engines, often installing them with thin paint or runs. Unless your car is historically significant, we suggest doing a better job than Chrysler did when you restore it. Photo courtesy Albert and Shelly Shimels
You'll probably want to dress...
You'll probably want to dress your engine up with aftermarket appearance and performance products, and having a good paintjob will only make these parts look better.
By restoring the engine and...
By restoring the engine and engine bay of your Mopar, you'll be proud to pop the hood and show off your work at the next car show or cruise night. There's nothing wrong with being noticed for having the best known engine in the parking lot or on the road!