Freshly coated headers

[Alan Roehrich]

NitroPlate usually includes instructions advising you to jet up because we've found the coating causes the AFR to go quite lean, as well as causing an increase in EGT. If you did not get those instructions, just call Chris and tell him. I have no doubt they'll make it right.

If the coating has turned dark, and/or taken on a frosty and slightly rough appearance and texture, that's a sure sign the EGT has gone well over 1300 degrees for at least a short period of time. I know very well what it takes to do this, as I've done tons of testing, some of it intended to see what the limits are.

It is very difficult to break in a new engine and not cause at least slight problems with coated headers. Especially with a flat tappet camshaft being broken in.

Ordinarily the coating does not require ANY break in, they cure it at a very high temperature. It also should not have anything on it that you didn't get on it during installation, they tumble and polish the headers before shipping. We just make sure not to get any oil or grease on them as it will stain the headers, although they can often be cleaned and polished to remove SOME stains.

They are polished just like you'd polish anything aluminum, and you can use an aluminum polish like Mother's to polish them again. If the coating is not seriously damaged it will shine back up.