C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Best Engine break-in procedure?

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Old Dec 19, 2002 | 11:55 PM
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Default Best Engine break-in procedure?

Like title says. I've gotten so many versions over the years...wondering what the forum members recommend? Oil viscosity? Brand? Time factors? Distance? Load? :chevy


[Modified by GRX, 8:55 PM 12/19/2002]
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 08:00 AM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (GRX)

What did you do to it? Rings, or just heads cam rr :confused:
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:44 AM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (GRX)

Depends on what you did.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:47 AM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (vader86)

I'll be doing the same thing, so let's 'assume' a total rebuild. Rings, bearings, cam, valvetrain, everything.
:lurk:
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:51 AM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (ski_dwn_it)

Brand new bow-tie block...new pistons, rods, crank and heads.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:58 AM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (GRX)

the break-in procedure varies from builder to builder, and you should ask one of the local builders for his procedure. This is just one i heard:

put in a thicker oil, like 20w50 dino
cam break-in is usually 15min at 2000rpm, some builders will immediately change the oil
500mi, change
another 500mi and change to your regular oil
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 04:22 PM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (vader86)

everyone has a different oppinion, the one i was told was use 5-30w dino, warm the engine up to operating temp and go stand on it.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 07:46 PM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (GRX)

Maybe not the best, but the way I do it ----

Use the oil (dino) weight spec'd for the engine, nothing heavier, you don't want to starve anything for oil on the first start, even if primed before hand.

Roller cams don't need a break in, but I still run for 15-20 minutes at 2000 rpm.

Change the oil and filter. Change oil and filter every 500 miles, still using dino for 2000 miles. After 2000 switch to Mobil 1.

I take it real easy the first 500 miles and don't crazy for the first 2000. Yeah this is conservative, but nothing is better than a slow break in.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 08:26 PM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (GRX)

5-30 dino Drain after the first day, 5-30 dyno drain after 500 miles 5-30 dino 3000 miles then Mobil one after that. You will get several answers. mine has not used a drop after 4k miles
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 09:41 PM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (gtsyellow)

everyone has a different oppinion, the one i was told was use 5-30w dino, warm the engine up to operating temp and go stand on it.
:iagree:

Check out this page: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Hope you enjoy your new engine!
J :cheers:
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:33 PM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (JCAIRE2)

I've seen that Moto-Tune site before and it is spot on; :iagree:
As a matter of fact I followed his spec's to the "T" with excellent results.

Cyl pressure = ring seating.... :yesnod:
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:33 PM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (JCAIRE2)

that link sounds exactly like my engine builder Dan, good stuff.
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Old Dec 21, 2002 | 09:54 AM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (1MoorTym)

I break mine in the same way Kenny Bernstein does his. If you gonna drive it hard, do it from day one!
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Old Dec 22, 2002 | 01:41 PM
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Default Re: Best Engine break-in procedure? (MrCrowley)

Well, I don't drive the way Kenny does! That's for sure....nor do I tear down the motor every other day. :D
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