Hi all,
First off, just like to say how much I've enjoyed using this site! The info given and topics are great....Anyways, I was hoping to hear from you more experienced stang' heads: Should you break in a new engine slowly, as in not drive too fast etc for x number of miles? Any advice would be appreciated. Of note: I'm not very mechanically inclined, but since i've bought the new stang', i'm trying to learn.

Thanks!

 

Owners manual should have info. Someone will argue new cars dont need to be broken in. It's up to you.

 

I know someone is going to say it so I will be the first...SEARCH FIRST NOOB! haha, there have been sooo many threads on this, just do a search on "break in" and many will pop up

 

It depends on who you talk to but the majority (from conversations I've seen) say it's better to go ahead and have some fun. Speed up fast, slow down, do whatever. Supposedly varying your speed widely allows all the rings and what not to set in a more desired way. Personally I don't know. The only new vehicle I had was a 2000 S-10 and I can say that all it could do was go slow and be babied.

 

I have heard babying it is better. When you run a new engine...little pieces of metal get in the oil. That's why you should change it fairly soon (1500 miles)...to get rid of the metal in the oil. AND, varying your speed. You shouldn't just goose it, and stress the internals before they set. imo.

 

Took mine to redline (1-2 shift) the next morning after bringing it home. But have made several small city trips and one trip to work (26 miles, mostly interstate) and haven't taken it over 4K since then. Man this car begs to be driven!

 

I took it easy for the first 500 miles and made sure I varied the speed and rpms as much as possible. After that all heck broke loose, all over creation. It's up to you how you do it, but the most important thing is to vary the speed and rpms right off the get go.

 

I don't think all the old rules still apply to breaking in an engine on a new car today, but I don't think a little caution hurts. Today's engines have better tolerances and better materials than older cars did, but there's nothing wrong with driving sensibly for the first 500/1,000 miles. The main thing is to vary the load on the engine - don't go on a long trip and set the cruise control on one speed. The more variation in engine speed and engine load, the better the engine will break in and settle in. Shift at different rpm points; accelerate at different levels; avoid very jerky shifts; accelerate in different gears, etc.

 

No need to baby it, but I wouldn't beat the heck out of it either. Avoid any prolonged engine speeds, no cruise control. Some "controlled" agressiveness is actually good, helps seat rings and bearings. The worst thing to do to any new engine (or any engine for that matter) is to "lug" it (driving around at 1000-1500 RPM's while under a load, climbing hills and such). Just enjoy it with out beating it, after 1000 miles or so I'd change the oil and then your free to drive it however you like.


BTW, my first post, so hi to everyone. Great site Brad