Hello,

I received my new 350 crate long block from Summit Racing a few weeks ago and will start to dress the balance of the long block.
However, there was absolutely no instructions regarding initial start up procedures.
I have read about "break in oil", rpm revs for the first 30 mins etc etc.
I also know in my new vehicles that there is basically no initial break in recommedations at all.
Any advice regarding this motor? It's a basic hydraulic cam motor, 9:1 pistons, etc etc.....nothing exotic or hi performance.

Thanks in advance.

Dan Siegel

 

from my GM ZZ4 crate engine:

Start-Up and Break-In Procedures

1. After installing the engine, ensure the crankcase has been filled with the correct (refer to instruction sheets that come with the crate engine) motor oil (non-synthetic) to 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.

2. (* See note below for LS Engines) The engine should be primed with oil prior to starting. Do this by using an engine oil priming tool. If you do not have one, one can be obtained through GM, part number 12368084. Follow the instructions enclosed with the tool. 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.

3. 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.

4. Start the engine and adjust the initial timing. Set the ignition timing to timing specified in the instruction sheet and the engine idle to the speed as specified in the instruction sheet. Rotate the distributor counterclockwise to advance the timing. Rotate the distributor clockwise to retard the timing. Leave the vacuum advance disconnected.

5. 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.

6. Once the engine is warm, set the total advance timing as specified in the instruction sheet.

7. 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.

8. Run five or six medium throttle (50%) accelerations to about 4000 rpm and 55 mph (if application is a vehicle), and back to idle (0% throttle) in gear.

9. Run two or three hard throttle (WOT 100%) accelerations to about 5000 rpm and 55 mph (if application is a vehicle), and back to idle (0% throttle) in gear.

10. Change the oil and filter. Replace with 20W50 racing motor oil (not synthetic) and an ACDelco oil filter. Inspect the oil and the oil filter for any foreign particles to ensure that the engine is functioning properly.

11. Drive the next 500 miles (or 12 to 15 engine hours) under normal conditions. Do not run the engine at its maximum rated engine speed. Also, do not expose the engine to extended periods of high load.

12. Change the oil and filter. Again, inspect the oil and oil filter for any foreign particles to ensure that the engine is functioning properly.

13. Do not use synthetic oil for break-in. It would only be suitable to use synthetic motor oil after the second recommended oil change and mileage accumulation

Bill

 

My machinist charges me $250 to run in/dial in the engine on his dyno. Money well spent.

 

When priming the engine, remove the valve covers so you can observe the oil being pumped to the rockers. Removing the valve covers also give you a chance to examine the rockers themselves. I followed this procedure a few years ago with a 572/620 GM crate engine and noticed that one rocker arm was adjusted a lot further out than the rest. Further investigation discovered that one pushrod was about 0.5" longer than it should have been. If you are interested, here is the full story:http://www.carols62.com/59/oct05.htm

Charles

 

I helped a buddy prepare this for his Enigne Shop a few years back.
It is wordy but gives a few things to think about.
He warranties engines that fail so it was important to him.