hi Larry i used to use dollar store paint for a long time, but u cant recoat it after the next day. my best success was using metal etching epoxy primer then about any kind of enamel . spray bomb,or car body paint with or without hardner,depends on how much u have to spend on each engine project. we used to regasket and paint used engines before we swapped em just to make us feel better about driving ratty cars. at least we didnt get dirty working around them . Ives rdhotfrd