I know that you are supposed to re-torqe bolts after the first few initial heat cycles and engine break-in, especially with aluminum heads. Do they expect you to pull the motor? How are you supposed to get to the head bolts with headers on? I talked to someone at ARP and they said you should back them off slightly, and then torque.

Same thing with the headers? If I remove the header, the technically would I have to go through another couple heat cycles and torque them again?

I plan on doing the initial break in w/o the trans attached. Any arguments against this?

 

Retorquing the head bolts isn't required, unless the head gasket manufacturer specifically indicates otherwise. I'd actually avoid doing it since it tends to disturb the sealant on the head bolts.