Hey, folks, is it possible to shine these four pipes (I don't know what they are called) with after cleaning them? Also, any idea what metal the pipes are made of? Thanks!

 

It's cast metal, a polishing compound will not bring shine out of them. If you're at all serious about it you'll need some drill horsepower and some proper polishing wheels, metal flappy wheels and all.

 

Ah, roger that. Could the polishing compound be applied at the very end, after drilling them with the metal rotary bit, some clear coat, and/or whatever else that could be done to shine them up?

 

Yeah, I probably should have clarified and said yeah toward the end. I swear Ive seen one done up nice before. Maybe worth picking up a spare used one from a wrecker yard to have the time to work on it without downing a car

 

It's called an intake manifold, and, while I admire your desire to have a sharp-looking engine bay and to personalize your ride, I wouldn't bother. Save your money and effort for good maintenance, and then 1) tires, 2) brakes, 3) suspension. "Go" is better than "Show." But, again, out of respect for your question, if looks matter that much, I would suggest that it might be easier to replace your OEM intake manifold with a snazzy after-market part. Eez up to joo, mang.

 

I agree with the above statement. Polishing will bee quite a lot of work. If it were me I'd buy one from a yard and clean that one up and paint it. The problem with polishing is you will have to continuously maintain it. They make paint that will make it look polished and all you'll have to do in the future is wipe it down. saves time. money and headache.

 

That's right, "intake manifold."

Thank you for the responses, gents. Very helpful!

 

I've done some engine painting before using rattle cans of VHT, Duplicolor n such. It's a fine direction to head if you're so inclined to get a nice aesthetic, and an opportunity to replace gaskets n such. I'll tell you that both companies have sh*tty nozzles, 1 in 4 cans spatters or doesnt spray, ect. And with curing done according to instructions, some stuff help up to a small fuel spill, some peeled right off (comparing a cast intake plenum and manifold here on the same car). There's some witchery to engine enamel. Both got three coats of clear.

I'd recommend looking outside of those brands provided by local parts stores because of my experience.

​​​​I'll include some old pictures and answer the most anticipated questions. What's this ****?: working under a tarp on a driveway with very little experience, just trying stuff out.
Is that a chevrolet lumina/why?: We got it for free and I'd grown quite attached to it, with it's wood leaf spring suspension and velour interior. Wish I had more finances at the time, but it was essentially a total money pit.

​​​​​Sorry about the picture quality.

 

a shot of the plenum. As you can see by the hoses and vehicle choice, I was really lost in the sauce.

There was one heavy spot where I got too close, but nonetheless it was the piece that kept its finish the best