rebuilt head break-in
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Junior Member

Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 36
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From: Seattle, WA
Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305
rebuilt head break-in
I just had my heads rebuilt on a 1990 TA GTA with a 305. Any advice on breaking them in? I know with a full engine rebuild you have to be somewhat careful, vary rmp's, take short trips and let the engine cool off, etc. Same deal for just the heads? Do I have to check and re-torque the head bolts after a few hundred miles?
Or since it's just the heads, I don't need to worry so much? I've seen conflicting advice on the internet and figured I'd see what this forum's wisdom had to say on the subject.
Or since it's just the heads, I don't need to worry so much? I've seen conflicting advice on the internet and figured I'd see what this forum's wisdom had to say on the subject.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 17,262
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From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: rebuilt head break-in
If you're using a composite head gasket, your done. If you used a steel shim head gasket like original OEM, you'll need to retorque the head bolds once.
Other than that, there's nothing to break in on heads.
Other than that, there's nothing to break in on heads.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,390
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From: Bright, IN
Car: '86 Bird, 96 ImpalaSS, 98 C1500XCab
Engine: LG4, LT1, L31
Transmission: 700R4, 4L60E, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Tors, 4.88 spool, 3.73 Eaton
Re: rebuilt head break-in
Alky, I have to respectfully disagree with the need for re-torquing steel shim head gaskets. No relaxation of bolt preload with those. Some specialty gaskets require retorquing; however, unless L-train went out of his way to find an uncommon replacement gasket, retorquing wouldn't be needed.
As was said, no break-in required for heads.
As was said, no break-in required for heads.
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