I have been breaking in my rebuilt engine. I have been driving it mostly at night because it's cooler and less traffic. I would start it up and let it idle for between 5-10 minutes, then drive it slowly for about the first 5 miles. Each time out I would drive it for between 20-40 miles in the city. Each time I make sure I make the transmission shift up and down, but I am careful about it. I changed the oil, filter after only 50 miles on it and now I am changing it and filter again with just under 500 miles on it. I've got it up to about 65 mph, but that's about it and for only about 8 miles. I'm wondering if now I should take it out on the freeway, and if so how fast and for how long I should drive it? Also, should I change oil again at about 1000 miles? I'm sure everybody has their own opinion, but I would like to hear them. Thanks!
Once the rings are THRUSHED IN TO THE WALLS you break in is DUN. This is dun with a few hard accelerations in lower gears and let the engine die down with compression breaking. Once this is dun a couple of times your break in is over. You can now do whatever you want at that point!!
That's easy enough, off I go... Thanks!
When I took the T-Bird for the first time with the fresh 5.0, I bounced it off the revlimiter before I was a half mile from home... Of course at that time it still had the 4cyl tach in it(long buried) so I didn't realize it was past 6K, just that it was pulling real good...
i live by break it in how you plan to drive it lmao
some times lol
id rather it broke right away then 1000 miles down the road.
first time out with mine, I was doing brake stands and doughnuts.
That's pretty much what I did, but I would let it warm up real good because I was more concerned with the rings seating so I would get good compression. That is where the HP is born.
I always have taken abit longer to brake it in....but that is just me.
Travis
Travis you are correct and to prove it the new AUDI that are hitting the streets have a mandatory inspection at 1500 Miles after purchase!!! This got my attention and i found out WHY!!!!
They have to RE-FLASH the ecm to take it out of BREAK IN MODE. Thats right Break in mode. They do this on purpose so the engine can not be abused in the break in period. I dont follow the reasoning but AUDI does it this way.
Tom
That is very interesting....
If the Germans are doing that...there has to be a reason...
I'm sure less warranty claims during that period....
Now if it has to with major longevity... 200k plus...that would be awesome.
Travis
Actually, I think that's a great idea! They are putting technology already available to them to work for them. It would mean a lot less problems down the road, hence less warranty problems and more money for them in the bank. Not to mention a more reliable engine and better reputation. Other companies would be foolish not to follow suit.
Well quick as it's started and fully warmed up, I'm taking the 331 out and making a few WOT 4-5-6K RPM shifts, break in will be exactly as I planning on running it at the strip...
That's what I did when I first drove the rebuilt 5.0 in my Thunderbird. It's been fine since.
Hey Tom
What do you think the car will run?
Travis
Uhhh dunno, but I'd hope at least a 12.75(remember it's still a full option street cruiser first)... Problem is I won't be at a 1/4 mi track any time soon, we only have a 1/8 mi locally...
I should have the heads back later this week but am going to be tied up most of next week, I may have it back together by the end of the month...
Even if u get 1/8th mile...u can calculate the 1/4 mile...anyways good luck Tom
Travis
Thanks, I'm looking forward to flogging it like it was a red headed step child... :beatyoass:
True on the caculator but with the original 5.0 & 2600 stall in the AOD it would always run .15 to .2 quicker than the predicted times... I'd guess though with the 3500 stall in a fresh AOD, calculator would be a bit closer...