Can you run an engine w/o headers ?

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grassy

grassy

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Hi,

I will be building an engine stand soon so I can start my engine before I install it. I don't think it is pre broken in..

I have ceramic headers from TTI ..and according to the literature in them, you cannot use ceramic during the engine break in period..

I cannot see borrowing a set of headers around here...not sure if there are any A body cars around here...and I don't want to have to buy a set..eventhough those $ 99.00 headers from summit sound interesting..

Any ideas ?

Grassy
 
could cause alot of backfires and flames...make zoomies or sumthing or get some cheap stock ones and run pipes down from them
 
I think you need some sort of exhaust ,My father once told me of a time when someone he knew ran an engine with just a very short straight pipe off each cylinder the engine ran fine but when they shut it down the cold air running into those short pipes damaged the hot exhaust valves. Keep in mind this was probably in the 1950's .I'm sure materials have changed since then .
But I always remember that story. I mean why risk it ? JMO
 
Sounds good...that I will look for a cheap set of headers or I will try to borrow some...the good thing is that I have the luxury of time..I will not be doing this 'till next year.

Thanks
Ian
 
You can always throw a set of stock manifolds on with a turn down pipe a few feet long.
 
Jomeper,
Old wife's tale....run a lawn mower engine for about 1 minute with no muffler and then stick your finger up the exhaust side. It's is full of hot air and it is surrounded by a hot engine. And you will most likely burn your finger!!
 
grassy -
I believe the reason TTI says not to break-in your engine with the ceramic headers is because they will discolor with constant 2500rpm if you've got a lean carb condition creating a higher exhaust temp.
Now, are you running a roller or non-roller cam in your new engine? A non-roller cam requires the 2500rpm for 20-minute break-in routine. A roller cam doesn't. You can also jet your carb fat to make sure a lean condition is not creating too high of an exhaust temp.
There are ways around this if you can't find a suitable set of headers if you need to break your engine in on a stand.
 
OCDART,

Yes, it is the high temp that will discolour them...I have asked a fellow member on this board that lives an 1 1/2 ffrom me if he has any..I am building the stand soon.

I believe it is a non roller cam but how can I tell ?

The only thing I can think of..and I am trying to contact the sellar to see if the engine was pre broken in....if I cannot borrow, I will buy the summit headers and resell them afterwards..

Grassy
 
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