new s2k owner...
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Berkeley
new s2k owner...
hey all, just wanted to say that i am finally a proud owner of a brand new 2002 sebring silver s2000. i know this must have been asked many times, but how many miles should i put on the engine before i can start hitting "vtec" and/or redline. this break-in period is annoying the crap out of me. also, how many miles should i drive with the factory motor oil before i can drain in out and replace it with synthetic. according to the owner's manual, it states that for proper breakin, i should not change the oil until the recommended time or mileage interval shown in the maintenance schedule. does the original factory oil have some sort of additive that aids in breakin??
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From: Felton
Nice model year and color choice!
I didn't V-tech until 1000miles, but that was me. I did however "exercise" the power band, something i was told was good for the engine. Basically just spending different RPMS in different gears, a pretty methodical way of breaking her in. Well, i'm sure you're already in love with your new mistress, have fun
I didn't V-tech until 1000miles, but that was me. I did however "exercise" the power band, something i was told was good for the engine. Basically just spending different RPMS in different gears, a pretty methodical way of breaking her in. Well, i'm sure you're already in love with your new mistress, have fun
After 600 
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Sheridan
Enjoy your car.
Check your oil every time you buy gasoline and document it. It may be helpful later if you need to make a warranty claim.
Keep your revs under 5,500 rpm until 600 miles. Vary your revs and speed. Avoid driving the engine constantly at the same rpm for a long period. Avoid hard stops for 200 miles. This is all from the owner's manual.
The original engine oil contains molybednum. Avoid changing your oil for the first 3,750 miles. If you need to add oil during the first 3,750 miles, use any API SJ or SL 10W-30 petroleum based motor oil.
When you change oil, use any API SJ or SL 10W-30 petroleum based motor oil until you reach at least 10,000 miles. Many swear by one brand or another but I don't think there is any hard evidence that it makes any difference. More important is getting the right grade, right rating, and changing your oil and filter every 3,750 miles or every year, whichever comes first.
If you plan to start your car in 0 deg F conditions, use 5W-30 during your cold months.
Click here for the current American Petroleum Institute Lubricant rating chart.
Click here for another current thread about break-in.
Check your oil every time you buy gasoline and document it. It may be helpful later if you need to make a warranty claim.
Keep your revs under 5,500 rpm until 600 miles. Vary your revs and speed. Avoid driving the engine constantly at the same rpm for a long period. Avoid hard stops for 200 miles. This is all from the owner's manual.
The original engine oil contains molybednum. Avoid changing your oil for the first 3,750 miles. If you need to add oil during the first 3,750 miles, use any API SJ or SL 10W-30 petroleum based motor oil.
When you change oil, use any API SJ or SL 10W-30 petroleum based motor oil until you reach at least 10,000 miles. Many swear by one brand or another but I don't think there is any hard evidence that it makes any difference. More important is getting the right grade, right rating, and changing your oil and filter every 3,750 miles or every year, whichever comes first.
If you plan to start your car in 0 deg F conditions, use 5W-30 during your cold months.
Click here for the current American Petroleum Institute Lubricant rating chart.
Click here for another current thread about break-in.