[Rouskous]

What are the technicalities of the braking in period, what is actualling happening to the engine.

I have read on this site that dyno testing has showen that some cars tested are more powerful than others, how is this possible?.

[Basil]

Rouskous, I've moved this into the maintenance area, hopefully a few more technically minded people may be able to help you out.

Cheers

[MINIme762]

i'm no mechanical expert, but I think the breaking-in period allows the engine to wear down the seals and rings, and to temper the metal so that it runs at peak efficiency. Putting undue stress on new materials may reduce their life to failure, and thus shortens the time until a major overhaul becomes necessary.

Besides, you can stay within the 4500 rpm limit and still be moving at a fast speed. You NEVER want to run your engine at or near red line unless you are a professional racer. here's absolutely no need for it. Keeping the engine running under 4000 rpm will minimize the stress you place on your engine, and maximize your MINI's life! And isn't that the important thing?

Jason

[erazo]

Quote:

Keeping the engine running under 4000 rpm will minimize the stress you place on your engine, and maximize your MINI's life! And isn't that the important thing?

You're absolutely right, Jason. In fact, we can maximize our MINI's life by sheltering it in a garage during the week and taking it to the croquet pitch on the weekend. But is that why we bought it?

I believe you can enjoy your car without abusing it. There are many driving situations where you need to exceed 4500 rpm and many more where you would want to, even approaching red line in a non-racing situation. The MINI was designed for this.

[Sashadog]

I agree with Rick. Many times you will want to, and you should if conditions permit, assuming competency, open her up after break-in.

Proper break-in is still very important to longevity, I believe. People, even the dealer I got my S from, seem to think that they've gotten so good at building cars now that it's unnecessary. He actually said "drive it like you stole it". He mentioned as a side-note that the manual says you're not supposed to go over 90 without pointing out that this was in top gear. The manual said don't rev past 4,500 and that seems reasonable. I tried to stay around 4.

I wonder how much tighter the tolerances are in an engine designed for sythetic oil. This would seem to accentuate the need for proper break-in all the more.

Just thought I'd throw my two cents in.

Electric Blue S - a love affair that grows by the day