‘83 K5/new engine: how do I break-in engine before taking to shop to have exhaust installed?

[BlazerBill]

Soon to be installing a new crate SBC 350 into my restored ‘83 K5. I’ve decided to go with exhaust manifolds instead of headers but my question is how can I break in the new engine without having exhaust pipes installed that I’ll have to take the Blazer to to have the pipes installed? Or, should I trailer or tow the Blazer to the exhaust shop before breaking in the engine assuming the shop won’t need to start the engine/drive it into the garage and onto the lift? What would be the best course of action? Thanks!

 

[squaredeal91]

Can you get a foot or 2 of pipe on the manifolds? That Should be safe for your engine.

 

[squaredeal91]

Are you trying to break in your cam?

 

[BlazerBill]

New engine with hydraulic roller cam break-in.

 

[idahovette]

What do your instructions that came with your new engine say?? how long? temps? etc.

 

[BlazerBill]

Basically, the break in procedure only specifies an oil system priming, check and adjust timing at 36deg btdc at 4000 rpm, warm engine to 180deg, drive at varying loads for 30 miles, 5-6 medium throttle accelerations to 4000 rpm and change oil, etc. So, going back to my initial question, how can I perform the initial runs with an open exhaust manifold before driving to the exhaust shop? How and what can I use to route the exhaust out of the engine bay that will connect to the manifolds and handle the exhaust temperature? I think I’ll call the exhaust shop to see if they can provide a short section of bent pipe with clamps to flange up to the manifolds and I’ll attach some sort of flexible metal hose to route away from the truck. Any other recommendations?