Any danger to do my initial startup with open headers? Stroker should be ready to fire shortly and I'm wondering if I should go ahead and hook the entire exhaust system up before firing it up, or just fire it up with long tubes. I don't want to take the chance of hurting valves etc, but it's very tempting to see what it will sound like without a muffler. I don't plan on running without an exhaust system on the street by the way, just want to hear the motor un-muffled.

 

You should be fine. I ran mine open headers to my house and it was fine. It sounds awesome.

 

it may run a little on the rich side because your o2's are right at the openings

 

You'll be fine. Some people run open headers all the time.

 

I have broke in a couple of engines that way - and know plenty of others that have way more experience than me that have.

I have always been fine, and it sounds a lot nicer that way too...

 

Call me old school... but I would want to be able to hear any unexpected noise coming from inside the engine, not the exhaust.

 

If you start it uncorked you've got to make a few pulls through some gear on the street before you plug it back up. It sounds beautiful especially pulling through the power band under load. Nothing can duplicate that sound.


<------- Just got done putting about 80 miles on my car open header before taking it to the exhaust shop. The cops only showed up at my house twice and pulled me over once. Not a good ratio for 80 miles worth of driving. Haha

 

You'll be fine.

 

O.K. it's decided. The neighbors will get to hear the Z un-corked. I can't resist.

 

I ran my shorties open for awhile, till i figured out my gas mileage sucked even more (high and dry at only 130 miles, prolly other stuff going on too). But it is deff. worth hearing.