Engine Color

[Scout63]

I’m having a ‘69 date code 440 block professionally built up this winter for my ‘65 Sport Fury 383-2bbl 4 speed convertible. I’m going to install the 440 while I pull and rebuild the 383. I may end up keeping the 440 in for a while, reinstalling the 383 if I want originality over power, or maybe holding the 383 and reinstalling if I sell the car. The 440 is a full build with roller cam, aluminum heads and aftermarket intake and carb. I may end up selling it separately at some point.

My question is would you paint the 440 blue for a stock ‘65 look or orange for a later high performance look? What would you do for rocker arm covers? Printed, chrome or finned? Kind of silly questions but now is the time to decide. Thanks, Ben

 

[PurpleBeeper]

It's your car. My 2-cents. Paint is cheap and easy. Paint is also hard to remove & I personally like showing off the aluminum heads by keeping them bare aluminum. So, I'd paint it turquois, except the aluminum heads and aluminum intake to match your car now.

Also.... be 100% sure your 440 crankshaft is set up to accept a pilot bushing and/or pilot bearing...or, that the transmission input shaft has been cut down 1" or the transmission won't bolt up to the 440. Ask me how I know

Also, with aftermarket rocker arms and valve gear, rocker arm to valve cover clearance becomes a problem. I have a set of adjustable rockers that would "kiss" the oil baffles of the stock valve covers....what a PIA to find some with good clearance, so keep that in mind too.

 

[Scout63]

Thanks for reminding me PurpleBeeper. I’ll call my builder.

 

[413]

1965 USA big blocks are Turquoise, not blue.

 

[SwissMonaco]

The correct color for your engine is.
Turquoise P4120752
RAL 5021 is also available on the market as an alternative

 

[FURYGT]

Bill Hirsch has the best engine paint.

 

[Scout63]

Thanks FuryGT. On it.

 

[Boydsdodge]

As nice and shiny new aluminum looks, I always paint aluminum along with with the rest when painting an engine. I really don't like the look of corroded, oil/fuel stained aluminum engine after a year or two of driving, also after it's dirty it becomes difficult to paint. I vote paint it complete. Engine in photos is Mopar turquoise over aluminum heads and intake.

 

[71Polara383]

People swear by the Hirsch...I've used it and it's good stuff, personally IMO it's too blue and not enough turquoise.

I prefer The VHT myself and use it on my builds.

VHT:

Hirsch:

 

[Boydsdodge]

People swear by the Hirsch...I've used it and it's good stuff, personally IMO it's too blue and not enough turquoise.

I prefer The VHT myself and use it on my builds.

VHT:
View attachment 633717

Hirsch:
View attachment 633718

Are you referring to the VHT for 70s corporate blue? Or late 60s turquoise ? Nice looking engines.

 

[71Polara383]

Are you referring to the VHT for 70s corporate blue? Or late 60s turquoise ? Nice looking engines.

I dont know what year they changed to corporate blue. 72 or 73 I believe. We discussed this at great length when I was painting Medinas engine. I just remember being told my eyes were wrong and we went with the Hirsch. Not my car so whatever. The VHT matches better than the Hirsch though, hands down. Inside. Outside. Upside-down. Compared to old original valve cover paint from a 71. But nope. We went with Hirsch against my strong recommendations.

My engines will never be that incorrect pale blue.

 

[FURYGT]

Hirsch painted 383.

 

[livininharrow]

now that is the correct colour

 

[71Polara383]

Hirsch painted 383.

View attachment 633805View attachment 633806View attachment 633807View attachment 633808

Someone got me the wrong shade of Hirsch . That looks damn good Bill.

 

[Boydsdodge]

I remember we went through the paint discussion earlier this year/last year. I think for Carlisle we all bring samples on metal of our paints, write the paint colour code and maker. That way we can all see with our eyes the true colours. I have a few shades here that I can do.

 

[Scout63]

As nice and shiny new aluminum looks, I always paint aluminum along with with the rest when painting an engine. I really don't like the look of corroded, oil/fuel stained aluminum engine after a year or two of driving, also after it's dirty it becomes difficult to paint. I vote paint it complete. Engine in photos is Mopar turquoise over aluminum heads and intake.

View attachment 633699

View attachment 633702

View attachment 633703

View attachment 633704

Love these pictures.

 

[Scout63]

Newb question, but what is the metal plate covering the intake? Can the engine be lifted using that? I’m just getting into working on old cars. Ben

 

[livininharrow]

thats what it is for. never used one.

 

[NitrousTuner1]

I too USED to swear by VHT before the buy out... Their product quality has sunk the way FRAM'S did after Allied Signal bought them. So for the last 5-6 year's we've been using Motor Coater's brush on product. FAR SUPERIOR!!
And yes Early (turquoise) is a Must in a 65 for me. I too have a Sport Fury... I'd build that 383 & it'll run circles around that 440. It's a much better bore & stroke. They love rpm as well... Mine runs deep in the 10's on a 275 drag radial & 3.5" exhaust

 

[Verse]

POR-15 also has a turquoise that is a dead match