Using brand new engine on track?
 

I'm in the process of completely overhauling the engine of my '85 Carrera. It got a new crankshaft, new main bearings, new intermediate shaft bearings, re-machined conrods with new big end and small end bearings. Also new valve guides and the valves will be re-seated.

The car will be used for normal driving and time trials. It's near stock. My question is: Can I take it on the track directly after putting the engine together with its new components? Doesn't it have to be "run in" like a new car? I want to put some miles on it before racing it, but I will have almost no time to do so since we have an event on 25 October.

Thanks

Patronus;
I've always strugged with the same thing. But keep in mind that Race Engines, with their 100-200 hour life span are rarely if ever be broken in over a couple of thousand miles. That's their entire life!

For the first 1 or 2 sessions, I'd take it easy on the engine and take a little bit off of the red-line. Keep a close eye on the temperatures so that they don't go too high. They may be a little high to start, but then should drop back to normal. Once the temperatures are back to normal (for track use), the engine is broken in.

>>> The important thing is to change the oil immediately after the event.<<<

I've seen people describe the race track as the perfect break-in for an engine since it will see constantly changing rev's and enough load to seat the rings.

As long as your no reseating new pistons, I would think the break in procedure would be less involved. Then again, it's not my engine;)