Best way to clean LT5?

[ajaxajax2000]

I know this has been discussed in varoius threads, but I don't seem to find them now. So - the LT5 on the car I'm considering buying is not as shiny as I would like it to be (se pic). Would you think it's possible to get this one real clean and shiny and how would that best be done?

TIA

Peter

[jonszr1]

ck with peaven I believe he has a good method .you could pm him

[tccrab]

You can use mild detergent such as Simple Green and 000 steel wool or a toothbrush and baking soda and water mixture.
It will clean it up some, but it will never look new.
Best option is to remove the plenum, injector housings & cam covers and send them to JeffVette for powercoating.

Do Not Use any harsh chemicals like the Casteroil purple stuff or such, it will RUIN the paint. You think it looks bad now...

TomC
'90ZR1 #792

[Peaven]

Originally Posted by tccrab

You can use mild detergent such as Simple Green and 000 steel wool or a toothbrush and baking soda and water mixture.
It will clean it up some, but it will never look new.
Best option is to remove the plenum, injector housings & cam covers and send them to JeffVette for powercoating.

Do Not Use any harsh chemicals like the Casteroil purple stuff or such, it will RUIN the paint. You think it looks bad now...

TomC
'90ZR1 #792

Peter, Tom is pretty much spot on here. When I have the extra funds, I'm going to port the plenum, IH's, and heads....when I do, it's pc time. If you're interested in a temporary way to get the engine looking pretty good, let me know and I'll email you Dmark's engine clean procedure. As you can see, it does darken the metal very slightly but it looks better than it did dirty and stained.

Before



After

[ajaxajax2000]

Hi,

and thank's for your kind offer. Mail sent.

Peter

[Ccmano]

Used Peavens method...worked just like he said.

Looked worse that Peavens "before", Here's how it looks now....
Hans

[ajaxajax2000]

Beautiful!!! Wow.

I'll just do the same and hope for the same result.

Peter

[Peaven]

Peter and John, emails sent....

Nice work Hans! Like I said, powdercoating is going to be my final destination but this cleaning will do for now. Here's the original post from Dmark over on the corvette forum on how to git 'er dunn.


My engine was stained and dirty. First I wiped it down with a wet rag to get the loose dirt off. Then I dried it off with paper shop towels. I used Mother's Mag Polish & 0000 steelwool and about 2-3 hours of finger rubbing. The stains are gone and the entire engine has a glossy gray finish to it now. Thanks, all those years of tax-payer funded training to shine boots & polish brass sometimes can be put to good use!

BTW, I learned about the Mother Polish & 0000 steelwool idea on this forum.

My final step is the following (folks with weak hearts may wish to stop reading now).

- After doing the polish on the engine I clean the ENTIRE engine bay.
- On a COLD Engine.
- I cover the engine with a plastic drop cloth.
- Next I take Simple Green and spray everything down.
- Let the simple Green soak for 3-5 minutes (don't let it dry).
- LIGHTLY spray off the Simple Green with water.
- Repeat the Simple Green Soak 3-5 minutes.
- LIGHTLY spray off the Simple Green with water again.
- With everything still wet, remove the drop cloth from the engine.
- Wipe the engine down with a wet towel, getting the engine surfaces moist.
- With everything still wet .., [U]SOAK THE ENTIRE ENGINE & ENGINE BAY with Armour All!!!!!!
- Drop the hood, Get in the car and drive for 15 minutes.
- Open the hood and EVERYTHING will be clean with a low gloss shine.

I'll been doing this for years with every car I own. I have never, ever had any problems so long as I didn't get water into any areas (electrical) where it could be trapped and not "burnoff" during the 15 minute drive. Even on my Daily Drivers, this method will keep everything looking like new for several months.

Trust Me!

DMark

[ajaxajax2000]

Thank's everyone! Nice forum that can cover a subject in a matter of hours.

Now all I need to do is buy the car! Will be having a second look wednesday. Got my wife on the wagon today, which makes things a little easier.

Greetings!

Peter