I have done some search on this site, but my searching techniques are not getting me concise info. I have my manifolds off right now because I had to remove the throttle linkage stud that sits behind the exhaust manifold.

I was going to sand blast and paint the manifolds. What color is each? I have seen some pics on this site and the intake was gray like the engine, and the exhaust was silver. I have some engine enamel in gray and was going to use Rust-o-leum for the exhaust, black or gray, whichever is correct. I can get that locally, but I can't get the Por-15 that some guys use without ordering online and waiting for it to come.

Can you direct me to some accurate pics online?

Both manifolds were gray. The paint burned off of the exhaust manifold quickly. Even high temp paint doesn't seem to last very long. I recommend a manifold dressing on the exhaust manifold if you don't like them rusty.

Here is a picture. I just used regular paint on the exhaust as I don't mind if it burns off.

I am interested in seeing Denny Graham's reply. I had thought that the 216/235/261 intake/exhaust manifolds were not painted at the factory (but this thought is not based on documentation).

This sales brochure makes it look like the manifold assembly was painted the engine-color.

Tim

I’ve focused my reporting mostly on the 1950, 3600 since I know that the one that I have was about 95% original. However over the past few years I have also been paying attention to some of the other models and some of the GM manufacturing practices.
As far as my research shows the entire engine assembly less the bolt on accessories was painted dark gray including the metal spark plug bases, and of course this would include the manifolds.
I just spent the last hour looking through a few dozen pictures in kingisomer's album. I gotta say that is one of the most accurate restorations that I've seen so far. I know this is very subjective but his pictures show the engine in a very dark gray paint and it’s my opinion and that of quite a few of the old timers at the VCCA that this would have been the correct general shade of gray used. If I were judging that restoration there would be very little if anything that I could find incorrect on that chassis.
What ever your real name is buddy, I hope we get to see much more of your work around here when you get into the bodywork. Please keep us updated.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Eastwood has a paint for manifolds.

I used Por15 manifold paint which is thick and goes on with a brush. It looks great and I have two results.
Both manifolds were blasted, painted,and heat cured in my gas weber. One I did in 99 and it is kept in a good garage,and still looks good today no rust.
The other I did in 04 and its kept in a pole building and after 2 years the rust started to appear.
The big problem in the pole barn is when the temps go down everything is cold and the sun comes out or ya get a day when temps suddenly rise and the heavy metal begins to sweat like a cold drink on a hot/humid day.
I wish that metal barn was insulated but that wish hasn't come true yet and the sweating I believe is the problem.
So,my question for you all is which product out there can stand up best to the worst condition ?
Oh, I forgot to mention I put at least 2 coats on those manifolds.

Dan

The Eastwood manifold paint lasted about a year for me (standard 235 manifold).

Calyx dressing seems to work fine and can be easily re-applied, if necessary. I have also seen expensive high-temperature ceramic-paint-coated manifolds hold up nicely (applied by professionals).