Is it ok to paint a turbo charger?
9 Answers
if you use exhaust paint you should be fine just make sure it is very clean first
aztec626bf answered 12 years ago
Turbo inlet temps have a very wide temperature range depending on load they can run between 1000-1200 degrees F. with peaks as high as 1800-2000 degrees F. Paint on a turbo will always fail after a period of time. Ceramic is the only coating that can handle the temps long term.
Because of the aforementioned high and various temperatures, I would say that in general its not a good idea. As aztec626bf stated, it will fail. It's just a matter of time before it does.
aztec626bf answered 12 years ago
It would be difficult to put a time on it because it depends on the temp extremes of the turbo which depends on your driving habits.
honestly instead of paying to paint the turbo why not fab a heat shield and paint it any way you want. that would also protect the engine bay from the turbo heat.
Ceramic coatings will fail but how long it takes is dependent on how many heat cycles the turbo goes through. Just be sure and cool your turbo down before shutting off your engine so that the bearings will last longer.
