Review of POR Manifold Paint

I used this on a manifold from my 455 in my GS. The paint is very thin but goes on nicely. Just use thin coats so it does not run. I prep'd by sandblasting the manifold and wiping down with lacquer thinner. The can is really small but the paint goes a long way. I used maybe 1/10th of the can to do two coats on one manifold. The paint cures with heat so it's a little soft and easy to damage until its heated.
My other choice was Calyx but I went with the POR as I wanted a paint. It's also very dark - not sure I like it or not. It does come in an "aluminum" color. See the pics:



I will follow up after its back in the car and "cured".

 

Does it have a time limit for heat cycling like 24 hours or something???

 

Used it on 3 pairs over 10 years ago. Used several layers. Still holds very good.

 

Tom - The can says to let dry for 24 hours before heating above 300 degrees. Further, the paint will reach full hardness after reaching 300 degrees for 15 minutes and cooling. Also, wait 24 hours before 2nd coat.

 

When I painted my manifolds (different product) the supplier recommended heat treating the coating as well. A buddy of mine is an appliance repairman, so we used an old electric oven he had at the shop. Worked great, and the paint was already cured when I installed them on the engine. Less chances of scratching etc, and no smoke from it after starting the engine the first time.
Might work good with POR too.

P.S. DON'T use your wife's oven in the house!! HaHa

 

The Calyx paste works so good I cant see ever using anything else? Why do all that work painting? If a spot burns off with Calyx just rub some more on. It’s so simple and looks just like that paint.

 

Oh ya and how mush does that paint cost? A small tub of Calyz lasts a long time and you hardly use any to do a set.

 

Calyx is $16 currently (plus shipping) and the POR is $19 (plus shipping), so very close in price.

 

Longevity will tell the tale, but it sure looks nice right now!

 

This is an area where Dave and I don't agree. I'm older than Dave, I restored my 442 like 20 years ago, used the POR and it's still holding. Everybody has certain products they like, and I love that stuff.

 

I like the Calyx because you can touch it up with a finger and it lasts in tub. The POR drys up in the can and it’s done.?

 

This is after two sets of manifolds. Not even half gone. It is getting hard however but it’s 7 years old too.

 

Dave - how clean does the manifold have to be? Can you use it over old paint?

 

I blasted mine. I wouldn’t use over paint.

 

Update - small rust spots coming through at 2 center runners...bummer

 

I blasted and painted mine about 10-11 years ago using the Por-15 manifold paint and they started to show rust a few years later. I've been using the Calyx for touch ups for the past several years and couldn't be happier with the results. I use it on my master cylinder and brake calipers too, it's great stuff!

 

Wish someone would make a red paint that will not burn off the exhaust ports on the iron heads.

 

ditto!
That's my plan Nick - put the calyx on the rust spots.

 

idk why more people dont use kbs coatings over por15 better priced and similar but slightly better stuff.