Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

I have concentrated on the mechanical aspects of my engine project to date however it seems such a shame to bolt the cam housing back on looking like this... So let's spend some time on cosmetics. Can anyone give me some advice on recovering the appearance (such that it will last)? Are we talking simple elbow grease or something more involved such as blasting and coating? Same goes for the intake manifold

had mine shot blasted and powder-coated locally, but mine is 16v, car is red and so is cam cover now

Bead blasting brings them up like new. But it will corrode again eventualy without further treatment. I attacked mine with a wire brush & then used an old file to clean up the letters. Painted with hammerite & cleaned letters with emery last. Looks ok to me!
Main thing is that the face is in perfect condition or the gasket won't last long & you will have an oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold.

Mine was bead blasted and after installation coated in a waxy type substance which stops the oxidation. After 18 months it's still the same (only done 6000 miles of actual driving though)

...but how glorious were most of those 6000 miles though, Paul? And the anticipation of getting back in the driving seat again...

I like the polished aluminium look, so it looks like bead blasting and clear engine lacquer, I think. Mechanically, it's fine - no leaks from the gasket on removal, although spacer on cam oil seal was the beginnings of a ridge so that will be replaced.

Hopefully, I'm on the finishing straight now!