Engine Color

[truckster]

I'm waffling... I have a very nice 5.7 Vortec I'm building for my Blazer. I was going to paint it black (the Vortec engine color) but I've seen some done in Chevy orange. What do you all think?

[harpo231]

I'm an orange guy

[demian5]

x2 on orange

[Ironhorse]

For the older 60s and 70s vehicles I would also go with the orange. Just looks to be more correct than the newer black engines. Brightens up the engine bay on a nice, clean engine compartment. Many shades and options to choose from, Dupli-Color DE 1620, Plasti-Kote, VHT, Eastwood also offers a choice if I recall.

[harpo231]

Most paint guys suggest epoxy based paint

[demian5]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

For the older 60s and 70s vehicles I would also go with the orange. Just looks to be more correct than the newer black engines. Brightens up the engine bay on a nice, clean engine compartment. Many shades and options to choose from, Dupli-Color DE 1620, Plasti-Kote, VHT, Eastwood also offers a choice if I recall.

When was blue used?

[Coley]

Go chevy orange....without a doubt.
The first thing I think when I see a black engine is 'engine replacement'....nothing custom related.
Plus, with a black engine it hides oil and grease and just doesn't show any detail.....which means looking into the 'darkness' if you are at a show and shine which will be a non starter for having the hood up and any interest, if that matters.
(Demian....I think blue was used starting in 73' or 74'....someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that).

all good
Coley

[68Gold/white]

Paint it the color YOU like!

[harpo231]

Originally Posted by Coley

Go chevy orange....without a doubt.
The first thing I think when I see a black engine is 'engine replacement'....nothing custom related.
Plus, with a black engine it hides oil and grease and just doesn't show any detail.....which means looking into the 'darkness' if you are at a show and shine which will be a non starter for having the hood up and any interest, if that matters.
(Demian....I think blue was used starting in 73' or 74'....someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that).

all good
Coley

77 was first blue ,83 was black

[FirstOwner69]

I have a GM crate Vortec engine. The first thing I did was paint it orange. Guess you know what my vote would be. Just looks right.

[Jcfcamaro]

Paint it the color you like! I'm a chevy orange guy my self. Painted one engine black in my 72 once, but it always looked dusty and dirty. To me orange looks cleaner all the time doesn't show dust as bad. I've had really good luck with VHT spray can paint from local part's stores.

[truckster]

I'm leaning toward orange. I think the black is too generic for what I want to accomplish. I wouldn't even consider the blue. I already have people ask, "What year is your Bronco?" Putting a blue engine in it would just be heresy.

Thanks for all your replies.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Exactly. Blue is a nice look, but you'd be a traitor Besides, orange looks great.

[midniteblues]

In these gen trucks nothing looks better than a nicely painted orange engine.

Alot of guys dont even know chevy ever even used blue on engines.
I get asked all the time why i painted my car's motor f@&d blue.
I just tell them its the color blue its supposed to be.
Usually i get a strange look back while they walk away shaking their head.

Even though im not much of a chrome person. A fresh clean
Black engine decked out with alot of nice chrome really looks good too.

[rharris]

I like black block with black intake with black carb with black valve covers with black air cleaner with black interior and black exterior - white top for the blazer.

To be serious, if youre going for stock look - orange all the way. If youre customizing, I think black would be sharp. Post some pics when you decide.

[GASoline71]

I rebuilt the 350 in my 1979 GMC K2500 20 years ago and repainted the engine the stock GM Corporate Blue. It just didn't seem right to see a blue GM engine in a rig since I have painted all other SBC's before that Orange.

Gary

[Rufas]

Orange.

I started redoing my Dad's 70 GMC truck about 20 years ago. I just naturally figured orange for the color back then. As I get closer to finishing it I gave it some consideration about pulling the engine to paint it black, but decided to stay good old Chevy orange.

Here's the engine in my Dad's 70 GMC.

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by harpo231

I'm an orange guy

Orange makes me happy!
Got my vote
Only Trouble with a hugger orange/white truck in Cleveland is that people assume
It's a tailgate truck for browns games.
Urgh!!

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I rebuilt the 350 in my 1979 GMC K2500 20 years ago and repainted the engine the stock GM Corporate Blue. It just didn't seem right to see a blue GM engine in a rig since I have painted all other SBC's before that Orange.

Gary

I felt the same way when i installed the first sbc in the car and painted it orange.
Being the year it is just didnt quite look rite to me being orange.
This motor has been in there for 20 yrs now so its definitly not fresh looking anlookingits also quite dusty in the pic.

The 400ci. I just put in my 71 k20.

My 454 back when i had it in my old 73 pontiac ventura sprint. Notice it was black with the chrome.

Now the same 454 is in my 67 stepper and slightly lil' more oe looking than before and .....orange.

[palallin]

Instead of moving up in time, you could go back and paint it gray or green

[GR8-68]

I painted mine the cast gray color and love it, but I say paint it what you like does not really matter what the majority thinks.

[saxart]

Originally Posted by GR8-68

I painted mine the cast gray color and love it, but I say paint it what you like does not really matter what the majority thinks.

Pics?

[GR8-68]

[GR8-68]

installed

[saxart]

Purdy!