The heads are aluminum, right?
If they were blasted and left bare they will corrode.  Not sure but I would
bet the factory uses a coating on the bare heads.
Maybe try a high-temp engine paint?
I always heard flat black is best for heat transfer, but that shouldn't
matter with the internal water cooling.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of B
Feddish
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Painting the heads...

When I went to get my engine in Boston last week Gary told me that since he
bead blasted the heads that I should paint them.  What would happen if I
don't? Do they get real discolored?  What kind of paint should I use and
what's a good color?

Thanks,
Bryan