New 3.4 break in question...

[fallingat120mph]

Just for piece of mind I wanted to ask here.

So, 3.4 build is done and up and running. Car was accepted to LUFT 11 and I am about 20 hours away. Here is where I am:

New P&C
New cams
Twin plugged
Chipped (Steve W.)
New exhaust
and some other stuff, rockers redone, etc...


So this wasn't just a top end and my shop and I have so far done the standard break in. Fired it up on the stand, everything checked. Ran it at certain rpm for certain times.

Without getting crazy in the weeds with the different break in procedures the engine is in the car and running great at this point it has about 50-60 miles on it driving it tastefully hard on two separate occasions to get some load on it.

Oil has been changed, of course, and valves re-adjusted. Everything is great but my concern is I am not sure how many miles I can get on it before I hit the highway heading to LUFT/Durham, NC in a few days.

Through the years it seems 500 miles is the standard for getting on it under load, etc. but am wondering if I can get 200-250 on it and drain that oil and check the valves if that will be enough time/distance?


I know this is bordering an oil thread with opinions varying but I am curious if two days of highway driving will hurt it after a not so lengthy break in.


It seems like everything at this point should be pretty bedded in but know 500 miles is the standard...no way I can get there in a day and a half without driving it continuously which I think goes against the "break in period" common practice.

Just curious to hear from some of you...


Thanks!
Erik

[ToySnakePMC]

Also interested in your break-in updates and recommendations — along with your trip to Durham. Post a pic so we can look for your car there!
I currently have about 25 miles on my new build but won’t have it at Luft due to some idle / running issues... so close... Patrick

[stubble88]

I just finished my 3.4 single plug max Moritz style Mahle PC, 964 cams and SW chip. 30w Kendall conventional oil. I did 2 10 minute break ins at 2k with a little variation. Changed oil to 20w-50 Kendall conventional. I was told to do the valves after 500. But after the initial 2k rpm break in, I hit the canyons. Also did some downhill off throttle. But I’ve been driving like a Porsche for the first 200 miles. Hitting 6k a couple time briefly. I would think you’d be fine driving there on the highway. Maybe avoid long periods without varying the rpm’s. It’s a bit nerve racking at first but I’ve gotten over that. I’m adictd to the sound and power, choppy 964 cams idle is also cool. It wants to go! But ide like to hear what the experts would say.

[Lyle O]

These engines are quite durable. You should be good to go. Just vary the rpms when on the highway, and let 'er rip.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by ToySnakePMC

Also interested in your break-in updates and recommendations — along with your trip to Durham. Post a pic so we can look for your car there!
I currently have about 25 miles on my new build but won’t have it at Luft due to some idle / running issues... so close... Patrick

Well, mine is not quite a guarantee at this point but am close. Everything is checking out engine wise just dumb things like window install/seals have been a pain in the rear.

It's a rock and hard place in regards to wanting to get it on the road and the time and money spent and making the "mature" decision and doing what's right for the new engine.

Originally Posted by stubble88

I just finished my 3.4 single plug max Moritz style Mahle PC, 964 cams and SW chip. 30w Kendall conventional oil. I did 2 10 minute break ins at 2k with a little variation. Changed oil to 20w-50 Kendall conventional. I was told to do the valves after 500. But after the initial 2k rpm break in, I hit the canyons. Also did some downhill off throttle. But I’ve been driving like a Porsche for the first 200 miles. Hitting 6k a couple time briefly. I would think you’d be fine driving there on the highway. Maybe avoid long periods without varying the rpm’s. It’s a bit nerve racking at first but I’ve gotten over that. I’m adictd to the sound and power, choppy 964 cams idle is also cool. It wants to go! But ide like to hear what the experts would say.

Valves and fuel numbers are my biggest concern before getting it on the open road. Congratulations on the the 3.4!

Originally Posted by Lyle O

These engines are quite durable. You should be good to go. Just vary the rpms when on the highway, and let 'er rip.

Thanks. I had an old post where this same engine sat for 18 plus months over a 5 year span and it always started up fine. A mechanic in Germany said the same thing. Very very durable engines.


Thanks guys!
Erik