I have a 1987 camaro with a 305 V8 and will be putting 350 vortec heads on a rebuilt 305. I understand that I shouldn't use new headers on a new engine. So, can I use the stock 305 manifolds on the new engine till after break-in?

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

The only headers that can be damaged during break-in are ceramic coated ones. If yours are ceramic coated, you can use your stock manifolds for break-in. If not ceramic coated, don't worry about it.

 

Is this a concern for a roller cammed motor? I'd hate to ruin my pretty ceramic coated headers. LOL

 

They are concerned with overheating the ceramic before it final cures. If you don't sit with it idling high, it probably won't be a problem. I installed mine along with the rebuilt engine (see pics in my vBGarage), no problems to date.

 

Thanks 5-7. thats what I thought, I mean ceramic coating is meant for high heat right, like in excess of 1000*F. so I can't see it being a major problem. I have heard with a flat tappet cam, durring break in the headers can get cherry red, but I don't see that happening with a roller. but tehn again what do I know - I've never broken in a new motor before.

 

The problem is you need to sneak up on 1000F. Going straight up there without incremental heat cycles causes damage to the coating.