For 1990-2009 cars only
- After installing the engine, ensure the crankcase has been filled with the correct oil and is at the recommended oil fill level on the dipstick. Also check and fill as required any other necessary fluids such as coolant, power steering fluid, etc.
- The engine should be primed with oil prior to starting. Follow the instructions enclosed with the tool. To prime the engine, first remove the distributor to allow access to the oil pump drive shaft. Note the position of the distributor before removal. Install the oil priming tool, GM part number 12368084. Using a 1/2" dill motor, rotate the engine oil priming tool clockwise for three minutes. While you are priming the engine, have someone else rotate the crankshaft clockwise to supply oil throughout the engine and to all the bearing surfaces before the engine is initially started. This is the sure way to get oil to the bearings before you start the engine for the first time. Also, prime the engine if it sits for extended periods of time. Reinstall the distributor in the same orientation as it was removed.
- Safety first. If the vehicle is on the ground, be sure the emergency brake is set, the wheels are chocked and the car cannot fall into gear. Verify everything is installed properly and nothing was missed.
- Start the engine and adjust the initial timing with the vacuum advance line to the distributor disconnected and plugged. Refer to Ignition System Specifications. The HEI vacuum advance canister should remain disconnected. This engine is designed to operate using only the internal centrifugal advance to achieve the correct timing curve. Rotate the distributor counterclockwise to advance the timing. Rotate the distributor clockwise to retard the timing.
- When possible, you should always allow the engine to warm up prior to driving. It is a good practice to allow the oil sump and water temperature to reach 180°F before towing heavy loads or performing hard acceleration runs.
- Once the engine is warm, double check the total advance timing. Refer to Ignition System Specifications.
- The engine should be driven at varying loads and conditions for the first 30 miles or one hour without wide open throttle (WOT) or sustained high RPM accelerations.
- Run five or six medium throttle (50%) accelerations to about 3,000 RPM for 350/290 or 4,000 RPM (except 350/290) and back to idle (0% throttle) in gear.
- Run two or three hard throttle (WOT 100%) accelerations to about 3,000 RPM for 350/290 or 4,000 RPM (except 350/290) and back to idle (0% throttle) in gear.
- Change the oil and filter. Replace with the recommended motor oil (not synthetic) and the applicable AC Delco oil filter. Inspect the oil and the oil filter for any foreign particles to ensure that the engine is functioning properly.
- Drive the next 500 miles under normal conditions or 12 to 15 engine hours. Do not run the engine at its maximum rated engine speed. Also, do not expose the engine to extended periods of high load.
- Change the oil and filter. Again, inspect the oil and oil filter for any foreign particles to ensure that the engine is functioning properly.
- Do not use synthetic oil for break-in. It would be suitable to use synthetic motor oil after the second recommended oil change and mileage accumulation. In colder regions, a lower viscosity oil may be required for better flow characteristics.
Important: This engine assembly needs to be filled with oil and primed. You should add the specified oil to your new engine. Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and add accordingly.
After the engine has been installed in the vehicle, recheck the oil level and add oil as required. It is also good practice to always recheck the ignition timing after removal and reinstallation of the distributor. See step 4 or engine specifications for the proper timing information.
