LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Breaking in the motor?

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Old Apr 12, 2007 | 09:13 PM
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Z 2 8's Avatar
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Default Breaking in the motor?

Alright, I just got a new Motor put in my car. It's not brand new, it has like 30,xxx miles on it. It looks pretty damn new though. It has new plugs wires, etc...I also got a new radiator.

Anyway, they told me to be easy on the car for about a week to let it "break" in. Does that make any sense? What would be the difference getting on it now, or in a week? As soon as it runs for a bit, isn't everything just set into place? I haven't floored it yet, but I just want to make sure I don't break anything, you know?
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Old Apr 12, 2007 | 09:34 PM
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okay, im confused...the engine has 30,xxx miles on it but it needs to be broken in...has the engine been sitting up for a long time or what? I mean on a engine with zero miles they set as soon as the engine fires rev it and hold at about 25 hundred rpms for about 30 mins, then change the oil ang check for metal then if no metal your good to go. But on a engine that has 30,xxx miles on it i would start it, and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes make sure it has good oil and oil psi. i hope i have helped in some way shape or form.
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Old Apr 12, 2007 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 383_LT1_1295
okay, im confused...the engine has 30,xxx miles on it but it needs to be broken in...has the engine been sitting up for a long time or what? I mean on a engine with zero miles they set as soon as the engine fires rev it and hold at about 25 hundred rpms for about 30 mins, then change the oil ang check for metal then if no metal your good to go. But on a engine that has 30,xxx miles on it i would start it, and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes make sure it has good oil and oil psi. i hope i have helped in some way shape or form.
Agree, well unless the motor was rebuilt or something, but even then, like my friend bored his engine on his 69 camaro and he did exactly that. But if its stock, theres i dont see a reason to do that, unless u're maybe talking about the clutch?
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 09:05 AM
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No, it wasn't rebuilt either. It's just a clean motor. I really don't understand it either...Maybe it's something mechanics say...
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 09:23 AM
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with roller cams you don't even need to do the 2500 rpm for 30 minute deal - that is a flat tappet cam break-in procedure.
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 10:47 AM
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engine break in
that happened 30,000mi ago.
a fresh engine that has been machined properly,has a roller cam in it does not require any break in at all,now i will say this do not rev the engine past 3000 rpm till the rings seat.that usually happens within 30min of running,shut the engine off check for leaks,hanging or loose wires etc.let cool off for a while then go for a drive now if you had a new clutch installed then yes take it easy for 300mi with normal driving.
when my very first engine was built i fired it up let it idle(i wanted to hear that cam talk all that stuff out the tailpipes) my builder called me up and asked if i was gonna race my truck at the track,of course i said no way i gotta break it in,he laughed and said you better be at the track with that truck tonight.that 468" lasted 4years of a teenager pounding it before i detonated a piston on the spray.
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:03 PM
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They say, if you're going to beat on a engine for it's life, break it in hard. If you're going to baby it, break it in the "300 miles" way. Drive it easy for 150 miles, the drive quite a bit of highway for 150 miles. It is important to change the oil after the first 30mins or an hour of driving around, no matter how hard you are on it, because as said, you need to check for metal shavings. If none, then the first 150, change it, again at 300, again at 1000, and then your regular intervals. 3000 for conventional oil, 5000-7500 for synthetic (depending on brand, which pretty much determines the grade of oil it is. My friend goes around 10K on Amsoil, just changing out the filter @ 5K)
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Formula350
They say, if you're going to beat on a engine for it's life, break it in hard. If you're going to baby it, break it in the "300 miles" way. Drive it easy for 150 miles, the drive quite a bit of highway for 150 miles. It is important to change the oil after the first 30mins or an hour of driving around, no matter how hard you are on it, because as said, you need to check for metal shavings. If none, then the first 150, change it, again at 300, again at 1000, and then your regular intervals. 3000 for conventional oil, 5000-7500 for synthetic (depending on brand, which pretty much determines the grade of oil it is. My friend goes around 10K on Amsoil, just changing out the filter @ 5K)
But, since the motor technically has 30,xxx miles on it, I shouldn't have to worry about that, right? Just the normal every 3,000 miles change it.
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:26 PM
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Go start it right now and peg the rpms at about 7k for a couple of minutes and do a few burnouts then 1 or 2 neutral drops and its broken in!!
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by goodrich969
Go start it right now and peg the rpms at about 7k for a couple of minutes and do a few burnouts then 1 or 2 neutral drops and its broken in!!

and then buy a new rearend and tranny
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by goodrich969
Go start it right now and peg the rpms at about 7k for a couple of minutes and do a few burnouts then 1 or 2 neutral drops and its broken in!!
lol, I'll go do that right now. Then, when I'm finished, I'll go to the del sol meet at royal king buffet. (chinese food) Everyone seems to love there rice.
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:44 PM
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See everyone is getting the jist. lol if your going to get a new motor might as well do it BIG. with a rearend AND tranny lol then youll have a brand new car. OR, a totally trashed car, its a flip of the coin. haha
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