I always thought these were just alloy color, perhaps with a clear coat, from the factory.

Someone told me no, they were painted silver and it eventually wears off. Just like the cadmium plating wears off the injection lines.

I don't know about this. Anyone have any info on just how the valve covers and intake manifolds were protected, or not, from the factory?

I am going to have some parts vapor blasted so they will look new, or newish, but should they get a coat of silver paint or a clear coat?