cleaning engine bay
 

any one have tips on cleaning the manifolds? I have some light oxidation on the gsl-se and wanted to clean it up a bit for the car show at DGRR !!! I will post up some pictures later on today.

Kinda depends on what types of tools you have. If you don't have a bunch to choose from, a cordless drill with a wire brush on the end will clean it up nicely. Probably want to use a brass brush since it is a softer metal. Don't forget the safety glasses as shards of the brush will come flying off.

If you have a compressor and an angle grinder, I'd suggest a mandrel with a 3m scotch brite pad. This would make quick work of it.

Hope that helps.

I know you probably want to leave the manifold on - for a quickie job, try the aluminum polish they sell in the small cans at autozone -

Rub hard until it turns black and then wipe the black residue clean...

I just picked up a couple of small wire brushes for the dremel for $3 each. Doing everything that is aluminum on the engine. The brushes cut right through it and shine it up almost like chrome in a matter of seconds. Nothing to it...

^ But it'll oxidize really quick if you do that, just an FYI - I did that years ago.

I used to polish a lot of parts by hand and its hard to keep them looking good. Sanding with a dremel and 100 grit paper and then again with 600-800 makes a nice surface, than hit it with some jewelers polish and you're set.

We ended up just powdercoating most parts though since it lasts longer w/ less maintenance. I'll have to do a write-up at some point w/ pics from my previous parts.

I wonder if there's a way to preserve the finish once its been polished? I thought about a good coat of wax, but figured it would just cook off. Is there a type of clearcoat that would withstand the temps, and be able to bond directly to metal? Gotta be some way to keep the bling dammit! :)

Yea mothers mag polish or eagle one. They leave a waxy coating that preserves the shine for a bit.

Thanks for the tip Carl, I'll give that a shot and see if it helps. After polishing, the aluminum does develop a dark/dull color after only a day or so. :(

I'm installing a 2nd gen water pump housing this weekend. I was amazed at the weight difference! That 1st gen housing weighs a ton! I also got a new 1st gen water pump, which looks like it will fit on the new housing, and it is also aluminum (which is cool, and a lot lighter than the original).

POR-15 makes a clear version of their stuff. You can hit it with a hammer and it won't come off. Doesn't get any better than that.

http://www.por15.com/