Engine break in?

[VelodromeRacer]

Well, As you saw on the other post, I swapped out the 948 for the hot 1275 motor. As per a British car....I am having to make a few bits and other changes to get the engine to be "plug n play". I have a track test day this next Sunday. I had to order a few AN fittings and adapters..they won't be here till Tuesday.

So, I know others have said that I need to break in the engine by running it between 1500 and 2000 rpm for 20 minutes...I assumw this is without a load and parked? I can do that here at home before the track day...should I do that, then change the oil and then go to my track day and drive her like I stole her?

Here is another picture.... Photo1

 

[Tim Hollister]

Morning!

I break mine in with a 20 to 30 minute run at home maintaining 1,500 - 2,000 rpm or so (assuming a new cam and lifters), change the oil and run it some more at home while adjusting/tuning things (valves, timing, carbs) the way I want them. This includes cracking the throttle wide open to see how the rpms build. Before it is over, I'll have hit my self-imposed red line numerous times. Of course all this is with no load.

At the track, I take a few relatively easy laps and build up from there. By the time I've got ten or fifteen laps in, I'm running the thing as hard as I can.

BTW, break the engine in with dyno oil -- avoid synthetic at this time. Most folks will tell you synthetic oil is too slick for new rings to seat properly. I believe them enough to avoid risking it.

HTH!

On a side note, I like the Speedwell radiator in your photo. Though on the pricey side, they do work well. I've got one on the car in my avatar.

Tim