Break in process-did I do it wrong?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Seguin Texas
Break in process-did I do it wrong?
I read on here Spinmonster saying without high load- low rpm pulls during break-in a motor won't realize full power. I drove mine just like the owners manual says for the first 500-1000 miles then gave it hell. I don't baby the car, but not really hard on it either. After reading about needing a catch can I've decided to get one , but wonder if I have already done damage?(carbon build-up, rings seating properly) Car has @12500 miles
I'm ordering a catch can this week. I have a COW tune. Would he have seen something in the tune related to this if there were issues? I'm a little paranoid after reading this.
TIA
I'm ordering a catch can this week. I have a COW tune. Would he have seen something in the tune related to this if there were issues? I'm a little paranoid after reading this.
TIA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 279
From: Muscle Shoals, AL
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
My first 05 Coupe I drove 110 mph on the test drive, then a steady 45 mph for 50 miles on the way home. Never had a problem with it.
My new 2010 GS I drove 500 miles home from the museum, a lot on the interstate.
These cars are great. Enjoy, and don't worry.....it'll be fine.
My new 2010 GS I drove 500 miles home from the museum, a lot on the interstate.
These cars are great. Enjoy, and don't worry.....it'll be fine.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 28,015
Likes: 32
dude, relax. You are being paranoid. We all do it!
I've read a lot from engineers and builders who say today's engines do not require the same break in as yester year's vehicles.
Some even do WOT runs at 0 miles.
I've read a lot from engineers and builders who say today's engines do not require the same break in as yester year's vehicles.
Some even do WOT runs at 0 miles.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 1
From: Lake Delton (WI Dells) WI
I just varied my RPM's and avoided lugging the motor, which to me is a low RPM, high load situation. Not sure why one would -want- to lug the motor during break in, doubt lugging the motor at anytime is good for it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Seguin Texas
I'm just wondering if I babied it too much during break-in? You know, NOT enough low rpm load. This website is fantastic, but I read some stuff on here sometimes (like this) that freaks me out.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
The "Break In Period" recommendations are NOT for the benefit of the engine. They are for the rest of the drivetrain, trans and rear end gears, to establish a proper wear pattern. The engines are ready to go right out of the box. Enjoy your car. 
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 1
From: Lake Delton (WI Dells) WI
very true, this is the whole reason for not maintaining the same speed for long periods of time. I guess it's to properly break in the gears.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 0
From: Willow Springs IL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,433
Likes: 3,622
From: Commerce Texas
I've got more than half a million miles in Corvette and almost 400 thousand miles in Porsches - daily drivers all - I have never had a problem with a Corvette nor Porsche engine.
Drive 'em change the oil, fix those things that need fixing - and what's the "stuff" with the catch can?.
This generation of Corvette owners are the most paranoid group of car owners I've seen in more than 53 years of driving and more than 1.5 million miles in sports cars.
Drive 'em change the oil, fix those things that need fixing - and what's the "stuff" with the catch can?.
This generation of Corvette owners are the most paranoid group of car owners I've seen in more than 53 years of driving and more than 1.5 million miles in sports cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 0
From: Willow Springs IL
I've got more than half a million miles in Corvette and almost 400 thousand miles in Porsches - daily drivers all - I have never had a problem with a Corvette nor Porsche engine.
Drive 'em change the oil, fix those things that need fixing - and what's the "stuff" with the catch can?.
This generation of Corvette owners are the most paranoid group of car owners I've seen in more than 53 years of driving and more than 1.5 million miles in sports cars.
Drive 'em change the oil, fix those things that need fixing - and what's the "stuff" with the catch can?.
This generation of Corvette owners are the most paranoid group of car owners I've seen in more than 53 years of driving and more than 1.5 million miles in sports cars.
amen to that!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,194
Likes: 305
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
SoCal Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12
Heck, i picked up my new GT 1 coupe in Iowa last week and drove it 1800 miles home to So. Cal. 27 mpg first tank of gas. No issues other than Kansas Highway Patrol!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Beach Florida
For years the counter-philosophy had been to drive it hard (but not steadily) during the breakin period. I have yet to find a good objection to this scheme. My own results have confirmed it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 4
From: Palm Beach County, Florida
Frequent changes when the engine is new and throwing off metal shavings is important.
Break-in is about mating surfaces in the entire drive train, not just the engine, but you can make your engine happier with clean oil.
Break-in is about mating surfaces in the entire drive train, not just the engine, but you can make your engine happier with clean oil.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
This just shows how strong the engine and drive train is in spite of the ignorance of some owners. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for the highest reliability and long term performance. The engineers that designed the engine actually DO know something about engines and the drive train.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Fl.
I broke in my 08 vette the same way I broke in my new wife 35 years ago and shes still running strong so I believe the vette should be still fine after 35 years!
Last edited by Rodlo; May 2, 2010 at 12:22 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I took it easy the first 500 miles and really the first year I put 8500 miles on my car I did open her up a few times but never really pounded on it. This year (3rd year) I'm doing some spirited driving.
-Scott
-Scott