[Patrick]

I used this stuff:

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8763

I was just going to paint the block, but ended up doing the sump as well which is the only ali bit i painted.

As for the rocker cover and intake manifold I use a spray can of UHT stain black. I think it was a can of this stuff: http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8219