Hi guys. Well i'm almost done putting my car back together with the new engine, and will be starting it up soon. I just have a couple questions though....

First of all....is it normal for headers to get red hot and glow during a break in? Or is this a sign of incorrect fuel mixture? This happened to me the last time I broke in a cam and i'm just wondering if it's normal?

Also.....if something is wrong and I have to turn the car off during the cam break in process is this going to cause any problems? Ie. Improper hardening of the cam??

Just trying to make sure this goes smoothly. Thanks in advance guys.....you've been a great help. :D graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Some say the headers glowing is normal, from my experience it has meant retarded timing, remember to set it closer to your total, rather than your initial, as its going to be running at 2000ish rpm's. As far as restarting it, really try not too, as it does increase the likelyhood of problems, but I've shut down and restarted 2 without problems 15,000+ miles later.

Ok thanks. I'll make sure to set my timing correctly. Last time I didn't have a timing tab or tape, so I just had to guesstimate it.....not exactly a good way to go. I'll do my best to not have to shut the engine down after begining the break in procedure, but I thought i'd ask.....just incase. Thanks again

Make sure you Do Not have a Vacuum Leak also

Get the timing right, set the idle to 2000 and stick a big fan in front of the grill also to keep airflow moving through it. You want to get that heat out of the engine compartment.

mc71454 - I'd be surprised if it does....i'll check asap while I being the break in. I know that when I was breaking in the cam on my old engine it had a pretty bad vacuum leak. Could this be a possible explanation for the glowing headers?

Epistuff - Good idea....I never thought about using a fan during the break in. I just remembered that I have a really big fan I can throw infront of the car during the break in. It'll help with keeping the fumes down also. graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/hurray.gif Excellent idea. Thanks

One other question...i'm almost embarassed to ask. lol But on the header gaskets, which side faces away from the engine? The metal side or the other side? redface.gif Sorry...can't remember. Thanks a bunch guys graemlins/thumbsup.gif