Ceramic headers

[mwouda]

I have heard that you shoulnt break in an engine with ceramic headers. So I bought a cheap set to get the engine started. Just wondering if anyone knows how long I should wait until I go with the ceramics. Thanks

[tufcj]

The only reason they say that is that coatings like Jet-Hot will break down if the temp goes over 1300 degrees. That voids the warranty on the headers.

A lot of times if the timing is off or the mixture is lean on the first startup, a header will glow red. That almost always means you're near or over that temp.

I broke in my 390 with the Jet-Hot coated headers, but I had a digital temp gauge good to 1200 degrees and watched the temp on each tube closely. It got up to just over 900 degrees at it's hottest. I didn't want to deal with a swap on my AMX because they're such a PITA to get in.

If yours is past the cam break in, and the timing and mixture are set, go ahead and switch the headers.

Bob
tufcj

[mwouda]

Thanks bob that helps. I have just finished breaking in the cam and adjusting the carb. I did notice a couple of red hot header tubes right at the head, before I got it broke in. But everything seems good now.

Mike