New 440-6 Engine Break-in with TTI Headers

[Cuda 440-6]

I'm about to drop a freshly rebuilt 440-6 engine into my freshly restored '74 Cuda. I plan to use TTI Headers. The engine was blue printed and ran once when on the dyno tester.

Should I install the original Exhaust Manifolds and run the engine up to temp a couple of times before installing the TTI Headers? Can I run straight Manifolds without any Exhaust system connected, or do I risk damaging engine bay or inner fender wells?

Thanks for input . . .

 

[Mopar Nut]

Should I install the original Exhaust Manifolds and run the engine up to temp a couple of times before installing the TTI Headers?

I would, if it was mine.

 

[Mopar Nut]

Can I run straight Manifolds without any Exhaust system connected, or do I risk damaging engine bay or inner fender wells?

You might damage the fresh paint.

 

[Challenger RTA]

There can be damage to the exhaust valves when running with out an exhaust. I used Manifolds and a short piece of flex exhaust pipe when doing break in. $15 at parts store. Don't need a tight seal for the pipe I just wired it on. What happens is after running and shutting it down. The in rush of colder air can bend the valves

 

[mrmopar340]

I'm about to drop a freshly rebuilt 440-6 engine into my freshly restored '74 Cuda. I plan to use TTI Headers. The engine was blue printed and ran once when on the dyno tester.

Should I install the original Exhaust Manifolds and run the engine up to temp a couple of times before installing the TTI Headers? Can I run straight Manifolds without any Exhaust system connected, or do I risk damaging engine bay or inner fender wells?

Thanks for input . . .

Run the manifolds. It will kill the coating on your headers if you break the engine in with them on. Don't ask how I know and I won't tell. 1200 bucks later...

 

[Chryco Psycho]

What cam do you have ? Flat tappet hyd or solid needs to be run in at 2200 rpm + for 20 mins , , this may have been done on the dyno so if you are not doing that the headers will be fine , once the engne is fired up it needs to stay running so I would hope was already done , if the engine was shut down less than 20 mins in you could end up with cam damage .
Roller hyd or solid doesn't need to break in so the headers should be fine .
SO I would just use the headers .

 

[Xcudame]

I concur with Chryco, if it was dyno'd, it had to be run and properly broken in. So run the headers!

But the others are right for an engine that hasn't been broken in. A fresh break in typically runs rich (fast idle for 20 minutes) and will damage the header coating.

 

[6PKRTSE]

Definitely break it in with the engine exhaust manifolds first. Then swap out for the headers.

 

[Xcudame]

If you use the exhaust manifold to get it running, use some kind of head pipe to dump the exhaust under the car! Especially if you have a nice detailed engine compartment!

 

[Cuda 440-6]

There has been a lot of great input from many of you. It's though that some say use Manifolds and some say use Headers right away because the engine was on the Dyno and broken in. Because of the split in opinions, I'm inclined to take the safe route by using original Manifolds and Dump Pipes. Better to be safe than sorry on a 10-Year finely worked restoration.

 

[Xcudame]

It is ALWAYS better to play it safe!

 

[Mopar Nut]

Post some pictures of your Cuda when you get a chance.

 

[mayhem]

So, a freshly rebuilt blueprinted 440+6? Did you build it? If no, have you spoken to the builder? Do you have data from the dyno? Have you spoken to them? I'm in agreement with both camps - if you need to break-in the engine, run the manifolds & head piping away from the engine bay. If the engine has been run-in to seat the rings, etc., then you can go straight to the headers. I'd make a couple calls rather than guess.

And YES, please let us live vicariously thru pictures of your 'Cuda!

 

[Avalanche]

There has been a lot of great input from many of you. It's though that some say use Manifolds and some say use Headers right away because the engine was on the Dyno and broken in. Because of the split in opinions, I'm inclined to take the safe route by using original Manifolds and Dump Pipes. Better to be safe than sorry on a 10-Year finely worked restoration.

Did you have a local builder do the engine?
I'm in Mass just south. Can you post the shop that did your build, looking for someone to rebuild my 440. Thanks

 

[61K T/A]

Did you have a local builder do the engine?
I'm in Mass just south. Can you post the shop that did your build, looking for someone to rebuild my 440. Thanks

Must be top secret. SHHHHHHH

 

[Cuda 440-6]

Hi guys, Cuda 440-6 here. I apologize for not responding a lot sooner. I had a sweet lady enter my life a number of months ago, which put a hold on my attention to other things if you catch my drift!

My 440-6 engine was built by a guy by the name of Ben Gorman with Pro Max Performance based in Indianapolis, IN. I spoke with him today and he claimed he ran the engine on the dyno a couple of times to bring it up to operating temperature for up to 30 minutes at a time. He still recommended I install a set of stock Manifolds with head dump pipes and run the engine up to temp and complete this heat cycle exercise a few times before installing the new TTI Headers.

Here is a few pics of my Cuda . .

 

[Challenger RTA]

The sweet girl is looking good. I see why you where busy. Going topless can be fun sometimes but the top gives her class. Also looks like you got things stiffened up for a fun ride with her. The only thing I would consider when getting her heated up and through a banging routine, you could shift the rear. A good box would help. But don't miss a throw in between she might scream! Keep It up If you know what I mean! We are talking about the sweet car Right! When do you think you will get it stuck in.