Break-in Period
 

I've had my 992 since April 2020 and have about 600 miles so far - usually shifting between 3000-4000 RPM. I was wondering if Porsche has a recommended break in period. Looking online, it looks like they recommend keeping under 4000 RPM for the first 2000 miles. That seems a little excessive to me, as I probably won't reach 2000 miles for 5-6 more months.

Common topic. Research it. Tons of topics for different cars. Basic rules apply to all.

The data behind break in is apocryphal and I'm not aware of any rigorous scientific evidence to prove its necessity beyond using old fashioned mechanical empathy.

Life is too short for break in

This has been discussed multiple times on the forums. I’m in the same situation as you (3rd car with only weekend duties). I have a PDK, and have kept the revs below 5000 for the most part. The engine has already been redlined and stress tested at the factory. The 1500-mile break-in period is more about all the other components (suspension, links, braking). You aren’t going to ruin your car if you drive it with more gusto each day you approach the 1500-mile break-in milestone.

You should DEFINITELY do the following:

1. Follow Porsche's engineers recommendations to the LETTER, no deviation, OR
2. Follow it for the first 1,000 miles and then slowly increase the rpms until you hit 2,000 miles, OR
3. You can drive it the first 1K as recommended and then drive it like you STOLE IT, OR
4. You can drive it like you stole from the "get go" (beginning) and you'll be fine!
5. ALL of the above OR NONE of the above! Your choice.

Basically, this is a HIGHLY debated topic that has NO definitive answer but it will generate a lot of discussions assuming people are willing to discuss it yet again. :corn:

I tend to follow #2, making sure the oil (and not the engine temp) is properly warmed up but YMWV. Let the discussions begin.

I made it through the first 500 relatively tame, will resist putting it on a track until crossing 1,000. Aside from letting the engine come up to temp, I agree with the above, in that there is not a vast body of research insisting further is necessary.

Discussed ad nauseam here....

https://rennlist.com/forums/992/1185...0-times-3.html

Just follow the manual. How can you go wrong?

I've read that the 2000 miles on non-GT cars is more for legal matters. I think GT3 is more like 930 miles. I think if you go easy for 1000 miles or so, and slowly ramp up in rpm as you progress to 2000 miles, you'll be golden.

Which should have been branched, because it completely derailed the original topic.

This is often posted - comment from Andreas Preuninger:
"I videoed AP's presentation, and here is what he said: I can only tell you how I personally do it, or how we do it at Weissach – for the first 500 kilometres or 300 miles, we don’t drive that car car ever over 5000 rpm, never. From then on, every 200 kilometres, we up the rpms by 500, so we end up at 1300, 1400 kilometres at the threshold before we can really go full throttle, at 800 or 900 miles. He then went on that this procedure was really important for the GT3 RS engines given their more «delicate» rings - and how important this break in really is for any of their engines. Another point - he recommended to realign the car after 1000-1500 miles due to settling - especially since the tires are getting bigger and bigger, and more sensitive to changes. The RS apparently is really sensitive around this. You figure the head of the GT program would give you the straight goods."

FWIW anyway. GT engines may be built to a higher tolerance and certainly intended to run at much higher RPMs for extended periods of time. So I'd imagine break in could be more rigorous. I still don't see any science to it. Mostly intuition and experience suggesting a protocol for breaking in high RPM GT engines.

FWIW - I take it easy for the first 500 miles, then start pushing the car hard, progressively increasing RPMs. I also avoid hours of cruise control during the first 500 miles if possible. Always warm up the engine. Again - no science to this (well, other than warming up the engine)

Follow PORSCHE :)

I did follow Porsche's break-in recommendations with varied engine load and no highway cruising. Now, I'm coming up to 8k miles with my 992 C4S and I do have to say that these engines really open up with the miles. Yes, these cars get even better with miles. I would not be surprised if Porsche's doing some software chicanery to open things up as you put on the miles. Software limits are pretty common nowadays. For example, my Alfa 4C didn't allow full boost from the turbo until about 3500 miles. The new C8 Vette actively limits revs for the first 500 miles with a lower break-in redline.

My ‘17 991.2 just turned 30K and I swear it is getting better all the time. The exhaust didn’t open for some time as well. The car seems to be in a sweet spot just lately, or perhaps I am understanding the car better and in the sweet spot myself!!

For the new one coming in a few weeks, I will follow recommendations. I am not in a rush and it can’t hurt, but my SA told me in the past that 500 miles and varied speed and below 4000 rpms was all that you need. My guess is that you can probably run it right out of the box, but what’s the hurry?

The biggest issue is trying to keep the RPMs down. These cars want to run.

You, kind sir, hit the nail on the head. I've had some cool cars, a few that were genuine revvers, but I've never owned one whose tach wants to head north of 7500 so badly. It's been agonizing. And I'll admit I've been a bad boy here and there. Couldn't help it. The Red Mist descended momentarily.

Just clocked 1001 miles today. Had to take a photo to commemorate. Will I take it out and launch it tomorrow? (No, definitely not. Working from home.) But will I be tempted the next time I drive it? :evilgrin:

I'll probably hold myself back for another 500 miles. But holy schlamoley, Darrell Waltrip was right -- 43 years ago: "My car is just all ate up with motor!"


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...72a3883aa1.jpg

I followed the manual and it wasn't easy! Once I got to 1800 I let it go to 5000 rpm, and once i hit 2000 which was very recent I've been driving it properly. Always make sure the oil temp is up, takes a while with this car.

It's a beast.