I don't know why Honda put the 5,500 rpm limit for the first 600mi in the S2000 Owner's Manual. My previous two Integras (GS-R and Type R) had no restriction and the Service Manager for the dealer I bought the Type R from said, "Run it. Run it hard" when I asked about break in.

When I got the S2000, the salesman gave me the same advice regarding break-in -- "run it pretty good, it's a Honda." So I did. Haven't had any problems and oil consumption is normal.

Then I read the Owner's Manual and find this tidbit about <5,500 rpm. Go figure.

I'm a bit skeptical about the strict adherence of the 5,500 limit. It seems to be there for reasons other than the need for the engine break-in. Maybe to keep people from getting out of control before they become used to the car?

 

Phew, what a relief !

Got my s2k last Friday, the dealer told me to drive it normally - no rev restrictions once the oil temp is ok (wait 10 min after water is at normal level). So I did, I reved to 8500 at about 20 miles - just short bursts but several times (e.g. when joining the highway or overtaking) . But then checking the manual while lying happily in my bed I nearly ripped my hair out ! What have I done to my new baby !?! Really, my guts revolted after that !
But after talking to some friends (one was doing F-3 races) and now reading this thread, I'm relaxed a bit again.

My own personal conclusion at the moment is this:
You can rev it up during break in but for only short periods. It's important that certain parts of the engine don't get to hot until it's properly breaked in. If you push it for 10secs and then run it at 4k or so for a few minutes it shouldn't hurt - probably it's even better than cruising around.
May be it's the same as with the brakes: Don't heat up new ones to much, otherwise you'll have to replace them early. They also need to be br(e)aked in !

 

Some usefull sites about engine break in (well, for beginners like me) :

http://www.seansa4page.com/resource/breakin.html

http://www.mattituck.com/new/articles/engbrkin.htm (I know, it's for airplanes but it has a good intro into the subject; btw: is the s2k really a car ?!? )

http://www.cessna.org/breakin.html

http://www.lycoming.textron.com/support/pu...ne_breakin.html (again about aircrafts..)

Seems like high local temperatures and bad lubrication are the only enemies - at least in the engine. Don't know about the tranny.

Michael

 

I just about freaked when i read the manual also --- 5500 - WHAT!!! I had just toasted some dick that kept provoking me the night before and took the first blast to 8k --- fun as hell but then i figured i had baked something or other........ glad that i found this thread and to find that there are as many opinions on this as any other topic... i'm already worried about what car i can possibly get next that is as visceral as this little gem..

 

Generally for the majority of the time you should not engauge VTE until you hit 600mi/1000kms. It absolutely does no harm going past 6000rpms a few times. b4 I hit 1000kms I hit 8000rpms 3 times. The rest of the time I drove normally...

Key items:

-Drive under 6000rpms for at least 95% of the time until you hit 600mi.
-Check your oil every gas fill and make sure its always topped up.
-Very your speeed and dont use the Cruise control. Consistantly accelerate and decellerate. DONT LUG THE ENGINE!


One thing that really helps run-in an engine is using engine braking. I did this a number of times when my engine was below 600mi. Accelerate moderately to 5500rpms and then let off the gas and let the engine brake until you slow.

Good Luck!