Break in

[GTSFE304]

The debate rages on regarding new engine break in. What has been effective or conversely problematic on 2000-2001 Vipers? Naturally the owners manual is useless. I varied rpms and avoided the excessive revs during the first 600 miles but I can tell the car is still changing. My buddy said "drive it like you stole it", but that may not be conventional wisdom. I bent the cam on my first viper earlier this year at 250 miles, so I am a wee bit cautious. Replies appreciated.

 

[GaryC]

AVOID FULL THROTTLE RUN-UPS, and avoid driving at constant rpm for long periods of time.
Use light throttle run-ups through the gears ...MAX 2500 rpm for the first 200 miles, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED changing oil at 200 miles, then same light throttle run-ups to 3500 rpm for next 200 miles, same deal to 4000 rpm for next 200 miles, same deal to 4500 rpm for next 200 miles, and same deal to 5000 rpm for next 200 miles. Also AVOID long idling, wait for engime temp to reach normal before driving enthusiastically, check oil level with EACH fuel fill. Admittedly, this is HARD to do, but I think WELL WORTH IT !!! Good luck, and Happy Vipering...COME ON SPRING !!!!!
Steve Fess Sec. Ind/Ky VCA

 

[Steve-Indy]

Thanks, Gary. I had copied those new break-in recommendations from page 36 of the Spring 2000 issue of Viper Magazine. The text was written by Team Viper's own, Mr. Herb Helbig (Manager of Vehicle Synthesis). We considered this a "pretty good" source and followed his recommendations with our 2001 GTS and are very pleased to report that at 2500 miles, engine is strong, uses no oil, and analysis of the drained oil samples show NO abmormalities at this point!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ALL,

Steve Fess Sec. Ind/Ky VCA

 

[JonB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tonygts2001:
The debate rages on regarding new engine break in........I bent the cam on my first viper earlier this year at 250 miles, so I am a wee bit cautious. Replies appreciated. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

1) There really is NO raging debate. Just the same question repeatedly.

The correct way to break in a Viper especially since since 2000 has been kind-and-gentle. [I even posted an URGENT notice here a few days after 2000s came out, advising owners to be extra careful.] Later Posted here ad-nauseum, and in Viper mag, and again in the new issue. I bet you did not bend a cam in any gentle break-in cycle!


2) Drive-like-stolen is a fool's mission that will be regretted. Your buddy obviuously does not know this motor. Trust us.

 

[Leonard Knight]

I followed JonB's listed break in proceedure for my 2001 and glad I did it. I then drove the car cross country adding another 5700 miles and found that at the end of the trip the car was running stronger than at the start. Plus I used little or no oil.

Follow the break in!

 

[jimandela]

Tony,
I followed the instructions to the letter from the spring viper mag. And now have 4,500 miles burned no oil at all and changed oil every 1500 miles or as close to as possible.

i change oil at 200 miles, 1566 miles, 3066, miles, 4,521 miles
(just before storage) and the engine runs great. come spring i will install my new brake pads (ebcs) change plugs(stock) and wires(magnacor 10mm)
and ready for summer