[Norm K]

Double post (also in Turbo section) ...

I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseam but I’m trying to reconcile two, what appear to be contradictory steps in the engine break in process. I’m hoping to fire things up this Friday afternoon or Saturday morning and, assuming I haven’t made some catastrophic assembly mistake, get my car back on the road.

I’ve already confirmed oil circulation and will do the same for pressure (as best I can by way of engine-cranking only) prior to the first start. I’m going to power up the fuel pumps and check fuel pressure this evening. Of course I’ll be watching for oil and fuel leaks during these processes. If things check out I’m (with more than a bit of trepidation, mind you) going to go for it.

But first …

… there’s the requirement of bringing the engine up to 2000 RPM as soon as it starts and keeping it there for 20 minutes in order to obtain the proper relationship between the rocker arms and camshafts.

Fair enough …

… except that we also have the start-the-ring-seating-immediately requirement which, according to many, is an absolutely critical part of both engine performance and longevity.

At this point, I’m planning on doing the 20 minute cam/rocker break in, then getting the car out on the highway for some acceleration/deceleration runs, all while keeping my fingers crossed that I haven’t crossed some (black) magical line-in-the-sand during those initial 20 minutes of running.

Your expert thoughts and input appreciated.