I have been told by two Honda technicians and have also seen it posted here (as well as on other sites), in the past, that the S-2000 and RSX-S engines will slowly develop more horsepower up to about 5,000 miles of use, with a proper break in.

Is this true? I caught myself believing it without ever seeing any facts...If it is true, has anyone dyno'd a fresh break in, vs. a 4 or 5,000 mi. stock car? Why would this be so, assuming it's correct? Do the CFM cylinder walls take that much time to seat the rings, raising the compression?

Just curious. I'm at 3,600 miles and look forward to another few hp. if this is right.

Myth, wishful thinking based in reality, or engineering fact?

 

For me it was somewhere between 6,000 and 7,000 miles that I noticed my engine was getting stronger. I also noticed too, that my oil consumption was slowing down. So when Honda says it my take up to 10,000 miles to break in an engine, I believe them. The setting of the rings is very important for both full power and the reduction of oil consumption.

 

Yes! This is true to all Honda engines. May be even true for all other cars if you properly break in! The piston rings need to be seated in the cylinder walls. I think it might even take a bit longer on our S2000 (may be 10,000-15,000 miles) because of the special material used for the cylinder sleeves! But also, I think the power will gained gradually, I don't think you can really feel it change.

I have done Dyno on my car when it's around 6,000 miles (199.9 Hp and 134.5ft/# in stock form, later around 8,000 miles with K&N Aircharger and VAFC I got 212.8 Hp and 143.9 ft/#) Currently I have just a little over 10,000 miles. I'll Dyno it again later when it's 15,000 miles (if I still have the car?)

I also heard from some racers that Porsche engine get the most power out of it right before it blows up?

 

HOT Version VCD said it takes about 10,000kms before the S2000 starts to make factory claimed power...

 

Is there any other precaution we need to take until we get to 5-10k miles OTHER THAN during the 600 mile "break-in" period, to insure the engine breaks in properly ?

 

No, and don't baby it too much, that way the rings settle better.

 

Kid, what mods do you have? I saw a video of you dyno-ing your S. Just wondered. Thanks.

 

Apparently the ITR engine is like this too. I wouldn't be surprised if other DOHC VTEC engines show a similar pattern.

 

Yes it does...

this is at about 3000 miles:


this is after 5000 miles, I think close to 6000 miles


about 3 months apart.

-S

 

Most cars do. Car and Driver magazine does 30,000 mile tests of cars; almost always, the car is 0.1 sec or so quicker to 60 at 30,000 miles than when new.