Boosted engine break-in

[shmoov69]

I would have to agree with everything Jody says too! Just stay off redline for a few times.
I don't know what the procedure is at the factory, but what would the first thing that you would do if you went to test drive a new Cobra? ; )
Jimmy

[Blown353]

I'm with Jody, no "black magic boosted taboo" break in is needed, leave the blower connected. If you have a flat tappet cam you had best do the 2000-2500 rpm for 20 minutes routine. If you're running roller, you don't need the lifter break in routine so start it up, make sure everything is in order, maybe let it high idle at 1500-2000 rpm for 5 or 10 minutes to make sure everything is working, timing is OK, oil pressure is OK, there are no leaks, get it tuned well enough then go drive it. I do easy short trips for the first 3-4 times for things to heat cycle everything then go back and retorque stuff (intake, headers, etc). After than I start driving harder (getting into the boost, but not beating on it and staying under ~5K rpm) for the first 50 miles or so. Then I change the oil, cut open the filter and look, and if things look good put fresh oil in and go out and beat on it.

:3gears:

Oh, and I probably don't need to say it, but don't go doing anything stupid when the engine is cold! Let the coolant and more importantly the oil warm up before you go thrashing on it.

[Matt@RFR]

When I worked at an engine shop, I put probably 15 blower motors on the dyno. Anything from a 350ci with a 6-71 to 420+ci small blocks with up to 10-71's, 18-20lbs of boost, and upwards of 1,000hp.

Standard procedure, no matter fuel, boost levels, etc (excluding flat tappet cams, ofcourse) was to start it, check timing, oil pressure, leaks, etc etc. The second the oil hit 200 degrees, my boss would bring the motor up against the pump and check out oil pressure and the detonation meter. If nothing was wrong, she'd be on her way to 7500rpm or more, full boost.

[camcojb]

When I worked at an engine shop, I put probably 15 blower motors on the dyno. Anything from a 350ci with a 6-71 to 420+ci small blocks with up to 10-71's, 18-20lbs of boost, and upwards of 1,000hp.

Standard procedure, no matter fuel, boost levels, etc (excluding flat tappet cams, ofcourse) was to start it, check timing, oil pressure, leaks, etc etc. The second the oil hit 200 degrees, my boss would bring the motor up against the pump and check out oil pressure and the detonation meter. If nothing was wrong, she'd be on her way to 7500rpm or more, full boost.

I love it! Been there too! I was actually being conservative in my reply to Ralph! As long as everything is tuned and up to temp it's good to go. My thoughts are if you built it right it's not going to break. If you baby it for 1500 miles and it's not right it'll break anyway!

Jody

Jody