is the stock intake powder coated or is it just rough aluminum? If it is rough aluminum what is a good way to smooth it out for paining?

 

Its just rough aluminum (cast, I believe). No idea on how to prep for painting, though. I assume it would be similar to painting other bare metals.

 

so would i have to grind it smooth or just paint over it?

 

you would SAND it smooth. aluminum will clug up your grinding wheel.

TR

 

It's the bare cast surface, no paint or anything... well, other than oil dirt grease etc

smoothing it out without leaving scratches that will show turns into practically polishing before you paint... it's alot of work.

if you just want to clean it for paint, either clean it chemically or sand blast it for the least effort approach.

And by chemically I mean either dipping it in a solution that will degrease it or just get the scrubber brush out and the detergent.

I wouldnt bother with sanding the whole thing down to get it all smooth what a pain and it doesnt make it any faster.

 

If you want it smooth, nothing beats sandpaper rolls on a die grinder. They come in various kits (for cylinder head polishing) and easily smooth out rough aluminum castings. I use the kits made by Standard Abrasives.