This topic has been beat to death in that people are always saying, "NEVER VTEC the car until you have broken it in according to the manual". However, others have driven their cars like they stole it from the day they bought it, regardless of what the manual says.

I believe it was steve c that pointed out a website a while ago. I advise each to read it before they actually post anything in the poll.

Alternative break-in method

In light of that, how many think it makes sense, and how many are sticking to the manual?

I'm two semesters from completing my mechanical engineering degree, but I've not had a ton of experience with motors or automotive theory. Just wondering if there are any people out there that have done this and found their cars worked perfectly for quite a while (ie, similar to all the other cars that were broken in "normally"). Also, what about those of you that have dyno'd your cars? What are your hp numbers and how did you break your motor in?

So, the poll is this: Which do you believe is the best way to break the motor in? Your posts should answer why you believe the way you do.

Technical answers are preferred (UL, where are you? ), but anything is good.

Let's hear it!

 

I had seen this in the past and wasn't quite sure about it. Maybe someone else will have more "technical" advice either way.

 

It is amazing how people will follow the manual on how to break in the car, but they sure won't follow the manual on all the other requirements...why?

 

I don't know what happened to my S2000 in the 44 miles the dealer had it before I bought it. My car seemed a good deal stronger than the other S2000 I've driven a lot. I doubt that the test drives my car had were easy and by the manual.

 

haha i have no idea but lets get this thread flowing!

 

I took the advice of many on this board & went by the manual. I havn't had any engine problems so far..6k miles. I havn't seen anyone post that they were having problems following "breaking it in by the book", or complaining later that they should have broke it in by another method.

 

NNY S2K,

True...but how many have driven another car broken in the other way (and possibly noticed a power difference, the way mototuneusa.com describes)? Or, how many even realized that there is another way to break it in (well, supposedly)? I don't think there are many.. Either way, that's what we want to hear from everyone.

 

Engine break-in does require load at various rpm, but too many people can't differentiate between that and unneeded thrashing of a new motor. It is safer for most to just follow the manual.

 

Aircraft motors follow similar principles to what that guy is saying.

My train of thought is that if it's good enough for a motor that I more or less depend on to keep me alive, it's okay for my motorcycles and cars too.

 

Personally, I can see his point for the pistons and piston rings, but what about moving parts that aren't required to seal that well? I would tend to think that abrupt application of high forces like these would break/ruin them far quicker. Comments or experiences, anyone? We need to find some automotive/ mechanical engineers with experience for comments!