It does look better the last two engine pics as it did seem too silvery and shiny looking for what IMO it should look like. Still a nice step up from what it did look like I'm sure.

Too silvery and shiny in my opinion as well. The repro valve covers are very evident with the wavy ends on them.

I've cleaned several that are fairly rare and never painted them or blasted them. Mostly just strong detergents and gray scotchbrite then steel wool. The steel wool will provide a bit of sheen, so use with caution. They take on the look more akin to the alum. thermostat housings, more of a dull grey, vs. the silvery look. That, to me anyway, is accurate. No protectant on the eddy, boeshield on the winters manifold.

Can I ask please what process you used?

Thanks,
John

Other than post #24, NOBODY gives McCune props for his EXCELLENT Restoration of his Manifold. Mr McCune ownes a company that does professional/commercial restoration of Alumnum Auto Parts (as does Mr Jackson) ..........Correct me Im wront but the sand casted manifold in post #9 was restored by a shot blasting machine using clean metal shot that has not been contamintaed doing cast iron/steel parts.......
From what little knowledge I have, I believe aluminum sand castings were metal shot blasted by the OEM to remove excess sand and slag.........

Here are a few pics of my Muncie Case (Sand Cast) and Tailhousing/Side Cover (Die Cast)...........

I'm currently concerned with what/how best to "coat" these parts to prevent any corrosion forming........There are a variety of sprays, or thin film coating from Everbrite or CERAKOTE