Have them paint the block after it is machined and prior to assembly. IMO, it looks a lot better than taking a spray can and painting an assembled engine, water pump, intake, gaskets and all.

Good luck!
Jeff

 

Hey, at least you werent face down!! Lol... Bad joke..

and good Idea about getting them to paint the block first.. Thanks.. Im going to paint theblock and headsin dark ford blue.. The water pump is already painted aluminum (I was thinking about buying a new one though just because the oldone is a little corroded on the inputand its old,, but at least its pretty since i painted it) valve covers will probably beblack,, sooner or later I will get some of theblack crinkle coated 351 or powered by ford valve covers.. But I dont know if I should paint the intake aluminum or make it blue.. Any suggestions? Im going to have the shop bead blast it when its there..

 

My advice is to paint it the original factory colors. As for the water pump, you're crazy to not install a new one while you're at it IMO. I wouldn't get a cheap rebuild either, I'd spend the extra money to get a new, quality one.

 

Yea,, I know I just didnt want to admit it.. Im thinking the same for headers.. Might as well just spend the money and get ceramic to last for a long long while...

 

If I were you (this is what I did), get a edelbrock high output aluminum water pump. They look good, and they pump out something like 30% more water than a stock water pump so it should help with potential overheating problems.

Just an idea.