I've never run headers on any engine before, but the ones on my '53 seem like they are pretty darn hot. I've decided to build some heat shields around some of the "vitals" as I don't want a catostrophic melt down. I initially started/broke-in this engine when it was the afternoon (awhile back) and didn't really notice just how hot the headers were. I fired it up at night and could toast marshmallows by the header glow. I quickly knew I was running lean. I ordered a calibration kit for my carb and richened it up. This helped tremendously, as it really cooled it down. Now, I have just the slightest tinge of red at the collecters, not so much the tubes anymore. A little more fiddling with the carb and timing and I think I can bring it in.

So, will there be absolutely no glow when the engine is just stationary and say revving to 2000 rpm, or can/will they get a little red? I wonder if the "ram" air from rolling down the road will help cool as well???