New s2000 04
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,731
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From: Calgary, AB
Please read the manual. It states what you should do to break it in.
Personally, this is how I broke it in, but this is not by the book.
No revving past 5,000 rpm for the first 75 miles. VTEC soon after that. Lot's of 7,000 - 7,500 rpm pulls between 75 and 400 miles. Redlined the car @ around 400 miles.
Car now has 2,400 miles. I have had one differential fluid change completed (thanks xviper), and I have yet to burn a single drop of oil.
Under NO circumstances, NO hard braking for the first 600+ miles.
Personally, this is how I broke it in, but this is not by the book.
No revving past 5,000 rpm for the first 75 miles. VTEC soon after that. Lot's of 7,000 - 7,500 rpm pulls between 75 and 400 miles. Redlined the car @ around 400 miles.
Car now has 2,400 miles. I have had one differential fluid change completed (thanks xviper), and I have yet to burn a single drop of oil.
Under NO circumstances, NO hard braking for the first 600+ miles.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
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From: SF, California
Quick bits.....don't go over 5500 RPM for the first 600 miles. Check your oil EVERY gas fill up. Check tires at least once a month.
Seriously find the time to read the manual with this car it's VERY important!
Seriously find the time to read the manual with this car it's VERY important!
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,585
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From: Gainesville
I have a better idea...search the forum, as this has been discussed several times in the last few weeks. Check under this section and "under the hood."
You'll see various views on breaking in the S2000 (or any new car).
Some abide by the manual, and others prefer the more "aggressive" approach of driving it like you plan on driving it down the road.
It's up to you to decide which way you prefer.
I am more aggressive in my approach. I've done both methods with numerous cars, and the more aggressive approach has worked better (IMO).
You'll see various views on breaking in the S2000 (or any new car).
Some abide by the manual, and others prefer the more "aggressive" approach of driving it like you plan on driving it down the road.
It's up to you to decide which way you prefer.
I am more aggressive in my approach. I've done both methods with numerous cars, and the more aggressive approach has worked better (IMO).
with nate i relined mine with 45 miles on it and have yet to be beat by another NA S2000, so take it for what you will(and I have never had a single problem)
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 232
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From: Laguna Beach
Lots of posts on this (do search on break in). I agree that you can push it into VTEC before 600 miles but common sense would be the rule. Certainly I would go easy for the first 100-200 miles. You will start to feel it loosening up and I think you will get a feel when its ready for more.
Also, I found the handling of my car to be a bit loose until I had a couple hundred miles on the tires. Either that or I was getting used to it.
And certainly I would never push it at all until you are well warmed up. (actually makes sense at any mileage). I did pretty much as koala above - mainly because it just felt right - and my car also runs beautifully.
Also, advice on the brakes is important - too hard too early will not properly break in your pads - they will get hard and noisy and chew your rotors.
Seems some people (me included) feel that today's better engines are for the most part almost ready to rock out of the box. (Using the ideas previously posted) Just as importantly, you should get very familiar with how it handles before you start pushing it. It will talk to you - just listen carefully. If you don't 'hear it' - be careful, it can bite. (That's what I love about this car!)
Also, I found the handling of my car to be a bit loose until I had a couple hundred miles on the tires. Either that or I was getting used to it.
And certainly I would never push it at all until you are well warmed up. (actually makes sense at any mileage). I did pretty much as koala above - mainly because it just felt right - and my car also runs beautifully.
Also, advice on the brakes is important - too hard too early will not properly break in your pads - they will get hard and noisy and chew your rotors.
Seems some people (me included) feel that today's better engines are for the most part almost ready to rock out of the box. (Using the ideas previously posted) Just as importantly, you should get very familiar with how it handles before you start pushing it. It will talk to you - just listen carefully. If you don't 'hear it' - be careful, it can bite. (That's what I love about this car!)