Got a 1986 F250 with a 351W. Valve covers are grey. Got a manifold from neighbor that's dark blue, and wanted to repaint the valve covers and mani. What color would the mani normally be and what paint would work? Also, what paint for the covers? Does spray last or should I go with liquid?

 

Use VHT engine paint or similar.

The 86 engine would have been grey. They changed from Blue to Grey in the 83 model year IIRC. They used up the blue engines till they got to the grey ones so some 83's had blue, some grey.

I plan on painting my engine Blue in my 86 because... Well it's mine and I'll do what I want with it

The engine in my 87 is red because the PO liked red engines...