Polishing a LT1 intake manifold

[jeffp1167]

Okay as promised, I am going to make this thread about DYI home polishing of a LT1 manifold with just basic hardware store bought stuff on a budget.

I know nothing about porting so this thread will not show any of that.

I bought the intake as pictured for 120.00 shipped of ebay. It is supposed to be from a 1995 camaro, as far as I can tell it is 100% complete.

Here is how it arrived, it is actually in really nice shape/

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x300/jproz1167/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095811_366_zps18833f25.jpg (http://s186.photobucket.com/user/jproz1167/media/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095811_366_zps18833f25.jpg.html)

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x300/jproz1167/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095819_319_zps4354a026.jpg (http://s186.photobucket.com/user/jproz1167/media/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095819_319_zps4354a026.jpg.html)

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x300/jproz1167/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095828_059_zps01262b71.jpg (http://s186.photobucket.com/user/jproz1167/media/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095828_059_zps01262b71.jpg.html)

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x300/jproz1167/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095838_115_zpsb67009ec.jpg (http://s186.photobucket.com/user/jproz1167/media/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095838_115_zpsb67009ec.jpg.html)

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x300/jproz1167/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095902_202_zps5bded4b0.jpg (http://s186.photobucket.com/user/jproz1167/media/new%20lt1%20polished%20manifold/IMG_20131222_095902_202_zps5bded4b0.jpg.html)

[Mystery Bird]

:popcorn:

[JCzNova]

:popcorn:

Ditto.
firebird_1995

[firebird_1995]

Subscribed!

[jeffp1167]

Some things that are planned for it are

Replacing all the shitty plastic vacuum lines with aluminum pipe that is correctly bent and polished as well.

The brackets may remain stock color but who knows.

I may look into powder coating ll the bolts or go with stainless bolts.

I do have another LT1 manifold I am going to mess around with and show you how to get it all smoothed out for powder coating so it has a smooth finish when done instead of the rough texture like LT4 red manifolds. Will also clear over some more finely sanded intake parts to see how they come out.

Also thinking about removing the ribs on top of the manifold.

All vacuum fitting will be polished as will the fuel injectors.

You don't need to go to 1000grit I generally stop around 220grit.

Any thoughts/ideas are welcomed in this thread and I will consider the ideas in getting this manifold to look super nice.

[jeffp1167]

well I found a source for very small aluminum pipe so I will be able to duplicate and the vacuum lines in aluminum. All I have to do is stick the rubber elbows on the pipe and shine them up. This will add for a nicer polished look as well as longer durability.

I will also be looking for injectors that will look better after being polished then the stock ones.

[firebird_1995]

Can't wait to see the results. You may look into "smartfire" brand injectors as they have an aluminium body. I'm not sure of any other brands that do

[jeffp1167]

Can't wait to see the results. You may look into "smartfire" brand injectors as they have an aluminium body. I'm not sure of any other brands that do

I read a few opinions on them and most no good, they seem to be some chinese knock off version of a bosche.

[jeffp1167]

Oh and please be patient with progress as I have many other things going on. But this will be a detailed thread with grits used, compounds used, tools used.

[jimmy21480]

Looking forward to it. I want to polish my intake too.