The debate rages here at times on the proper break-in, so I thought I would bring this article up for a good read. It is in Motor Trend March 06, page 34. The article is called break-in, schmake-in. They examined the "Motoman's Logic" about break-in. This is the full-throttle break-in theory. To sum up, the article states that Motman's claims are unverifiable, but do not completely discount it. The claims for increased power were disbuted as being miniscule if any power gains from the theory. I want go into all the details but a good short article. Representatives from Ford, Honda and GM stated the theory made more since for Motorcycle engines, but did not agree for automobiles. I myself stick to the easy break-in. Sorry I did not post the article itself, but I figured most of you enthusiast had it anyway. I did not see a previous post in this, but if I missed, flame on!

 

interesting , i think i will have to check out that article

 

I'm going to check it out too. Thanks for the heads up.

I remember when we purchased a BMW M coupe the dealership told us to break it in by driving it hard

 

I'm breaking in my MR by being easy the first 50 miles, then accellerating up to about 4000 rpms then easing off, up down up down and so on. I'm now taking it up to 4500 at times the same process, currently 300 miles on the car.

 

having taken basic metalurgy in college before I left, and being infatuated with cars and motorcycles my entire life, i stick to a few basic rules:

Drive the car as if you were to everyday. Not racing...just everyday. Nothing to extreme, highway driving, city driving...the biggest rules I adere to are


Warm up: Complete and total warm up to operating temprature. A few good 15 minute runs, varying throttle. Each time a TOTAL cool down, not even warm touch...cold.

Then I move on to some heavier 30 minute drives, leaving the car to cool as well

500 miles, oil change, DONE.
Just my opinion, its been argued and such...

 

So you admit you aren't driving it like you stole it?

 

I was told , dont rev it past 4000rpm for the first 1000miles. DONE! thats it.

 

I cant believe with all the money car manufactures have, no one has done a real break in test.
So are we gonna just keep guessing?
I took it nice and easy on mine.
Good article though.

 

Don't rev past 4000 for 1K? Totally disagree. ALWAYS get your OIL very warm first. At least ten minutes of driving between 2500 and 4000 rpm. You have to put it under load during break in period--first 600 mi. Build boost, rev it up to 5000... After 600 mi, I'd take it over 5000 in increments or 500 rpm for each next 100 miles until 1K mi i.e. 600-700mi:5500rpm, 700-800:6000, 800-900:6500, 900-1000:7000. After that, always warm it up good and let it rip! Also, always let it COOL a few minutes after heavy boosting.

 

I think that what the video Mitsu made you watch back when the VIII just came out said. the vid was lame but it did recommend a beak in period.

 

I have always followed the "easy" break-in. My rule of thumb has always been 1,000 miles. When I went for the test drive, the sales manager ran it up to 6K pretty hard to show me the power. I don't even want to think about the last test drive he did (I was the second test drive, according to the manager and it had 11 miles when we started the test drive). I said isn't there a break-in and he said no. Hmmm, they are a good dealership, but I have noticed on countless test drives the dealers say oh no there is no break-in (was told the same when test drove wife's S2000). I think that's why all of us want little or no miles on any performance car purchased. I for one, was glad that they did not let everyone test drive the Evo until they had your financial situation on the table.

 

Do you have pictures of the M?

 

never ever do easy break period...i beatup on it from mile 2.....Getting my car dynoed with the same mods as everyone else....i made more power than everyone that day........Even the guys at Turbotrix were wondering... i told them just sunoco 93 oct.....

 

Ignoring the engine altogether, you still have to go easy on your brakes and clutch initially. When you are driving the car like a madman, its hard to go easy on one thing and not the others.

 

Ahh, the debate rages. The article argues that since no two engines "produce equivalent power fresh off the assembly line, It's impossible to attribute small performance differences to break-in" You could have a stong factory engine or you back up Motoman's logic. Just curious, what numbers did you produce vs. the other equals?