How to Paint a Small Block Engine

Recommended by engine builders like Precision Engine.com; finish a small block engine rebuild with a fresh coating of exterior engine paint if you want to do the job right. You want to know how to paint a small block engine properly because when it's applied correctly, engine coatings protect exterior surfaces from oxidation (rust) and increases heat transfer during operation. There are plenty of good reasons to paint a small block engine during a rebuild; here are the steps to do it right.

Things You'll Need

  • Small block engine
  • 4-point engine stand
  • Drying area (rack)
  • Dupli-Color engine enamel (ceramic)
  • 2-inch masking tape
  • Newspaper
  • Exacto knife
  • Pencil
  • Attach the block to a 4-point engine stand at the back of the motor where it secures to the transmission. Tighten the engine stand bolts into the transmission bolt holes in the engine block. Turn the engine block so the top is facing up.

  • Tape all the mating surfaces of the engine block so that engine paint will not cover these important surfaces. Use newspaper to cover large areas that need to be covered like the intake, the cylinder openings, and the bottom of the block where the crankshaft will go. Double check that you have covered all the correct engine openings and have not covered areas that you want to paint.

  • Tape each small block engine head with tape and newspaper. Cover all head openings and mating surfaces before painting. Hang each of the painted heads to dry. Use a shop rack as a hanging area away from where you are painting.

  • Tape the valve covers so that the inside of each cover will not be coated as the outside is being painted. Use tape and newspaper to cover the inside of the valve covers where they go over the engine heads. Hang the painted valve covers with the engine heads to dry.

  • Coat every bracket and bolt with fresh engine paint to protect it once it has been installed. Pulleys, air cleaners, battery boxes and anything inside the engine bay you want refreshed should be coated to complete the restored look of a small block engine and its engine bay.