Engine Break In

[montegoblue]

A simple poll on what you guys think is an "adequate" break-in period for my new car. I am trying to keep revs at <4500 rpm and have not exceeded 100 mph (well at least not for a long period of time :) ). I have signed up for a driving school in March at a race track but my car currently only has 160 miles on it... How many miles would you feel comfortable with on the odometer to really enjoy the car at the track? Thanks

[Loren]

Follow the Owners Manual - and you can not be denied a warranty claim.

[montegoblue]

I hear you Loren but 2 to 3 thousand miles?? Seems a bit excessive!

[flyingpenguin]

This seems to make sense:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Loren; if I am correct the engine's DME only records revs above 7,200, right? How could a warranty claim be denied because you ran it hard (without over-revving), while no record of "hard driving" exists?

Joost

[Loren]

This seems to make sense:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Loren; if I am correct the engine's DME only records revs above 7,200, right? How could a warranty claim be denied because you ran it hard (without over-revving), while no record of "hard driving" exists?

Joost

Then there should be no over-revs period in the break in period. One spin at the track can void your warranty.

A 997-1 DME records the following rev ranges:

Range 1: 7300-7500 RPM

Range 2: 7500-7700 RPM

Range 3: 7700-7900 RPM

Range 4: 7900-8400 RPM

Range 5: 8400-9500 RPM

Range 6: 9500-11000 RPM

[montegoblue]

Thanks for the insight guys. I will stay clear from over revving -- keeping at 4500 rpm or below for now :angry: Will put as many miles as I can next month!! :D

[White987S]

I followed the break-in process as stated exactly in the Owner's Manual. And I did an oil change at about the 1/2 way mark for extra insurance.

[mjcaskey]

Hi,

I was interested to read this thread.

I am currently in some difficulty as the local dealer says I need a new gear box on a 2005 997S with 28000 miles owned from new.

The car is used for commuting pretty much every day, never been on a track, clean licence etc and never red lined. Yet they are quoting the engine data from my car as follows.

Range 1 33364

Range 2 5780

Range 3 2199

Range 4 912

Range 5 209

Range 6 0

Looking at the above rev ranges I cannot explain the stats offered on my car. It would suggest that the car has been driven hard, which is not the case. Are the figures above for a 997 3.8? Is it posible that the data from my car is faulty in some way? How could I get it validated? Any advice?

Also, any advice on rattling front suspension would also be appreciated (dealer says I need 2 new spring assemblies because the spring pan rubbers will have worn through).

Overall pretty disappointed with the durability of my particular car.

Thanks for any help.

Mike

[Loren]

Hi,

I was interested to read this thread.

I am currently in some difficulty as the local dealer says I need a new gear box on a 2005 997S with 28000 miles owned from new.

The car is used for commuting pretty much every day, never been on a track, clean licence etc and never red lined. Yet they are quoting the engine data from my car as follows.

Range 1 33364

Range 2 5780

Range 3 2199

Range 4 912

Range 5 209

Range 6 0

Looking at the above rev ranges I cannot explain the stats offered on my car. It would suggest that the car has been driven hard, which is not the case. Are the figures above for a 997 3.8? Is it posible that the data from my car is faulty in some way? How could I get it validated? Any advice?

Also, any advice on rattling front suspension would also be appreciated (dealer says I need 2 new spring assemblies because the spring pan rubbers will have worn through).

Overall pretty disappointed with the durability of my particular car.

Thanks for any help.

Mike

1. Why does it need a new gearbox?

2. Over revs should have nothing to do with the gearbox - unless there were missed downshifts. And, your over revs may show some signs of that.

Is the car under warranty?

[mjcaskey]

Hi again,

The dealer says the internal linkage within the gearbox feels rough and the only cure is a new gear box.

No there is no warranty.

Apparently they have looked at the cables and they are all OK.

Re the DME data, do you know where this is recorded, is within the ECU? Would that be identifiable to the care with a serial number?

Thanks,

Mike

[Loren]

Data is recorded in the DME - and can not be erased.

I would get a second opinion on your transmission.

[mjcaskey]

Thanks, I am doing that.

Silly question but what is the DME and where is it in the car please.

[Loren]

The DME is under the panel near the rear window (on Coupes).

DME = ECU

From the Glossary (link at the top right of any page)

"Digital Motor Electronics - Porsche's engine management system, the Bosch "Motronic" system, that controls both fuel injection and ignition functions."

[mjcaskey]

Thanks again.

Total engine hours 4608.

Total miles 28000

This calculates to an average speed 6mph, or 12mph if stood still idling for half total hours (unlikely).

Total time driven per day would be 3 hours, every day of the year, for 4 years, again not likely or possible given work/family schedules etc.

All this does not really add up given that I live in the country and the trip meter generaly gives 30mph average speed.

Can the DME be removed/replaced easily? Does it have a serial number matched to the engine or chassis number?

I am considering that the unit in the car now may not be the original.

Can you tell me how I might reassure myself on this please.

Mike

[Loren]

Can the DME be removed/replaced easily? Does it have a serial number matched to the engine or chassis number?

I am considering that the unit in the car now may not be the original.

Can you tell me how I might reassure myself on this please.

Mike

The DME can easily be removed.

But special programming is required. Porsche (and some countries) requires that any DME replacement be documented and recorded in the cars service history.

Check with a "reliable" dealer/OPC.