What to use on unpolished aluminum
 

I'm looking for something I can put on my 86 F150's aluminum intake, ac compressor, and smog pump. I had detailed under the hood but the superclean I used gave everything a white look to it. I sprayed the aluminum with WD40 and it gave it a nice natural look again, but it didn't last long. Now it just looks bad again. I'm not going to polish this stuff or anything, but I'd like to put something on it so it dosn't look corroded all the time. I'd even paint the stuff aluminum, but to do a decent job you have to take it apart. I'm not taking all this stuff off just for that. Thanks.

Just an idea, but what about cleaning it up and spraying it with clear coat?

I can't see how I could clear coat it and have it look good. it's hard to get it to look decent as is. After I cleaned it and sprayed WD40 on there it looked good, but you can't clear over that. :p

You would have to use some metal polish/cleaner to get it right, then clear coat it. It would probably take some time, but I would imagine it would last quite awhile!

there are some engine detail packages you can pick up at autozone or walmart etc.
they have a decent degreaser, but when its dry you spray the detailer on everything. i think its like a silicone base, but i'm not sure. it does a good job of making everything look like it just rolled off the showroom floor. the only downside is it collects dust, so after a week or so the engine has dust stuck on it... you can wipe it right off, but if you dont want a hassle i s'pose you could leave it.

i believe eagle one makes the pack i bought.

wouldnt the clearcoat eventually burn off?