Engine Break-in, Bed-in, Run-in Definitive Guide

[Jimmy N.]

In the past five or six years I have picked up almost all our vehicles from dealers ranging from 300 to 450 miles away.

Once back home and unloaded from the trailer they first go on the lift for a thorough check, then the break-in can begin.
Now if the dealer was only 50 miles away, I might consider driving the car home - with a stop for letting the gears cool off about halfway. Still wouldn't really want to drive it without having checked it over first.

 

[Ge M]

Most people might not realize this but between 300-500 miles it specifies to rev the car between 4000 - 6000 rpm... and not aggressively. Easiest way to do it is use the paddle shifters and slowly stretch the engine between those rpms. If your only using automatic mode you will never do this correctly.

Hi Matt. the owners manual says first 0-100miles keep it under 3500rpm, 100-300 mi under 5000 and 300-500mi you should go full range.
So are both procedures acceptable?

 

[Slowpoke387]

Most people might not realize this but between 300-500 miles it specifies to rev the car between 4000 - 6000 rpm... and not aggressively. Easiest way to do it is use the paddle shifters and slowly stretch the engine between those rpms. If your only using automatic mode you will never do this correctly.

I highly recommend not driving around using the paddles unless you want to tie your hands and arms up like a pretzel. The easiest way to do what you describe is use the shifter in M mode. Paddles are for straight line runs.

 

[Ge M]

I highly recommend not driving around using the paddles unless you want to tie your hands and arms up like a pretzel. The easiest way to do what you describe is use the shifter in M mode. Paddles are for straight line runs.

Hey there. What exactly is it M mode?

 

[Prange]

Hey there. What exactly is it M mode?

Manual mode.

 

[Ge M]

Manual mode.

Ahh. Ok. Thanks

 

[Stormtrooper1320]

Hi Matt. the owners manual says first 0-100miles keep it under 3500rpm, 100-300 mi under 5000 and 300-500mi you should go full range.
So are both procedures acceptable?

Wow......I violated that in the first 20 miles at the first on ramp merging with traffic on the Capital Beltway around DC. People drive around that thing at 80 like it's nothing.

 

[recurveman]

Wow......I violated that in the first 20 miles at the first on ramp merging with traffic on the Capital Beltway around DC. People drive around that thing at 80 like it's nothing.

I'll be picking my Hellcat up at Koons and driving back to Pa. Can you see me driving 55 on 70 and 68?

 

[Stormtrooper1320]

I'll be picking my Hellcat up at Koons and driving back to Pa. Can you see me driving 55 on 70 and 68?

Only if you want to get run off the road.

Have a nice...and safe...trip back.

 

[recurveman]

Trading in my Scat Pack Widebody and picking up a new Hellcat. What could be better?

 

[Stormtrooper1320]

Trading in my Scat Pack Widebody and picking up a new Hellcat. What could be better?

Just make sure you stop and get the appropriate snacks for the road trip back

 

[recurveman]

Absolutely. A person can't drive 217 miles without snacks!

 

[Stormtrooper1320]

Absolutely. A person can't drive 217 miles without snacks!

There are a few convenience stores right near Koons if I remember correctly.

 

[EricG]

I had my car at the drag strip with temporary license tags and only 300 miles on it Changed the oil for the first time at 500 miles. Car runs great, does consume just a little oil...like about a quart in the last 6 months which I don't see as a problem for a 800 hp motor that can get run hard.