Just wondering if I would need to use high temp paint on the manifolds or could I use regular paint? Was thinking about using POR 15.

As long as the cooling system is working properly, they shouldn't get that hot - maybe 130*. I think a good quality black engine enamel should work. I think POR 15 is designed to be topcoated with regular paint. Not sure if it is designed to adhere to bare aluminum. Your best bet on bare aluminum would be a good etching primer followed by a good urethane enamel.

POWDERCOAT them, comes in alot of colors too!

yep powder coat .all the gills seem to peel off in sheets . i sand blast and powder coat them .look like new did 3 sets this year

sand down the bad areas and prime with ppg dp 90, then wet sand out what ever scratches and re prime then paint them with imron..i have over 10 yrs on small block set of emi's and they still look like i painted them yesterday.