AircraftTech

OK, so I just hit 500 miles, and I friend at work was telling me about engine brake in procedures. He told me to take it easy for the first few thousand miles. Now when I had my 05 GT I got on it pretty early in its life and it was just fine. I looked in the owners manual and did not see anything about a break in period. The only thing I saw was to change the oil at 7,500 miles. I usually wait 500 miles so the clutch and the flywheel can have some time to wear in. Any informantion or advise would be great, thanks.

officespace56

In my 06' GT manual it said to vary speed as much as possible during the first 1000 miles...not sure if they changed anything

poldrv

There is no break in period as such. The only mention is to very speed for the first 1000 miles.

officespace56

Isn't that also known as a "break-in" period?

poldrv

Ahhhhh no. During the first 1000 miles I hammered it ...with no problem. The key is not to keep the car at a steady speed constantly, as such don't used cruise control. I have had many vehicles in my time there were some that suggested during a "break in period" that the operator not drive over a certain speed. The instructions in the mustang owner's manual is to only "vary the speed." So in answer to your question the answer would be "no."

07gtcs

I personally did not hammer my CS until after 1k miles. I'm sure with the new technology with metals and synthetic oils they really don't need a break in...but I did it anyway. Now she hits 120mph without a problem...not sure how fast it will go...I always chicken out at 120...

colbymh

Short of redlining it, I hammered it from day one. I believe people who granny drive it for the first few thousand, are going to lose some HP, vs the ones who drive it like they want to.

Rapture

Drive it like you stole it

2k7gtcs

I hammered mine from day one, that's varing the speed isn't it from 0 to 120. But when I had the gears put in I babyed it a little for about 500 miles and now its back to fun.

GottaHaveIt

I was told to drive it as I would do so on a regular basis then the engine and or pc will remember it well and my 05 ran sweet and my 07 Sweeter Yet. just no ***** footin around like the short girl from Police Acadamey.

shaun_beauchamp

OK, this thread is a repeat (do search), but I'll chime in...

1.) Oil in car when received is NOT the same as the oil (Ford Motorcraft 5W-20) you will use after "break-in". I did oil analysis on two cars and both were same results.

2.) Any "frag" or miniscule pieces of Aluminum, Copper (oil cooler leaches copper for 5K miles), Titanium, etc is in there RIGHT NOW. From manufacturing and "break-in". I ran my oil 100 miles and changed it. I ran another 500 miles and changed it. I then went 2500 miles and changed it. Each time I did oil analysis (www.beauchampengineering.net).

3.) My finding are that I was ****, but didn't know that until the results were in. If you do the 1,000 miles on the "break-in" oil and then do the regular 5K mile changes on Ford Factory Fill, you'll be A O.K. UNLESS you have some track days in there or are 16-18 and don't pay your own insurance.

4.) TBN (Total Base Number) on an oil analysis report shows the Base "reserve" for the oil in use. Your Motorcraft starts life with a number about 7.2 (2.0 is bad, bad). After 5K you will see that base reserve (TBN) drop to about 5.8 if you drive "nice". If your the pre-mentioned "punk" you will see that number go closer to 2, but you'll survive.

5.) Base reserve cancels the affects of fuel dilution (too much throttle), thermal oxidation (6050 rpm for extended stays...1st gear burners), and ingress of moisture and silica (intake goes into motor...i.e. more air / more power).

6.) Do yourself a favor and change your oil every 5K or before you store the vehicle. Outside of that, send me some videos of anything related to melted tires or sub 13s runs!

theedge67

Shaun: I don't think our GT's have an oil cooler as you say on your oil analysis webpage. Also, nice wear numbers on your analyses!! That TBN for the Pennzoil was strange, I wonder if that was a lab mess up because there is no way it should be shot after such a short oil run.

gt/cs08

Excellent information.

Phantom26

I have had mine 4 weeks now, everything is Great. I havent Hammered it and burned the tires, but I do drive on such a varity of roads (Speed Limits) I think I am ok. With all the different roads, Residential, side roads, Highway and Interstate, plus some red lights, it is getting a good break is so far.

AircraftTech

ok, drivin it like I stole it, and wow! Viva la difference!!!!!!!! The 3.55 gears do make a difference from my old 2005 GT