Anybody experienced at painting engines?

Posted this in the hot rod section and got a little bit of response, but since it's specifically paint related, maybe I'll have better luck here...
Just picked up a 327 that was built in June of this year, the only problem is they painted the block and healds with a thin coat of gloos black high temp paint.
I really want it to be a nice bright chevy orange...this engines going in a 32 hi-boy that wont have a hood, so it's really going to be the centerpiece of this car.
I've been told you don't want a thick coat of paint, 'cause that's when they start peeling and flaking.
What is the best way for me to proceed (specifically as to preparing the currently painted block)...hit it with a scotchbrite pad to scuff it up and then spray over the black? Try to remove the black with thinner?
And what type of paints have you had the best luck with, I've heard Eastwood, Duplicolor...anybody had any experience with POR 15? That one you brush on; seems like that would create a thicker finish (potential peeling problems?)

I just scrub them down good with a maroon scotchbrite and lacquer thinner, then some acrylic primer and urethene or enamel single stage paint afterwards.

spray can or spray gun?

If you want a really nice look that lasts, use a spray gun and paint it just like you would a car body. I use epoxy primer and then top coat it with a single stage enamel in whatever color I choose.

If you do it this way, it not only holds it's color, but is easy to maintain also.

Don

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Originally Posted by resin addict

spray can or spray gun?

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I use a spray gun, usually because my choice of color doesn't come in a rattle can.. Either will work fine, though.

But is it important to use a paint specifically designed for high temps?
Also, the black that's currently on there...it covers, but is a thin coat...do I just need to scuff it up to give it "tooth" and make sure it's clean, or do I need to do more as far as prep. One of you guys also referred to primer, can I prime over the black?
I looked at the Duplicolor website last night and saw that they also have a high temp clear coat, is that really beneficial?
And finally, realistically, how thick can/should this paint be? Also on the Duplicolor site they have a video of them painting a waterpump with their paint and they put 3 or 4 coats on, looked pretty thick by the time they were done (it looked really nice too...) but as I've said, somebody told me that if you go too thick it can be prone to peeling...
Sorry for all the questions, but I want to be sure I do everything the right way now, so it doesn't look good for a short period of time, then start to deteriorate and look like crap later on.

A maroon scotchbrite to scuff it and some lacquer thinner to degrease it should be sufficient for the engine. High temp paint is good, but the color selection is lousy. Regular acrylic primer and either enamel or urethene seems to hold just fine on the engine heat... I usually paint them with 2 double coats...with about 20 minutes drying time between the double coats...

can or gun. more of an issue of what's in the can to how long it will last.
a good catalyzed urethane would hold up to grease/dirt much better and look good LOTS longer.

The main thing is preparation (as with most any paint job).