This may seem rhetorical, but does anyone have insight as to proper break-in procedures with the new 5.0's?

There are so many different methods and theories for breaking in a new engine, I am not sure which route to follow. I have always been a car enthusiast, but never owned a brand new car with zero miles on it, so I am kind of lost in the path of proper break-in.

I have read multiple people agree with MotoMan's theory of running the car hard (70-80%) for the first 100 miles to allow for proper ring-seat on the pistons. He then changes the filter, inspects the oil in it, and runs the car about 80% from 20mph-90 mph and lets the car decel through the gears afterward instead of using the brake.. This happens for an additional 200 or so miles of driving. After 1000 miles, change oil again.

On the contrary, other enthusiasts have said allow the engine/cams/clutch to be seated properly for about 200 miles, then drive it hard.

Then there are the believers in the calm, smooth wear in procedure involving no WOT at all.

Any thoughts? I recently saw Steeda dyno'd at approx 370 brand new and 391 with a couple thousand miles on it. Goes to show you how tight these engines are from the factory.

 

Just drive like a grandma for a while. Dont let rpm's above 4k for a while. Once you hit around 1000 miles start opening up, a few WOT runs mixed with normal driving. Then boom youre ready to eat rice as much as you please
(safest break-in method)

 

I kind of dogged it some after the first 200 miles. Think Ill be okay in the long run?

 

I have always drove pretty easy for the first 500-1000 miles. I dont beat on the car breaking it in, but make sure to go through all of the rpm every now and then (maybe half throttle or 3/4). Then some mixed driving, hwy/city. I am at 1100 miles on my boss, will probably get the oil changed at 2k or so. Dont think break in is that big of a deal on newer cars like in the past. But still I try and play it safe.

 

Ford tells you not to drive at a constant speed for extended periods for the first 1000 miles and not to go WOT for the first 500 miles IIRC. Thats about it.

 

search is your friend. so is you're owner's manual. just had another one of these threads.

 

I beat the snot out of mine the second I left the dealer. That's the way I've always done it and never had a problem.

 

I drove mine normal city and highway until 300 miles and changed oil/filter. Then i let it rip.

 

I took mine to the drag strip with 400 miles on it. Ran a 12.81 @ 110. For the first couple hundred miles I didn't baby it, but I didn't redline it either until I took it to the track. The rings seat themselves pretty quickly. And I believe all the engines are run some at the factory. Did the same on my 98 cobra(both engines) and my 2004 Gt. None of them have ever burned any oil. I believe the computers learn driving style, so driving like grandma will hurt performance

 

Just drive and don't baby it too much.

 

The way new engines are manufactured, All that is needed is are some heat cycles and then drive as you normally do. The rings will be set in the first 5 minutes of driving. The bearings are good to go from the factory. The rear is broken in in 100 miles and same with the manual trans.

 

Everybody breaks their car in different... I tend to follow the 750 to 1000 mile rule -- no r's over 4500 -- dont baby it and dont beat it... lot of people will dyno these cars out of the box... you probably wont see the best performance out of the car till about 5-8k miles depending on engine factors. a good mix of driving will give you lasting results, it gets better everyday. i have always done a fresh oil change around 1200 / 1500 miles to drop the tiny bits that wear off during the first few months of driving.

if this was a race motor -- i'd do it a lot different, then time is a factor and longevity is minimal -- i will be pulling it apart during tech inspection

 

Drive it like you stole it leaving the lot. Set the rings and have fun. Change the oil using a full synthetic like Mobil 1 EP at 1000 miles .

 

Hello everyone, new to the forum here, just purchased a 2013 v6 mustang. As my question is regarding the break in procedure, i decided to post under this thread.

So Setting the rings - prior to the purchase, i researched on this forum and accordingly i have been driving my car at different rpms. I pushed it up to 4500 max (gradual acceleration). When cruising along an empty road, i tend it to cut the throttle to reduce the speed and pick it up again when it drops below a certain limit. Basically, ensuring that rpm doesnt remain constant. Also as recommended by ford i am nt going above 100kmh. Is that ok for breaking in?

Lastly, the oil change? Are we talking abot the engine oil change and filter after 1000 miles / 1600 kms? Is it necessary for break in?

This is my first mustang, please bear with me as my questions may be silly. Thanks in advance.

 

You dont need to change the oil early, but it wont hurt, though some dealers may give you a hard time about it. I changed mine a little early, around 2k, but mostly because I just wanted to get Amsoil in there ASAP.

 

The manual states the proper break-in procedure, just follow that.
I have been told you shouldn't change it too early, which I would assume is 1k-3k miles because they put a blend in to help the motor break in.

 

Wait.. You mean to tell me the people that designed the engine know how to properly break it in too? Blasphemy!!!

 

Thank you for your helpful responses.

The first thing i did, was scan the manual when i received the car. To my surprise, i was unable to find any information as to break in the engine. Strange to be honest. So i consulted the sales advisor, he sed all i had to do was restrict the speed to under 100 for 1000kms. Didnt sound right to me, hence i posted here.

Could you guys tell me if my driving style (mentioned above) is adequate for the break in? Meanwhile i shall dive into the manual again ( i reside in saudi, mayb manuals here are different, dont know) cheers guys.

 

I believe i have found something. Quoting from the manual 'You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 mi (480 km). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unique driving characteristics. Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000 mi (1600 km). Vary your speed frequently and change up through the gears early. Do not labor the engine. Do not tow during the first 1000 miles (1600 km).'

Change up through gears early? In an auto transmission?

 

I was at the drag strip with 100 miles on it. I changed the oil to full synthetic at 500, and change it every 5000 after that. 18,000 and still running like a scalded dog