Just got over 800 miles on the clock, and I've noticed the engine braking has reduced rather significantly. Before, when you let of the gas, the engine would slow the car down almost like lighlty applying the brakes. Now, I let off the gas and the car just keeps coasting, like the engine is spinning much free-er.

Anyone else noticed this? Or other signs the engine is breaking in?

 

I have noticed the same thing.
I have just rolled 1000 miles.
The other thing I notice is the better gas mileage.
The owners manual says that there is no break in required, but to change speeds often for the first 1000 miles. I guess that's our gauge for break in time.

 

When they say change speeds often, do they mean drastically? I tend to regulate when I drive -- let off on the gas and press again (a "gift" from my father) and I'm curious if they mean by 1 - 2 mph or if it is something more.

I don't use cruise control ever, well almost never. So what is the range of speeds I should keep the car within during the first 1k miles?

 

+/ - 5 mph or 10..... just don`t stay a one constant speed....

 

Not really sure.
Whenever I was on the highway I would cycle between 70 (posted SL) and 80.
Whenever I had the opportunity to get on it a bit I did (on ramps, etc).

One time with about 500 miles I ran her up to red line until I hit 3rd gear.

Everyone has said run em like ya stole it.

 

What they mean is don't stay at the same RPM for an extended period of time. If you are on the highway alot, vary it. Maybe do 65 for awhile (15 to 30 minutes) then do 55, then 70, if you're big on not speeding maybe alternate between the min and max speed. If you want to remain at a constant speed, maybe just use the gears to regulate your RPMs. If you do alot of city driving, you do not have to worry about it too much.

 

Broken in? I'm at 9500 miles and its really comfortable now. Everything is smooth and easy. No bad creaks, squeaks, etc, acceleration is great, shifting is perfect. Best car I've owned.

 

Well I've had my car for a week and a day and have 975 ish miles on it. I haven't really been able to tell much difference in engine performance. It seems like it has been ready to go since day 1.

 

I heard that the first 15-20 miles are crucial, meaning, don't red-line it, but push it, so the friction will expand the seals in the rings. When I pick mine up from the dealer, I'm going to warm it up, drive it out "nice" until I get to the main highway, from there to home, it's about 20 miles, I'll make sure it's broken in "properly" he heh e... some people even recommend an oil change after the first 30-50 miles, to get rid of residue from the friction. Who knows, I might do that too...

 

When I bought my last Mustang, they said I should change the oil at 1000 miles. I think I did mine at 750 and he said it looked dirty.

Is there any reason not to change the oil at 500 miles or 1000 miles?

 

Lorrie,
This debate has been beaten to death.
Search the forums, there are plenty of discussions on the topic.
Your not going to hurt a thing by changing it.
Talk to someone you trust who has knowledge about newer automobiles.
Let your heart be your guide.

If you want my 2 cents, I'm changing at 1500 miles.
Going full synthetic to Mobil 1.