How do you paint aluminum?

I want to paint my new T5Z before installing it. I've always heard it's pretty tough painting aluminum. Has anyone here done it with good success? If so, what process did you use and what materials?

Thanks,
Don

lol, you got to be kidding me

Nope, not kidding. It's an experiment.

I have other, more visible parts I want to do so I'll use the same process for those. I think experimenting on the tranny is safe and there's lots of surface area.

Honestly, I wouldn't do it. Unless you are planning to slosh through many winters worth of slush and salt, it will hold up fine. When I paint aluminum castings, I bead blast the part in my cabinet, and use Duplicolor cast finish aluminum paint with no primer. Obviously, you are not going to totally disassemble a brand new T5Z to blast the case, so you are pretty much left with wiping it down with laquer thinner, tack rag, then fire away. It will work for a few seasons, but will eventually flake in areas.

-Mike S.

I'ved used a POR-15 product for a clear finish. It's called Glisten PC and it seems to be designed for use on aluminum wheels. I' ve put it on intake plenums and it seems to hold up.