rawbutt

i've got some pacesetter LT's on my 383 stroker motor that im getting ready to fire up in the next day or so. my mechanic said that we've got to go through some kind of "break in" routine so that the headers don't turn purple or something? hehe i have no idea because i'm not a mechanic but figured i would run it by this board for any ideas. my mechanic is very good but a little old school and i thought maybe this was necessary back in the day but not now with ceramic coated headers? i am merely speculating but certainly want to do whatever is best.

thanks!

TransAm9585

My Pacesetter LT were installed and I have never heard of break in for headers. For a new engine yes, but not headers. You may get a little smoke or nasty smell from them the first time they heat up and exsess crap burns off the inside of the pipes and stuff but thats about it. My LT still look brand new.

2000GTP

There is no break in period, but like stated above, allow 10-15 minutes of smoking to burn off the oil,grease,blood,ect. ect. that collected on the headers during the install.

blind527

My headers are starting to rust on the bottom a little bit from all the damn humidity out here. It isn't that bad, but the coating of the primaries is still great looking.

onthemat

Chrome headers will turn purple.

68C10

It only pertains to using ceramic headers on a new motor. If you run a set of new ceramic coated headers on a new motor during the motors initial startup the excessive heat caused by the new rings seating and other inital friction during the first 0-20 mins can ruin the coating on the headers and it will look terrible supposedly it can also actually break down the coatings thermal structure.

Back to the point, if the motor isn't new - there is no break in for the headers...

rawbutt

my fault! i should have been more clear in my initial post. my 383 IS a new build (all new forged internals) and getting ready to fire the motor up for the first time with the new pacesetter LT's installed. so i gather from these posts that since it is a new engine, i should go through this break in period so i don't possibly damage the coating or structure of the headers?

2000GTP

You wont damage the coating on your headers unless you banged the hell out of them during the install.

WhyHelloOfficer

When I purchased ceramic coated headers from ACS in Texas they left a small note in the box as a reminder that the first time you fire up the engine with the new ceramic coated headers, let the engine warm up to normal operating temperature -- and then turn it off and allow the engine to cool down completely so that you can touch it with your hand. This is the final part of the 'curing process' of the ceramic coating.

When I got the long tubes for my current LT1 pacesetter didn't leave a note about that -- but I did the same thing with them. It doesn't hurt to be careful with it. It will ensure the longest life for your ceramic coating inside and out.