Well after 3 years of putting it off and using the $$ for other things, I got my crate motor. It's being installed now, and before anyone asks, I did not snap any picks. I know stupid me! So I got a 290hp, 350. I only wanted something trust worthy, the NOM that was in there I did not feel safe with. I need some advice on the break in period. How long, 500 miles b4 I can get on it. That scares me, as I only drove it about 600 over the last 4 years. I do intend to use it more, but need some info about the right way to do it.

 

i'm sorry but i've gotta ask, how much is it costing you to have the old one removed and this one placed? also how much is the whole shebang including new engine costing you? also, some pics AFTER the installation would be nice ...

sorry i can't answer your original question.

 

including new starter and manifold, about $4300. 2275 for the crate, about 87 per hours, for 17 hrs work.

 

There are all knids of theories about the best breakin procedure. Everything from start it up and run the pi$$ out of it right away to take it easy by letting it warm up good and driving easy the first 1000 miles.
This is what I do but others will give you different advice. Fill cooling system with water only and add oil to fill line. Don't use synthetic during breakin. Make sure a good quality oil filter is installed properly.
Before initial start, if you have the distributor out, use a preoiler to prelube the engine. If you don't want to do this, remove the sparkplugs and crank the engine until you get oil pressure and oil up to the rocker arms. Only run the starter in short butsts so it doesn't get too hot. Replace plugs.
If the motor has been test run befrore you get it, you can skip all the preoiling stuff.
Upon initial start, get the timing close so it runs good. You can always adjust the timing to perfection later. Let the engine warm up for a minute or two to check for fluid leaks, then drive it enough to get it up to temperature. Then do a few 1/2 to 3/4 throttle accelerations, take it home and let it cool off. Then do a few more heat up and cool down cycles. Drain water when cool and add proper mixture of water and anti-freeze.
Don't let it idle too long at any one time and no WOT for the first 500 miles. Then change oil AND filter.
Terry

 

If you're having a shop install it they should do the initial break in..IMHO this is the most critical time for the engine...so let them do this..If anything major pops up later you can hash it out with the mechanics who installed it. After break in the mechanic may make suggestions on the first 500 miles, 1000 miles,2000, etc, you can decide then what you want to do. If the motor came with specific break in instructions follow them EXACTLY...also read all the documentation that came with the engine.

 

thanks guys