Breaking in

7783911 · 7783911's Garage

I had top end rebuild completed with new valves guides honing and new rings
I don’t get to drive a lot. The shop recommends 1000 miles to seat rings and re adjust valves.

Is there any way to improve the breaking in other then fing time and weather to drive?

Lyle O · Lyle O's Garage

First 20 min to seat in the cams is done at start-up (no load). Next 500-1000mile increments needs to be done with engine at variing loads to seat the piston rings. This should be done while driving, unless you have access to an engine or chassis dyno. You really must put the engine under load.

7783911 · 7783911's Garage

Cams done, so just drive as you say Andre varying load and letting engine do braking

Trackrash · Trackrash's Garage

A couple of auto crosses should do it.

After a few miles of driving to gradually up the loads then lots of spirited driving. Avoid constant high rpms and keep an eye on the temps. Otherwise drive it like you stole it.

lvporschepilot · 04-06-2019, 02:12 PM

Rings should seat pretty quick. Vary rpm at varying loads, and decel in gear a bit making sure the engine reaches full operating temp. Drive it like this a full operating temp for another 20 minutes or so and you should be good to go. Obviously don't use synthetic oil. Things will 'bed in' more after a few hundred miles.

7783911 · 7783911's Garage

Thank you all for advice...going for a drive today, not very warm so better steal it to get to full temps

996AE · 996AE's Garage

Sleepers Speed Shop just completed my 3.2 bottom up engine rebuild. Oil change and valve check at 500 mi

They did the first few heat cycles in shop then turned car over to me. 4K and under for first 500 miles. Lots of compression breaking and no fwy cruising. All stop and go driving.

7783911 · 7783911's Garage

am keeping under 4K and lots of decel and acceleration under power. One thing I noticed is that the car seems to be running much cooler..ie..175 degrees even after 40 minutes of 4K driving..is that normal operating temp now that oil cooler is cleaned out? i may have to check to see if they may have replaced the sender because i am sure my external thermostat opened (which is 185-190)