Break in

[dieselman123]

hey guys i finally got all my starter issues fixed. turns out i had the flexplate backwards(silly me  )  and the parts store gave me the wrong starter!!! after all that i got everything straighten out i finally could break the motor in. after finally getting it started and running i had to shut it down after running on 10 to 15 mins. had to get ready ready for work. my question is will it be ok to continue the break in process saturday? i had 75 to 80 psi oil pressure at around 1500 to 2000 rpm. and i have to get the timing dialed in. i got the initial timing at 14 degrees btc. will that setting be ok? its a 355 sbc with vortec heads, flat top pistons and comp cam 12-235-2 with long tube headers

[rich weyand]

You're good.  Hopefully you have break-in additive in the oil.  You need to finish the first bit of the break-in, running the engine at 2000-2500 rpm for the rest of the 30 minute period.

Here's the break-in procedure for GM small blocks with flat-tappet cams.  You are about halfway through step 6.
http://www.jegs.com/customerservice/chevy%20_crate_engine_break-in.pdf

That timing number should be a good starting point.  BTW, make sure your vacuum advance is connected to MANIFOLD VACUUM, not ported or timed vacuum.

[dieselman123]

Yea I purchased comp cams break in oil and filled her up. And as for the vacuum advance I don't have it hooked up yet. Do I need to hook it up to finish the break in or just when I set my total timing?

[rich weyand]

I would hook it up.  It will drive poorly once you go out and start doing the driving bit of the break-in.

As for total timing, if you have a stock HEI distributor, you are about there right now.  14-16 BTDC with 20 degrees of mechanical advance puts you right in the 34-36 total timing sweet spot.