what do you guys do when breaking in an engine?

 

baby it till about 500-1000 miles are put on it...

 

Try not to take the RPM's over 3K for the first 500 miles and dont take them over 5K for the next 500 miles. NO REDLINE!!!!!!! Do oil changes at 500 and 1000. After the 1000 mile oil change you can start going to 3K mile intervals.

 

anyone else have special tips to add?

 

Make sure you break in the Cam before driving it.

 

take it real easy on it dont take it above 3K like they said and dont stay at a constant rpm level make sure it varys like highway driving never use the cruise control if your running about 2K for a few minutes you might want to speed it up a little and get the rpms up or slow it down just to vary it up! good luck!

 

Here is Scroggins/Dickey web site break-in procedure.

Suggested Break-In Procedures for New Engines

(1) Safety first - check everything you have done, make sure you are ready to start your new engine by reviewing your installation procedures and inspecting all engine and drivetrain components. Set the emergency brake and chock the wheels. Re-check all your engine fluid levels before starting the engine.

(2) Upon cranking your new engine, you may find it necessary to adjust your distributor timing by hand to allow the engine to start. Once the engine is running, you should set the timing with a timing light to the factory specifications. Note, on late-model computer controlled ignitions this is not necessary.

(3) We suggest a minimum of 20 minutes break-in time at varying speeds. You should keep the RPM range below 3000 and above 2000. It is critical to vary the RPM's to allow proper cam and lifter break-in for flat tappet cam- shafts. Varying the RPM's is also necessary for proper ring sealing and initial break-in of all moving components.

(4) During the first 20 minutes, inspect the engine for any oil, fuel or coolant leaks. Keep close observation on the engine oil pressure and water temperature gauges for any problems.

(5) Once you have completed the 20 minute break-in time and have inspected the engine & drivetrain for leaks, you are ready to drive the vehicle. Do not forget to reset your idle and check your timing.

(6) Driving break-in procedures vary by application, we recommend that for the first 30 to 50 miles that you vary the speed and engine load while keeping close watch on your engine gauges. Do not attempt any full throttle accelerations and keep the engine RPM's well below the red line. A maximum speed of 50 to 60 mph should be sufficient.

(7) After completing the 30 to 50 mile initial break-in, you should change the oil and filter. Always inspect the oil filter contents, and the removed oil for any unusual debris. We highly recommend the addition of GM Engine Oil Supplement (part #1052368) at this oil change.

(8) Avoid extended periods of heavy loading or high RPM's for the next 300 to 500 miles of driving. Once you have driven the recommended 500 miles for final break-in, change the oil and filter again. Your engine should be completely broken-in at this point and ready for normal driving.

(9) You should change the oil and filter every 3000 miles for proper maintenance. For all other service items, please refer to your owners manual. Make sure to maintain proper records of the regular maintenance on your new GM Engine.




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I realize this was posted under a 3rd gen, but I was hoping someone could shed some light. I am going to try to rebuild my first engine soon, and I have a 93 trans am so I wondered how to spin the oil pump before break in on the LT1s.

 

Point #3 on that Scoggin-Dickey list is not needed on the '87 newer f-bodies, because our cars come with a hydraulic roller cam. Therefore, there is no cam break in needed.

Dave

 

it also states variable RPMs for ring sealing, which is SUPER important in my eyes, I would stick to the plan, can it hurt? it's actually a really good plan too

 

All that may be the case on a rebuilt engine but general motors does not recomend any break in period. I worked for GM for over 20 years and there has not been a break end period on new cars for about 15 years. If you check your owners manual it will tell you that. Now on a built motor I run the engine above 2000 RPMs for 20 Min. I recheck everything and then drive it like I have stolen. If it was put together right then it will be fine. I have owned around 34 cars over the years and never had a problem.
I purchased a 79 Vette new and the day after I took delivery I started driving and in a month had about 6000 miles on it. I went to NY then Flordia from there to LA and then back to Michigan.. Got a oil change in Flordia and then in La before heading back to Michigan. It ran like a top and I made 3 more trips to LA and back before selling it for a Z28 for more room . A week after I got the Z28 I drove back to LA. i am just saying if it is built correctly it does not have to be broken in. Do you see any of the Prostock, Funnycars or rails doing a 500 mile break end? kust my .02

 

if i drove it like i stole it i wouldn't get very far. by the way chris, neighbors didn't say anything did they.

 

They gave up saying anything to me.
Then again when I fire the IROC back up with the open headers I am sure I will will raise a few eyebrows.
Next time don't worry about the neighbors and leave alittle harder. Your tires weren't making enough noise..
Were you spinning the tires or the trans slipping. Like I said I could not hear the tires. The engine and exhaust does sound sweet tho. It was music to my ears after not hearing my IROC run for a while. I love my 96 WS6 Formula but the IROC motor is my favorite tune.

 

tires spun a little, i let up on it quickly though. for some reason those don't leave marks very much which i kind of like anyway.

 

so I dont have to break in the cam for 20 mins since its a hydro roller cam? What I was really talking about was spinning the oil pump before its put inside the car or before started, so that the oil is pumped through places like the crank passages adn stuff like that i guess. My question was how would I do that on a LT1 since they dont have a distibutor hole to use, could I just leave the intake off and do it.