I just bought a new white 2001 s2000.

Can the members on this board advise me on how I should break it in? Reading the owners manual tells me not to rev it past 5500 rpms until after 600 miles.

Are there other things that I should consider as well?

Thanks!

 

Vary the RPMS. I was oscillating between 40mph and 100mph in sixth gear on I35 between Dallas and Austin last night the whole way, it probably confused or pissed off a few drivers. Fortunately the roads were pretty empty.

 

Members on this forum, what kind of problems have you experience by not breaking in your S2000 properly?

 

Don't slam on the brakes for the first 200 miles (press lightly until their seated in). Don't use the cruise control for the first 300 miles (you want to keep varying the speed to seat the rings, etc.; using the cruise keeps it at a constant speed which is what you want to avoid). It's an engine that's easy to over rev. accidently in the first 600 miles, so be extra careful; some folks wait a few hundred miles longer before VETC it. Keep checking oil level with every fill up.

 

See FAQ's at https://www.s2ki.com

 

YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Nobody can prove there are ANY problems from improper break-in. There have been about 14 major engine failures so far among forum members, and there's no reason to attribute break-in problems to any of that.

Do check your oil level OFTEN at least every gas fill up and maybe more often. Some members have been down several quarts during the first 3,000 miles. The manual states you should check at least every gasoline fill up. There's no reason to believe your engine will be saved by frequent oil checking, but you don't want Honda telling you that you goofed. Don't trust the oil idiot light to save you from damage due to low oil. Honda says you can have damage from low oil without the oil light ever coming on.

I have been keeping my rpms below 5,000 for the first 600 miles and plan to ease up do 9,000 rpm during the first 1000 miles. I reach 80 mph at 4,200 rpm in 6th gear.

Don't switch to synthetic oil until about 5,000 miles if ever. Change your oil at least every 6 months or every 3,750 miles. I plan my first oil change at 1,000 miles.

DON'T EVER DRIVE ON SNOW with Bridgestone Potenza SO2 tires unless you want to become intimate with your body shop. Not even once.

In addition to not exceeding 5,500 rpm during the first 600 miles, drive somewhat conservatively during that time too. The manual requests no hard accelerations during the break-in.

Buy Rick's leather console cover today. Buy Muz's roof well mat today. Consider his or other floor mats. Most here on the board would advice replacing the stock speakers asap. (I haven't gotten to that yet.) Treat yourself to a Passport 8500 or a Valentine One radar detector.

 

White ... good choice

 

Couldn't have said it better myself Barry....

P.S. Might also want to consiter a Miata Tube or soft clothe when the window is folded down (in addition to the Muz Mat).

 

During the break-in period, if your oil does become low, WHAT do you fill it up with??? Special oil??? Synthetic???

Just curious cuz I've been reading alot about CHECKING your oil during break-in, but what happens when it's actually low prematurely?

 

American Petrolium Institute "SJ" quality 10W-30 mineral oil, or 5W-40 if you start your engine in below zero F weather.