Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

cam/valve spring break in and drving without a tune

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 1, 2007 | 03:38 AM
  #1  
68chevypu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Stockton CA
Default cam/valve spring break in and drving without a tune

so I just finished my cam install (lg5x3 and comp 921's) and was wondering what I have to do to break-in the valve springs? I've heard you need to let them warm up and then cool down overnight so that they harden. Is this true?


Also my tuner wont be available right away and I will have to drive the car for a few weeks and then 2 hours to his place for the tune. Im not sure I can wait to long to romp on it alittle. How should limit my driving until the tune? I doubt I want to run to redline but I would like to know more.

Also is it ok to run mobil one 5w30 for the first 250ish miles for break in?


Thanks in advance guys. I tried a search but didnt see anything relivent.
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2007 | 10:00 AM
  #2  
vettenuts's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,092
Likes: 13
From: Little Rhody
Default

Heat cycles not really required, but I like to drive the car a few times to make sure everything is OK before putting it on the dyno. Oil you are using is fine. If the cam is on a 112, have to watch for messing up the plugs prior to the tune if you drive it too much. I also wouldn't romp it too much since you don't know where your AFR is and too lean could be an issue.
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2007 | 01:46 PM
  #3  
68chevypu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Stockton CA
Default

thanks vettenuts.


anyone else have input on this subject?
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2007 | 01:52 PM
  #4  
lastcall190's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (36)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 4
From: NJ
Default

I had my car tuned a week after installation. I drove it a few hours each day and didn't floor it ONCE. And it's a good thing, because the minute my tuner started to tune it, at WOT the AFR was around 14 It may require ever bit of patience that you have, but I'd wait it out. Even if you just drive it around the block a few times a day for ~20 minutes, it's better than giving in and worse case scenario messing something up. Now that I just read what the guy above you wrote, I'm more or less reiterating what he said

-J
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2007 | 02:03 PM
  #5  
GT Griller's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 0
From: Hereford,Lubbock
Default

I drove the car with out a tune for 2 months and put prolly about 2-3k on it like that...then i got a mail order tune and have been running it like that for the past 8 months......I also didnt break it in, I was off the limiter about 2 minutes after the first startup...lol....raced it that next night.
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2007 | 03:47 PM
  #6  
bad6as's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,796
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default

Originally Posted by GT Griller
I drove the car with out a tune for 2 months and put prolly about 2-3k on it like that...then i got a mail order tune and have been running it like that for the past 8 months......I also didnt break it in, I was off the limiter about 2 minutes after the first startup...lol....raced it that next night.
you also have alot smaller cam
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2007 | 04:59 PM
  #7  
GT Griller's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 0
From: Hereford,Lubbock
Default

Originally Posted by bad6as
you also have alot smaller cam
This is true but as far as cam lift to spring rating we are about the same.....but no doubt it is easier to drive on a smaller cam.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:19 AM.

story-0
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-1
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-3
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-8
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE