Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

I just picked up a brand new LS6 long block from Scoggin Dickey for my 98 WS6, I want to put in ceramic coated long tubes but heard this will damage the coating until broken in. Should(can I?) use the stock 98 exhaust manifolds, get a pair of used 01-02 manifolds, or non coated headers for break in?

I'm leaning toward picking up a cheap pair of used 01-02 manifolds...what do you think?

Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

Or should I just go with ceramic coated long tubes for the break in period...will it really strip the coating?

MjMaro

iTrader: (11)

I would NOT use the ceramic coated headers that you want to run long term on your car as the manifolds for the break-in period. Use some stock manifolds, I bet you could get some by just paying someone shipping who wants to get rid of em.

MjMaro

iTrader: (11)

Directly from High Performance Pontiac: If the headers are already coated, we suggest temporarily installing another set of headers, or even the original exhaust manifolds, during break-in to minimize the risk of permanent header discoloration.

MjMaro

iTrader: (11)

Directly from Hooker's website: Installation Notes
Breaking in an engine with ceramic coated Headers WILL result in damage to the coating and will VOID all warranties. Ceramic coated Headers require several heat cycles to fully cure before they will withstand extreme heat. Hooker recommends using cast iron exhaust Manifolds or old Headers to break in new engines to avoid coating damage.

hlaalu

iTrader: (3)

interesting... does an engine throw off more heat during break in? or how would it affect the headers in any way?

metalmechanic

That makes alot sense. The expanding and contracting of the block and heads during a few heat cycles.

Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

So I guess I'll go with a pair of 01-02 EM's and save the $500 for now. I could use it after spending the ca$h on the motor.

Now...one of my cats is showing a code as being defective so I was just gonna wait to put the engine, headers and off road pipe in but I dont wanna have to change the y-pipe twice...is there a Y that fits both stock exhaust manifolds and long tube headers? If not I guess I'll just put a test pipe in place of the cats?

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

Yes until the rings fully seat there is more friction between the rings and cylinder walls.

The second part of your question has already been answered....

Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

I just spoke with Bryan @ PCMforless.com about reprogramming my PCM and mentioned about using cearamic headers during break in and he said some of the coating might come off after a couple hundred miles and ruin the O2's but all I have to do is change 02's if that happens...so I guess I'll get headers now after all?

Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

I went with some 02 WS6 exhaust manifolds...will these bolt right up to my 98 Y-pipe or do I need to change it?

hlaalu

iTrader: (3)

they should, you have the cats for them too right?

Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

I have the stock 98 catted y but one of the cats is showing a defective code so I was either going to get pipes put in place of them which can be done for about $80 or get a used MAC off road Y if I can find a cheap one or If the stock y wont work.

hlaalu

iTrader: (3)

are you worried about the code? you are only going to have them on for what, 500 miles?

Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

True I dont intend to have the manifolds/Y on for long but I dont know how bad the cat is because the cars been runnung on 7 cylinders since the spun bearing. I guess I can wait and see how it runs after the swap and then maybe delete the cats if it's not up to par.

hlaalu

iTrader: (3)

are you going to run cats when you get your real headers on there?

streetassasin

iTrader: (30)

Just gut the cat

Black98T/A

iTrader: (5)

No and that's what I forgot...I'm sending my PCM to get tuned while the motor is being swapped... for no cats...so I guess I will be gutting the cats now.

I could always sell the catless Y when I get a good set of headers and Y.