I am getting all my parts together for my Chevelle. The question I have is could I break in the cam with new ceramic coated headers? Does the ceramic coating have it's own break in? I am planning on using Dynomax 1 3/4 headers. Thanks in advance.

Jeff

You're good to go,,bolt on the headers and don't worry about a thing except that cam. I've had my headers for 2 years now,almost look like new. Zero problems graemlins/thumbsup.gif

You will void the warranty, according to some manufacturers, if you do a break in with the coated headers on.

Often times the break in procedure results in very hot exhaust temps (too lean or timing is off) and it can discolor the coating.

Tim.

If you can run it a bit rich & advance the timing I don`t think it will be a problem. I did a 327 that way & only had some slight discoloration where the tubes were real tight to each other.

Jim

I was concerned about this and installed my headers painted with the idea that I'd pull them out this winter and get them coated. I fired the engine with my trusty old 1850 Holley with '66 jets (mild 383). I set the timing at 30° at the break in RPM with a dial-back light and none of the tubes even glowed. I could have gotten away with coating the headers prior to cam break in

We broke in a buddy's motor with coated headers. One of the tubes began to glow at 2,000 rpm so we backed it down to 1,700 rpm and the glow went away immediately. Did not hurt the coating.

If you are reasonably confident you can get the A/F ratio and timing reasonably close for cam break-in you will most likely be just fine.

Thanks, for all the responses. It isn't the first time I've broken in a cam. I was just concerned if the coating would burn off, for the first initial 20 minutes of running. I wasn't sure if they had to be heated and cooled for a couple of cycles, before you could run them for extended periods. Thanks again

Jeff

If they get to cherry red, and it does happen on break-ins, they'll lose their luster. JetHot will not come off, but dulls.

My timing was too high and the now the first 3" of my primary tubes are ash gray in color.

Have extra fans pushing air into your radiator. I would run an open thermostat for the break in.

I've used 0000 steel wool on Jet Hot's ceramic coating to bring back the luster. I had a dual four 327 glow a ceramic header during the cam breakin. You may want to give it a try to get the sheen back.

Did you use any sort of metal polish on the #0000 steel wool or just straight?

Just used steel wool. Be sure and use 0000. If you notice when they overheat they're a little rougher than when the coating is fresh. The 0000 will polish them right up.