Dumb Idea

wrx paul · 11-14-2003, 07:00 AM

Ok, so I think this is a dumb idea
My mind says it's dumb
My experience says it's dumb
But I have no concrete facts either way. Can someone prove it, or at least explain it?
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Chuck Moreland · 11-14-2003, 07:11 AM

Maybe this guy knows more than all the engine manufacturers, but I doubt it.

RickM · RickM's Garage

This has been circulated quite a bit...and agreed as being efffective. There are many threads to search for.

targa911S · 11-14-2003, 07:38 AM

Well I have always heard. "Break it in the way you want it to run" I guess this guy is saying about the same thing. I mean it makes sense. Have you ever known a racing engine to have a "break in" period? Granted we are talking about performance VS longevity, but my primary issue is performance. Who wants a crappy motor to last forever? Drive it like you stole it!

masraum · 11-14-2003, 07:59 AM

wasn't there just a long thread on this here recently? Someone should find the link. Many people were in agreement that it was a good thing.

tobluforu · tobluforu's Garage

I know I'll get flamed on this, but this is what I did. Broke it in by running it hard. My best friend helped me build my motor. He builds almost everything. Kind of a super mechanic. His way of breaking in a motor is get in it, drive it around and make sure it's running well, adjust it, and run the piss out of it. We did this to my 911 with less than 500 miles on it. Still going strong. His way of looking at is that it will "let loose" if built wrong-Duh! But better to find out early then later. Is this the right way of doing it? probably not in some cases. But my friend has built way over 700 motors-maybe more, and it works for him.
My 2 cents..

RoninLB · 11-14-2003, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RickM
This has been circulated quite a bit...and agreed as being efffective. There are many threads to search for.

Way before even reading the thread I broke-in my 911 re-build in by constantly loading the rings for over 750mi. An ocassional blast, but usually always rocking the car by flooring it then letting up the pedal in 3rd gear max for the 1st 100mi, then the latter 650mi in 4th on the hy between 3k and 4-4.5k. Completely boring to constantly have the car rocking. I was good for about a 75mi round trip from home before running away from it.

The leak-down after 1,000 were extraordinary, I thought the gauge was broken. And our cylinders have alot of flex to begin with making the routine street break-in a hit or mis proposition.. Ask around about poor 911 break-ins, you'll find plenty of them. And I used non-detergent 30w as per BA thread in PANO.

My rings are tighter than a crabs ass and that's water tight......Ron

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

I would have to agree with the article. I had read it and was really wondering what to do with my engine that was being built for me. I really never had to make the decision. After the guys at Supertec built and installed my 3.0 engine, Henry, the owner, warmed it up to normal temp while adjusting the CIS, dropped it off the lift and said "get in." He proceeded to pop the clutch and do a huge burnout. Drove me around for a while going through the gears at redline or better and usually sideways. Fastest I had ever been in a Porsche or any car for that matter! Scared the hell out of me. He is an amazing driver! We went back to his shop, he checked the oil and cis adj and then gave me the keys. Told me to drive an hour changing a lot of gears and keeping the engine revved (run it pretty hard)...turn it off and have lunch for about and hour and do the same coming back. I took off the top and enjoyed the beautiful CA day with my new toy. When I got back, he said it was pretty much broken in.
So far, I am very happy with the engine and it seems extraordinarily fast and smooth as silk. I am doing 0-60 in less than 5 sec, getting over 25 mpg, not leaking or using any oil, the temperature never goes past 210. He must be pretty sure of his technique, because he put his money where his mouth is. He gave me a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on everything except my clutch. He told me to try to drive with the RPMs between 4500 and 6500 and made me promise to drive it a lot (not be a garage queen) which I have gladly obliged! I took a buddy out in it who drives one of the new 350z cars. He was amazed and admitted that it put his car to shame!