Can an E30 valve cover/intake manifold be powdercoated?

[Jand3rson]

I'm wondering because of the underside surface of the valve cover and the intake and outlet ports of the intake manifold. Does anyone know if it can be done?

[bimmerphile]

Yes, I've seen one personally that was powdercoated blue.

Are you talking professional, or cook-in-the-oven powdercoating? :-D

[Jand3rson]

I'll have it done professionally. I'll have them powerdercoated a solid color, and then use hi-temp brake paint to paint the raised parts.

[RCWells]

I'll have it done professionally. I'll have them powerdercoated a solid color, and then use hi-temp brake paint to paint the raised parts.

I had mine done professionally by a friend in the business. They only spray one side with the powder though a nominal amount gets on the underside. The bottom edge where the gasket seals got some buid up, but i just sanded it off. It apparently is temp resistant too. Mine was done in a textured finish, but not a really rough looking finish. The whole process only took 20 minutes and he only charged me $5.00. Came out perfect. Then I sanded of the ribs and BMW to reveal the aluminum like most of the ones you have seen. Not very original now, but it is clean looking and a huge improvement over BMW's own "Cosmoline" finish.

[rscheiring]

You'll want to have it dipped first (basic dipped for aluminum I believe, not acid dipped).

[Jand3rson]

You'll want to have it dipped first (basic dipped for aluminum I believe, not acid dipped).

DIpped? Will the place do that for me, like part of the procedure?

[rscheiring]

You'll want to have it dipped first (basic dipped for aluminum I believe, not acid dipped).

DIpped? Will the place do that for me, like part of the procedure?

I would think so. They might even require it (so you don't come back 8 months later complaining that the powdercoat isn't holding). If not, its pretty easy to find someone who will - ask at a couple machine shops if the powdercoat place doesn't know.

[SlammedE30]

Mine is powdercoated black. I had it bead-blasted and then just took it to the coating shop and he taped off where the connections were and I came back a few days later and picked it up. Cost me $80.
-Ted

[Jand3rson]

I will just tell them which parts need to be "masked" off when I take them in, I'm sure they will have no problems.

Thanks for the responses.