Mike in CA

Run it easy for the first 500, step up revs incrementally over the next 500, at 1000 you're pretty much ready to go for any street driving but I wait 500 more miles before tracking. None of my Porsches have ever smoked or used oil.

Maybe other methods work as well or better, but this has always worked for me. Besides, with regard to running it hard right out of the box, the engine isn't the only mechanical piece in the car that can benefit from run in.

As I've said before, I've yet to see anyone produce a scientifically valid study that proves the best way to break in a new engine with an eye toward long term reliability. If it's all anecdotal, I'd just as soon stick with my own anecdotes.

Sierra Mike

This is an extract from the UK manual. Please note the absence of any mention of RPM restrictions.

It seems like the US manual is more prescriptive.

Macca

This is precisely what was in my manual. Goes to show what a farce it all is with USA market having a 4250 rpm limit indication and the rest of the globe can basically drive it how they like (being sensible of course)...

silverrules

lot's of lawyers in LA area, that's why

Mike in CA

It's obvious that the ROW manual doesn't mention a rev limit and the 4200 RPM/2000 mile restriction for US cars is probably much too conservative.

OTOH, even the ROW manual says that in fact there is a 3K KM break-in period. It isn't as specific as the US manual, but it does suggest not engaging in track activities no doubt precisely because that means high rev, full throttle operation. I'd also suggest that it implies that one shouldn't be extracting repeated or sustained max performance, even on the street, during those first 3K kilometers.

The process of how to go about break-in is left to the good sense of the ROW owner, unlike here in the US where everything has to be spelled out and there are ridiculous warnings on products, but it doesn't mean that Porsche thinks the engine doesn't need it, as some have suggested.

Macca

Mike, I agree. Its called common sense but its getting scarce! The way I red this was warm your car through before driving it hard and dont sit at 8500-9000 all day. The German Tech at PAG conferred, but he didnt seem concerned about high rpm as long as the engine and gearbox were warmed through first. I waited until the second tank of gas before having a couple of fast autostrada and tunnel shots at 8-9000 rpm but my time there was brief and very occasional over the first 3,000 km. Mostly I found the car felt better on the tight stuff being driven within the torque band, and I dont see myself using the 8-9000 rpm range frequently unless on track - too much mechanical sympathy for that even as fun as it is.

I think you are taking a good measure approach. I suspect even taking the car early to the track as many in Europe and US have done is not big deal either assuming the car has a few kms on it, good fuel in the tank and warmed through. But like you I erred somewhat more cautiously (frankly if there had have been a track available during my adventure I would have run the car on it LOL!).

The 4200 rpm thing is just daft tho. If you are in 7th in PDK on the way to Vegas from LA and you decide to overtake and put you foot down the car will autoshift down at least two cogs to 4000rpm and before it shifts back up youll be at 6000 rpm and doing 80mph at least. Not sure how anyone could kee pit below 4200 for 2000 mls.

The real farce is its a world car with two sets of break in procedures. Makes you wonder even more when a german mechanic points across the road at the PAG staff car park and asks do you think the management wait 3000km to break in the new 991S they drive with a smile on his face?

Macca

Imagine spending a month in Europe with the car doing Euro delivery driving at 4200 rpm on the autobahn LOL!

916Bob

Current manufacturing processes, while very good, are not perfect. A break in period gives imperfections a chance to be mitigated. Without one, imperfections can be converted to problems, sometimes permanent. The length of time needed varies by part. A high percentage need very little. Manufacturers generally suggest periods they expect will address most all.

Corporate attorneys suggest them as a way to lessen liability. They give an owner some time to get familiar with the vehicle before going full tilt and killing someone.

redleg321

In Mike's or--ahem--err, the anonymous guy that CAlexio was riding with's video, it appears to be loads of fun just to drive the car within the 2,500 - 4,000 RPM range but I can't help but think that I would be overwhelmed with temptation to hear/feel/smell 8k+. It probably requires strength beyond what I have to resist the urge to spin her out past 4k. Kudos to those that can endure 1,865 miles of celibacy with a GT3!

GTEE3

after reading the factory tech's opinion to not over-heat a new engine with high revs during break-in...what do you think about doing a pick-up across the country and driving it home?
a day on the highway would certainly keep (+8 hours) the engine hot, even at 4k rpm.
thoughts?

ProCoach

Sounds like a great way to rack up miles! Periodically, lift off the throttle to encourage upper cylinder lubrication, instead of steady throttle in the upper gears...

GTEE3

Thx procoach
I was thinking no cruise and fluctuating rpm between 3-4k

Ychaudhary

Just to chime in now that I have got to about 300 miles. I have kept the car guessing mostly so far, a couple of revs up to 7K but nothing further. A lot of semi spirited driving but mostly 3-5K rev range. I think at about 400 miles I am going to tear into her though

KINGSRULE

I'd find some back roads for the first part of the journey to load and unload the revs on the car. Say the first 500 miles.
Fluctuating the revs between 3 and 4k isn't enough variation IMO, especially for the first 500 miles...

GTEE3

^yeah, sounds like a good plan keeping the revs 3-4k
But over the 900 mi trip I probably will try to show some restraint the 1st 500, then gradually step it up!