Does anyone have experience with this? I'd like to paint it flat black so it isn't so conspicuous behind the grills. Some kind of flat black heat conductive paint? I've read that there is a fraction of a percent performance difference - so I'm not too concerned about that. Anyone know better?

 

What about having it powder coated? That will probably be better than painting.

 

Sorry to be off topic....but you got your turbo kit!?

 

Assuming aluminum, I would lean towards anodizing rather
then painting. Painting puts too much material between the
fins and the air! IMHO of course.

 

i read places their is types of intercooler paints avalable which dont cut down on intercooler efficincy too much. id look around.

i know nothing about turbos but would an intercooler get hot? try high heat paint?

 

No, I haven't gotten the kit yet - but I'm putting together a list of stuff to get.

 

For anybody else reading up on this there's a pretty good article here:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=98349&page=5

Looks like that there's no real measurable difference between anodizing and painting - and high-temp engine paint sounds like the way to go. Besides - I can AFFORD a can of paint (and that's about it now)

 

many people recommend anodizing as the best way to go, but it really depends on how much boost youre running. the higher the boost, cooling efficiency becomes more important. higher boost = greater air compression = increased temperatures.

i have a fmic on my 240sx, but i only run 9 pounds (which barely qualifies for a fmic). i painted my fmic black with krylon using light/gentle sprits, and i never noticed any performance difference. in fact the bodyshop accidentally painted it (idiots) when i got the car painted (so there's krylon black & dupont blue layers). even then there isnt a difference. if youre going to run over 1 bar (14 pounds) of boost, then i might be concerned.

I love having a painted fmic. combined with a recirculated bov, people dont think i'm turbo...until i start pulling away.

 

I have painted them satin black as it stays on much better than flat, just lite coats until no streaks appeared. Never even noticed and performance difference at all, sure nice to get away with having fun, stealth to me is the best way to go.

Rick

 

they make radiator paint, this is what honda guys use on their ICs. designed for max heat transfer, but flat black IC = sleeper

 

You just had to go and say "honda guys" didn't you. C'mon.

 

hehe sorry, i have had my civic for so long its all i know. this is my first venture into toyota territory

i will refrain from using the "H-word" again

 

Go to a motorcycle shop and get a can of PJ1 Fast Black spray paint. It will stick to the aluminum, is satin black, and lasts a long time. A light coat will cover very well and won't hurt performance at all.