[cRaZyTOY]

So who among you guys did a HARD break-in?

As you guys know, Motoman's theory makes sense.. Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

I did mine pretty hard, changing my oil today @ approx. 250 miles. Dino Oil..
Share your comments, BE NICE!!

[Dave]

...well it's an interesting theory at least.... it goes against much of what I've learned over the years. I'd have to see more facts before I could even consider it valid. When I got my new RS many years back I ran it pretty hard straight off the dealer lot. Never had any issues apart from the usual head gasket problems that the boxer engines have. I ran my SVX pretty hard as well although it had already had a previous owner for about 20k miles.

The one thing that I am in agreement with is certainly do not run a cold engine hard. That's a no brainer but it's surprising how many people I see do it.One thing's for sure, this is certainly going to be a controversial thread. Perhaps everyone could keep it civil?

[cRaZyTOY]

Originally Posted by Dave

The one thing that I am in agreement with is certainly do not run a cold engine hard.

very true..

[USNSTI]

I think there are at least ten threads with that link (motoman) posted in it. I say do what you want, it's your car. If you wanna break it in hard then do it....

[Szumita]

i didnt beat on it before 1k.

[STIVendetta]

50/50 with mine~ Warm engine

[SCMedic]

50/50 here too.. I think it went 100 miles before it saw 5500rpm... NEVER cold though.

[will12345]

i think its a valid theory..i know many motor builders that build race motors and myself having built motors, that will see the track the very next day..theres no way to break in a motor "easy" in that situation. if the motors build properly than youre good to go

[SirMattieP]

Im only at 300 miles on my odometer and i range sometimes ill keep it under 4K the Whole day next i may go above to like 5K but im waiting for that 1000 miles to where i can really start working on it. But i remember breaking in my goped race engine back in the day and i never ran it in heard i cruized for the first gas tank or whatever was recomended then i started going harder and harder on the motor, then realized i was beating gopeds that are supposed to wax mine... Lame story but point is i think the 4K for 1,000 miles maybe legit. Dont hate.

[manny07sti]

To be honest i was a lil hard on it.

[STUKA]

I did not really beat on the car until 3,000 miles. When I purchased my 07 STI. Every person who worked at the dealership is to break it in. They also said to many people pound them to early and they have to fix too much stuff. I don't know. But it is up to the consumer to decide.

[07STILimited]

Many cars dyno higher at 30,000 miles than they do at 1,000. This is because as the engine begins to wear it loosens up. A hard break in usually will make you end up with less power. In the rare cases that it doesn't it's only because you have simulated 30k miles of wear on your engine and it is looser than an engine that was properly broken in. Whatever the case you have significantly lessened the life of your engine. There is a reason why EVERY SINGLE car manufacturer in the world recommends a light break in with varying engine speeds. The engineers and manufacturers who design and warranty these engines unanimously agree on this one. People on the net do not... go figure.

[008STI]

Interesting opinion! But I have to ask, what sort of references are there to support these claims?

Originally Posted by 07STILimited

Many cars dyno higher at 30,000 miles than they do at 1,000. This is because as the engine begins to wear it loosens up. A hard break in usually will make you end up with less power. In the rare cases that it doesn't it's only because you have simulated 30k miles of wear on your engine and it is looser than an engine that was properly broken in. Whatever the case you have significantly lessened the life of your engine. There is a reason why EVERY SINGLE car manufacturer in the world recommends a light break in with varying engine speeds. The engineers and manufacturers who design and warranty these engines unanimously agree on this one. People on the net do not... go figure.

[mattjk]

every new sti you buy has at least 4 - 6 miles on it. the peope at the port have already redlined your car. according to the author, your rings are already seated. lol

don't worry about it...

[07STILimited]

Originally Posted by 008STI

Interesting opinion! But I have to ask, what sort of references are there to support these claims?

Easy.. just grab the manual to your car, your buddy's car, your wife's car or any other car and check what the manufacturer's break in procedure is. They are the people who design, build and warranty these engines. Unfortunately we all have to pay more for cars because of idiots like MotoMan making manufacturers warranty engines that were damaged or prematurely failed due to a hard break in. In one camp we have every what every manufacturer in the world says on our side. In the other there is what one idiot with a poorly written and poorly designed website says. It is beyond me why so many people choose to ignore the manufacturers and listen to MotoMan.