I am getting closer to painting my engine and am not sure if I should do it assembled(heads, intake, etc) or disassembled.

I know if I do it disassemble I run the risk of chipping paint when tightening bolts.

But, the flip side is if I paint assembled and need to disassemble down the road(say remove intake) I am going to chip the paint around the bolt heads. Plus I like the look of non-painted bolt heads. I know it seems silly but it looks better IMO.

Opinions?

Why are you into your motor? You didnt get the same disease Kirk had and you want to try and go as fast as I did in that boat?????

Hah! No, the head gaskets were ready to be replaced so I decided to freshen everything. Believe me, I thought of what I could do to make it faster but common sense prevailed.

EDIT: Might have done a couple minor things.

I painted with the heads on the block and the intake seperate. No biggie

That's what I decided. Heads and oil pan on and painting accessories and intake separate.

Thanks.

No problem. That is exactly how I did it. I trimmed the excess sealant from around the intake. Makes for a clean look.

Shouldny be any other way. Be well

what doesn't the paint make it faster?