Hedman HTC headers
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 222
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From: Leander TX
Hedman HTC headers
I'm in the process of getting my 427 BBC project ready to fire up on my engine test stand for cam break in. It's going in my 75 to give the 100k mile old L48 a rest. 
As it will have side exhaust, I bought a set of Hedman HTC coated side exhaust headers from Summit. The papers that came with the headers stated "Breaking in a new engine with HTC headers will void the coating warranty. Use cast iron manifolds or other non coated headers to break in the engine first." .... or something to that effect. I'm guessing the constant 2500 or so RPM after startup will heat them up too fast? Not that it is a huge deal to find some other headers or manifolds.. Anyone have experience with Headman HTC headers?
-Frank
As it will have side exhaust, I bought a set of Hedman HTC coated side exhaust headers from Summit. The papers that came with the headers stated "Breaking in a new engine with HTC headers will void the coating warranty. Use cast iron manifolds or other non coated headers to break in the engine first." .... or something to that effect. I'm guessing the constant 2500 or so RPM after startup will heat them up too fast? Not that it is a huge deal to find some other headers or manifolds.. Anyone have experience with Headman HTC headers? -Frank
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 363
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From: Winston-Salem NC
I have an old set of Hedman's that were really rusty when I bought the car. I sent them off and had them coated, and they looked beautiful for 2 years. Then when we rebuilt the motor, I burned up the coating during the cam break-in. The timing was off and the carburetor wasn't adjusted, and next think I knew the headers were glowing red. The coating is now very dull looking
I would take their advice and run something else on it during break-in just to be safe.
Jeff
I would take their advice and run something else on it during break-in just to be safe.
Jeff
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
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From: San diego ca
On the other side of teh coin I have broken in two engines using my USED coated hedman headers with absolutely no change in the quaility of the finish - which while a dullish silver - hasnt rusted or changed color in all the years Ive owned them.
However when in doubt...follow the mfr's instructions every time.
However when in doubt...follow the mfr's instructions every time.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 453
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
I have heard issues about the new headers with coating and breaking in as well. You'd think there would be a way to order them already cured so you can slap them on right away. Maybe there's some way you can cure them yourself? I still have my exhaust manifolds but I was wanting to put the headers on right away and not jack with taking stuff off and on...if I end up getting coated ones.
I might end up buying a set of uncoated headers for breakin with my new engine then having them coated or something. This will still require taking them off and on though.
I might end up buying a set of uncoated headers for breakin with my new engine then having them coated or something. This will still require taking them off and on though.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,077
Likes: 27
From: Northeast South Dakota
They just don't want the headers on a new motor in case it is running lean. They will just get too hot. The reason they say during motor breakin is that is when you will likely run your motor that lean. If you run it that lean for too long you won't be worried about your header, you'll be worried about your next new motor.
I broke my 406 in with a brand new set of coated hedman elites and they are just fine. They look real nice yet.
-Justin
I broke my 406 in with a brand new set of coated hedman elites and they are just fine. They look real nice yet.
-Justin
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 222
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From: Leander TX
Originally Posted by Dalannex
They just don't want the headers on a new motor in case it is running lean. They will just get too hot. The reason they say during motor breakin is that is when you will likely run your motor that lean. If you run it that lean for too long you won't be worried about your header, you'll be worried about your next new motor.
I broke my 406 in with a brand new set of coated hedman elites and they are just fine. They look real nice yet.
-Justin
I broke my 406 in with a brand new set of coated hedman elites and they are just fine. They look real nice yet.
-Justin
