painting my valve cover and heat shield

mitsuondubz · 08-19-2002, 12:49 AM

ok i had an idea but before i tried it i thought id ask for some advice, i was thinking about chrome painting my valve cover and my exhaust manifold heat shield, now is this possible? i was worried about the paint getting hot and turning weird colors or something, or do they make a heat resistant chrome paint that will look good and not be affected by the heat? and this is a temporary thing until the chrome header and btw does anyone make a chrome valve colver or other under the hood dress up parts? thanks alot, any advice would help

bryan, 2001 es I4
cleared corners last night.... looks great, havnt seen another one around yet with CC`s...

**TJC** · 08-19-2002, 12:59 AM

rides still too new for aftermarket dress up items like you mentioned for our rides. Anyway, I'd drop by your local automotive store and see if they make high temp chrome paint. I don't think so but don't quote me on that. As for the heat shield, if you are planing on getting headers, don't waste your time and money on doing the heat shield. Once you replace the stock header, the mounting bolt holes for the heat shield will be gone as they are ON the stock headers. What you can do is go to a shop that does chrome plating to do your valve cover. I know others that have done it for valve covers of other cars. They shouldn't change colors either.

Dilemma · 08-19-2002, 01:15 AM

Engine Enamel...accept no substitute due to the extremly high temps ur heat shield is gonna absorb...GL and show sum pics if ya do it

mitsuondubz · 08-19-2002, 01:38 AM

does that only come in black or can i get it in different colors or can i spray that first and then chrome on top? i wouldnt know where to begin looking for a place that does chrome plating, especially in maryland,, thanks for the info, if i can find heat resistant paint i may give it a shot and ill take some pics...

to be continued........

p.s. would it be a good idea to get a new valve cover gasket or should i reuse the one i have now?

**Fishboy55** · 08-19-2002, 06:28 AM

You can do that, but it will make the chrome paint darker. You've got to use High temp engine paint. I recommend the 1500 degree stuff. Try Pep Boys or Autozone or Salvo, since you're in MD. There's also a post here someplace about chroming engine parts. Someone offered to do them and it wasn't real expensive. Use the search function to find it. Finally, yes, you will need to replace the gasket if you remove the valve cover.

Chip

**pinoyesv6** · 08-19-2002, 10:07 AM

chrome paint is a waste of money. its gonne end up silver, or have a really bad peeling problem. if you want it chromed, get it done professionally. shouldn't cost you more than a hundred dollars. you might want to hit up an auto recycler (junk yard for normal people) to get another valve cover since chroming or painting the valve cover should take your car out of commission for a while.i don't suggest chroming your headers or your heat shield unless you get it done really cheap cuz its just a waste of money. i'd just paint it if u want some color