I am installing a SBC Vortec RPM Air-Gap manifold. I ordered the polished version. I was VERY disapointed with the quality of the job done by edelbrock....Im wondering if all the air-gap manifolds come like this (due to the tight spaces under the runners) or I just got a bad one.....If they all come like this then I have a decision to make
1)Leave as is (not real happy with this one)

2)Get it powdercoated. If I do this I wonder if you will be able to tell that the manifold was partially polished prior to the powdercoating and tell the difference between the polished areas and the rough area...I want a smooth surface.

3)Take it back and get a unpolished version and have it powdercoated. If I do this again I wonder if they will be able to get a nice uniform coat on especially under the runners.....

I am running short of time and really need to get the thing back on the water...If I get it powdercoated it probally will be after the season is over. I just hate the plain manifolds which show every bit of oil and dirt. You can never get it all off. The polish or powdercoat makes for a easy to clean surface. Here is the manifold...

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If you powder coat it with a translucent colr, the rough area will not come out right. If you powder coat it with a solid color, it will be smooth on the polishedarea and have a little texture on the rough area, but still a smooth surface.

I would take it back, recoupe some $$ and then have it powder coated. A bead blasted finish is better for the powder coating process, makes it almost bullet proof.

Take it back and get the unpolished version and powdercoat.

I have polished intakes, blower, and valve covers. They look great but very labor intensive maintenance polish I do to keep them that way. I can get to about everything. Your intake you can't get to very easily (thats why they didn't polish to begin with). I figure I can always anodize (all smooth surfaces)