Cam break-in Questions.... On an engine run stand

The header thing is easy to get around. Have your timing light attached. Soon as it fires, pull the RPM up to about 3500, grab the timing light and pull the total timing up to 36*. Done. Your headers will not be hurt. People over heat headers because of retarded ignition timing at startup, causing the mixture to still be burning coming out of the exhaust port. That's what kills header finish. Get that timing up where it belongs and it'll be fine.