Noobish engine question
 

Is it still necessary to baby the engine in a new car for the first 1000 miles? I've been told that with newer engines you can pretty much get on it right away and don't have to worry about that as much.

True?

RE: Noobish engine question
 

Here's a link to a previous discussion in the forum addressing engine break in:
https://dodgechallenger.com/forums/m...k/tm.htm#17494

I was told/taught to vary the speed as much as possible for the first 5000 miles - no cruise control, and as few InterState miles as possible. I also avoid hitting the rev limiter, and excessive idling during the first 6 months with a new car. Change the oil after the first 1000 miles, then again every 3000 miles - religously. This practice has never failed me. I've never suffered engine problems with any car I've broken in this way.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

I've always been told that you should baby it still.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

Yes, be sure to put a electric blanky underneath the hood at night. :D

Some cars still do have the heated coil for the oil pan but I do not know if that is an option or how they determine which cars get it.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

See, now I was told something that's somewhat opposite of that - from a number of engine builders:
"Break 'em in hard and they'll run well under hard use; Baby 'em during break-in and they run like a baby."
I don't know how true that is, because I break mine in like I stated above. That doesn't mean I baby OR beat them. I run the tach up and down, but never hold them at redline during break-in and I never let them idle excessively. I NEVER rev the motor before shutting it down. I was told that loads the cylinders, and that's not good for the motor.
Again, the most important thing I do is changing the oil at 1000 miles, which gets the initial load of new-engine filings out of the lubrication system. Every 3000 miles after that keeps it flowing free with ample oil pressure.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

Now, I do rev my engine when I get home for two reasons (both might make ya'll laugh:D).
1: I don't want any carbons built up in my exhaust so I just "blow" it out by giving a good rev.
2: It lets my daughter know I'm home and she comes running out and gives me a big hug and my bad day goes away at that point.:)

RE: Noobish engine question
 

Sounds like very good reasons to me.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

My daughter did the same thing when she was little. I mounted an electric Aah-ooo-gah horn in my car for that.
Best way to come home is to a smiling little girl who's running toward you with her arms open wide yellling "DADDY!". Warms my cold heart just thinking about it.
:D

RE: Noobish engine question
 

I would love that horn! However, I don't think my neighbor's would! LOL!:D

RE: Noobish engine question
 

I can't say how its going to be with the Challenger but the ECU learns as you drive. If you baby the car it will adapt to your driving habits and adjust fuel trims and whatnot accordingly. As BootCamp said.... Baby your car and it may end up running like a baby...

RE: Noobish engine question
 

i've always heard to just drive it like you stole it. Ha
No serioulys though like you would all the time. Not to baby it in anyway. I do see the oil thing being a plus though.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

I have heard on the Charger Forums that the computor does adjust to your driving manners. But if you change your driving habits it will change and adapt. So for the best times... run it hard a few days before you do your 1/4 mile times for the best results:) I would break it in with dino oil, then switch to Mobil1 syn. I too would be gentle at first, then vary the RPMs up and down the scale. Break her in easy and increase with each 1000 miles a little more go go.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

Here's what the challenger's manual says. You should be ok to drive from one state to the other if you drive around 60 mi before hand. I'm sure that will happen naturally. Fully warm your engine up too ( they dont mention it )

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, and rear axle) in your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 mi (800 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle lubricant
installed at the factory is high-quality and energyconserving.
Oil, fluid, and lubricant changes should be
consistent with anticipated climate and conditions under
which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades is shown in Section 7.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered as a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as an indication of difficulty.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

what they don't know won't hurt my warranty LMAO!!!! I had mine to 140 mph within the first 150 miles and was doin the 1/4 mile before 700

RE: Noobish engine question
 

I spent several hours this afternoon scouring the internet researching this, and after doing so the owners manual sounds right. It's quite the controversy, but in the end I was able to draw a couple conclusions for myself. You don't want to baby it too much, and you don't want to go wide open on the throttle either. What you want to do is vary your speed, and get the rpms up now and then. Here is a link to a page that seemed to explain things pretty well, although it might be a bit out dated.

http://www.ntnoa.org/enginebreakin.htm

I plan to leave the mobil 1 the car comes with in during break in. Drive normally for the first 1000 miles without any pedal to the floor hard acceleration, but I will accelerate and make a point of getting the rpms up, and have a little bit of fun. After 1000 miles I will change the oil.

RE: Noobish engine question
 

I plan to drive mine below 60 mph when ever in a school zone, or while passing an officer. This should aid in break in.
Once you pass the officer, or school zone its good to hold it wide open throttle and count to 651 slowly and then let off.........

RE: Noobish engine question
 

651?? where did you come up with that number...oh wait,it is the last three digits on Testors upc code...

RE: Noobish engine question
 

Now why would we want to actually go to the trouble of looking something up when mere internet speculation is so much more fun? ;)