Topic: Engine Parts Color/Coating on '92 5.0 HO?

[JKWilson]

Just looking for a little help/opinion on the color/coating used on the 5.0 HO. While other years are the same, I have a '92 motor I'm working on. The specific parts I'm curious about are the upper intake plenum and aluminum valve covers. The tone looks too gray, and not really metallic enough, to be argent paint. I could be wrong on this, that's just how it appears to me. Based on the durability of the coating it also seems the parts were not painted but (possibly), powder coated. When the cover plate is removed from the upper plenum the interior appears to be extremely shiny, almost raw/bare, aluminum and totally different than the exterior. Thoughts, guesses, opinions on how and/or what to use to restore the finish to resemble new? If some has a info on a color that's a good match that would be great too. Thanks!

[Coupey]

The only item painted on my 92 engine was the oil pan,front of the heads,and timing cover area.I used all of my original parts and just cleaned them up good.In my opinion when you start painting aluminum and other parts it looks fake.

[roadrunner]

Plenum and valve covers were gray on 92 5.0L engines. Can't tell you what shade or color number, but if you take it to a reputable PPG or DuPont supplier, they should be able to match it. A Valve cover should have enough flat surface for them to get a decent match.

[JKWilson]

Been awhile since I first posted this and thought I'd update. While I'm still working on getting a closer match for the valve covers, I've hit an almost dead on match for the upper plenum. Both pieces are indeed coated and NOT natural metal. The lower plenum is bare, but not the upper (or the valve covers). The coatings are very durable on both pieces which leads me to believe they may have even been a powder coat or similar coating. It's not definitive, but possible.

To achieve an almost dead on color match for the upper plenum I first base coated it with Ford Gray. While it was still wet I misted it with Eastwood's Detail Gray. This adds a slight metallic sheen as seen in the original coating. You don't want to cover the Ford gray, just add a slight tint to it. I misted across it one time from about 18" away. The pigments in the Detail Gray are fine enough it just leaves a hint of metallic on the base color.

I've gotten close with the valve covers, but they're still just a little too "bright" IMHO. I need to find a silver just a little darker. I'll get some pics up to show the upper plenum when it's set up well enough to move around. I can't wait to see how it looks with the restored cover on it!

[qikgts]

Hi Jim. Thanks for the reply via PM. Yes, I would love to see any pics you can share!

Thanks again!

[JKWilson]

Hi Jim. Thanks for the reply via PM. Yes, I would love to see any pics you can share!

Thanks again!

Hope this helps. It's the best one I have regarding your question you PM'd.

-John-

[qikgts]

Looks pretty good from here Jim. Thanks for posting it up!

[Blues Power]

here is a pic of my 13K mile 93 GT (untouched expect for belt, battery and hoses)

if you want more detailed shots let me know