mikahb

So, I now have the opportunity to worry about how to break in a shiny new motor since my old one went poof. I'm a little concerned about getting it broken in properly in order to MAXIMIZE it's life span. Would ruin my whole day to pop another motor.

So, What's the recommended break-in? I have heard using non-synthetic oil to start is a good idea. I've also heard that you should take it easy the first 400 or 500 miles. That will be tough to do on a car that isn't street legal at all. So, I'm open for ideas.

Thanks guys.

samc

i found this to be quite an interesting read: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

so far i have tried this on my latest c4 383 rebuild, and my turbo mazda engine - it worked for me.. the 383 sure seems to have a lot less blow by than after the last rebuild.

0Randy@DRM

We use this almost to the tee.

Randy

Bimota Guy

Mika, The one thing is to never pass a blue #46 T1 car. Will damage your engine for sure. Sorry to hear about the "boom", but the extra power will surely be fun.

MungoZ06

Mika ... I don't know nutin' 'cept what i read and have experienced ...
If you are getting the engine from a builder ... follow their advice ... they SHOULD know their engines ...
If a crate GM ... follow new car break-in.
I believe in frequent oil changes ...

WBHighwind

Most of what I read on there is what I remember the procedure being for breaking in my racing kart motors.

mikahb

Thanks for the input guys. That shorter break-in cycle looks great to me, certainly makes the logistics simpler and makes sense to me. We may even be able to break it in on the dyno - that seems like a good safe environment as long as we take it easy and watch temps.

The engine is a GM crate engine, so will probably come with some break-in instructions - I'll have to wait and see.

Thanks again, I'll let y'all know how it goes!

CamaroAJ

well GM shipps the vettes from the factory with mobil 1 so why would it hurt anything? the use regular oil for brake in is a myth, GM said so in a thing they sent around a few months ago about oils. i'll see if i can find it.

bosco 08

i've always wondered why you have to break in a car but the semi tractors, back hoes, etc. that i purchased at work have no real break in period run'm right from the get-go.
btw hot/cold cycles do more to wear in an engine than driving it easy.