Got a new dart big m. After the machine shop and installing block hardware i would like to paint it. never painted an engine before, never painted anything with a spray gun. i see the engine paint at walmart and then i see some people use a spray gun and epoxy coat first, color coat next, clear coat last. Got a harbor freight tools down the street that sells guns cheap.What is the proper method or best method to get that nice shiny that stays that way and is easier to clean, etc. What kind of gun, etc. any input is greatly appreciated

Prep is a major factor. I'll use a siphon type air nozzle or you cn just fill the gun with prep-sol degreaser. Get rid of surface rust if any. A 2 part epoxy first and top coat with Imron. After cured run a thread chaser on all the holes being used.

As Cig said - prep is a major factor!

Is the block clean of rust? If not all the rost has to go! Clean the block - apply a "rost eater" with a sponge or a brush, let it rest for about 15min and then clean it once again with clean chemical gasoline (or similar) or just clean water.

Prime, paint and clear coat and you're ready to go.

The block is new and without rust. I understand prime, paint, and clear coat. But with what? Use spray paint or paint gun? What kind of paint gun what kind of paint? Thanks

You don't really need any special engine paint from my experience, that is. As long as you dont overheat the engine you'll be fine...

2 component primer and color paint is of course to recommend, especially since you are planning to use a paint gun and are going to mix the paint yourself.

Just remember to clean the block really carefully. Acetone/chemical gasoline and finish off with clean water is the way I would go.

If it's a new block you can simply go over it with lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol for prep, mask off all areas that will not be painted. I recently painted mine with a hand can of Duplicolor hi temp engine enamel and then went with the same only in a clear coat. Turned out great and was a good weekend garage project.

That looks really great!

I did the following a couple of years ago:
Went from a rusty and terrible manifold, sand blasted and grinded it and put on rust protection paint.

Put on 2C primer, 2C filler and then some sanding

Then finished off with a few layeres of heat resistable black paint and blue metallic coat and clear on the rest.

Never used the manifolds...