Author Topic: Breaking in cam with ceramic coated headers??  (Read 4170 times)

Offline 75 C20

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Breaking in cam with ceramic coated headers??
« on: April 17, 2010, 02:29:53 pm »
I've heard and read that you shouldn't break in an engine with new creramiccoated headers because there is so much heat due to the posibility of improper timing and the cam being broke in. I read up on it on the net and like everything i read, some people say its all BS and they've broke them in with ceramic headers with no problems yet  others say it discolors and makes the coating flake off? Whats everyone think?
1975 Custom Deluxe 20 350 SM465 2WD Longbed
1979 Custom Deluxe 20 400 SM465 2WD Longbed
1968 Custom Sport Truck 20 327 TH400 2WD Longbed
1985 Silverado 10 305 700R4 2WD Longbed
1969 Pontiac GTO 400 Turbo350
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Offline 78 Chevyrado

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Re: Breaking in cam with ceramic coated headers??
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2010, 08:18:51 pm »
I'd ask the header manufacturer.   Some of the coatings need a couple of normal driving hot/cold cycles before they reach full heat strength.  I dunno about ceramics though, seems like they would be ok.  But sometimes during break in, even the cast iron manifolds end up glowing.
Kenny

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Offline treestandjunkie

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Re: Breaking in cam with ceramic coated headers??
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2010, 10:21:59 pm »
I had some ceramic coated headers on my 327 that I built and had no problems with it.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Breaking in cam with ceramic coated headers??
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2010, 10:58:00 pm »
If you have an alternate set it's a good idea or you may ruin the coating. It's very easy to get those headers glowing red during the first start up. You are wise to consider this as many people overlook this and end up disappointed.
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