Some one explain to me why the literature with the headers I just bought say that using them breaking in a new engine will void the warranty. (Flo Tech ceramic)

Usually when you are doing an initial run of an NEW engine you are breaking in the camshaft (flat tappet) first for about 30 minutes at 2000-2500 rpms. Very critical. You can't let it idle or keep shutting it off on on to get things perfect. 

SO....(what usually happens to the "shade tree" mechanics) you fire the engine up for the first time and send it up to 2000-2500 revs you usually don't have your timing perfectly set nor your carb. The exhaust manifolds or headers usually start to glow red then orange, which in turn will ruin the ceramic coating/finish. The coating will only sustain the normal operating temps of a well tuned engine.

It is best to use an old set of headers or manifolds to do the break-in. I have the Flo Tech ceramics on my '81 and made the mistake of breaking in my engine for the first time. Everything was going well up until I walked away for a few minutes. I came back and the headers were glowing a dim red. It didn't totally ruin the finish, but definitely dulled the hell out of it where they take the first bend off of the cylinder head.  

Sarge

Thanks, Sarge. That makes sense. I just wish I HAD a new engine to break in.

No, I definitely don't plan on wrapping them. Isn't that the purpose of ceramic to reduce heat? Besides, the ceramic almost looks chromed. Wouldn't want to hide that anyway.

Actually you need to heat cycle the ceramic a few times and you can't do that if you are breaking in a cam on a new engine.  Plus the fuel and air curves may be off as well.  Best thing to do is keep a just set of headers around for break in.

Thanks

[QUOTE=After Shark]Actually you need to heat cycle the ceramic a few times and you can't do that if you are breaking in a cam on a new engine.  Plus the fuel and air curves may be off as well.  Best thing to do is keep a just set of headers around for break in.[/QUOTE]                           longhorn2942006-12-02 11:27:14

Just to add to this.....I put my new chrome Hooker sidepipe headers on and started doing some carb tuning to my old (very broken in) engine.  I got one side too lean and it glowed red hot, bubbling off the chrome.