What Are The Break-In Procedures??

[DodgeViper01]

Hello everyone. I will be taking delivery of my new RT/10 in a few days and believe me I cannot WAIT!! The suspense is really killing me. I just wanted to find out, what are the proper break-in procedures for the Viper? Anything different from a regular new car like a Mercedes or BMW? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Steve-Indy]

FROM Roy: "
Technical Service Bulletin
Group: Engine
Date: Feb 25, 2000
Subject: Replacement Engine Break-in Procedure
Models: 1992-2000 (SR) Viper Roadster/Coupe
Discussion: The following break-in procedure is suggested for any New Viper Engine.
Share this information with you customers as needed.
During the first 1000 miles (1610 km):
1. Avoid long periods of engine idling.
2. Wait until the engine has reached operating temperature before driving
enthusiastically.
3. Check the engine oil level at each fuel fill since a new engine may consume some oil
during the first few thousand miles (this is normal and not a sign of an engine problem).
4. Keep the vehicle speed below 70 mph (113 km/h).
5. Do not make any full throttle starts or full throttle accelerations.
6. Avoid driving at a constant engine rpm for long periods as follows:

. First 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of 2500
rpm.
. In addition, it is suggested to change the engine oil within the first 200 miles of engine
break-in.

. Second 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of
3500 rpm.

. Third 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of
4000 rpm.

. Fourth 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of
4500 rpm.

. Fifth 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of 5000
rpm.


Policy: Information Only"

This is NOT in the 2001 manual but is IS in the Spring 2000 issue of Viper Mag...page 36....in MY poinion, you should FOLLOW IT CLOSELY !!!

 

[NCVCA]

I prefer to break the passenger side window, much like on a a Mercedes or BMW so you don't have to sit in broken glass during the get-a-way phase.

You could also do a search on the message board. There are very detailed posts on the subject. Cars that are broken in using the proper proceedures have shown consistently stronger numbers at the dyno.

Jeff

 

[GR8_ASP]

Jeff, Do you have any numbers regarding dyno performance versus break-in procedures? My '95 I know I did not follow any specific procedure. I did not abuse it early on but also did not restrict the engine speed. Just no long term WOTs or redline revving. I do remember breaking the tires loose as I left the dealership. Scared the **** out of the ex (Hmmm). Yipee!

I do not think mine was down on power as a result. Never on a dyno but in stock Gen II territory with just K&N's, smooth tubes, no cats and straight through mufflers.

 

[NCVCA]

This is a W.A.G. but I would say that proper break in can net you 10-20 hp. This isn't enough for most people to feel seat of the pants but is meaningful.

Obviously this is technically impossible to determine since there is no bench mark for comparison.

This observation is simply from standing at the dyno for several VCA dyno days and reviewing peak HP/Torque numbers with owners and discussing mods, miles, and break in.

One owner specifically with a 2001 GTS pulled very strong at his first dyno after a meticulous break-in regimin.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Keep in mind that things ARE different with 2000, 2001, and 2002 model year engines.

 

[DodgeViper01]

Thank you very much Steve-Indy. That post is really helpful. I will "try" to follow it as closely as possible.

 

[Docta Vipa]

I thought it was NOT advisable to change the oil in the first THREE thousand miles, so changing it after 200 miles seems very strange. My brand new 2001 GTS ACR is due to arrive in a week or so - so I am also trying to decide what is the best break-in procedure. Why keep the speed under 70?? Makes no sense to me as long as the revs are kept down.
Michael
Yellow 2001 ACR

 

[Nexus-6]

When you pull the drain plug out (magnetic tip) you'll see why changing the oil at 200 miles isn't a bad idea...you'll find metal (some to lots of) shavings on the drain plug. Every man for himself but I prefer to cycle clean (as clean as it can be) oil through the motor at all times as your motor is going to generate most of it's "disposble" metal shavings during the first few hundred miles...I always change both oil and filter at the 200 mile mark and at the break in period (1000 miles in the case of the Viper). Cheap insurance and easy piece of mind.

Regarding the 70mph - I've followed that for the first 200 miles or so then haven't worried much after that. I believe the high speed issue is to help reduce stress on the brake system early on + to help keep the new-to-this-car driver within reansonable and recoverable limits.

I honestly think that most break in periods for modern cars is 50% for the car and 50% for the driver, just to allow them time to get acclimated to the new ride. Especially even more so for people jumping into a Viper from say a Civic or something more sedate. Some driver break-in required.

You'll enjoy the graduated rev break-in outlined above - much better than the rigid "Stay below 4000rpm" that I had to suffer through for 1200 long miles in my M Coupe! At least with the Viper you get a little bit of rev reward every 200 miles!

Enjoy!

 

[GR8_ASP]

I honestly think that most break in periods for modern cars is 50% for the car and 50% for the driver, just to allow them time to get acclimated to the new ride. Especially even more so for people jumping into a Viper from say a Civic or something more sedate. Some driver break-in required.

Okay, what is more sedate than a Civic???

 

[DodgeViper01]

Michael

Dear Michael:

Glad to hear that you will get your car soon. Did you get this new as well? The dealer had trouble selling it? That is how I got mine. I had to go 2001 for the color and I found a brand new one. I will be taking delivery on Wednesday. I cannot wait. I only got 4 hours of sleep because of the anticipation. LOL!!

 

[Nexus-6]

I honestly think that most break in periods for modern cars is 50% for the car and 50% for the driver, just to allow them time to get acclimated to the new ride. Especially even more so for people jumping into a Viper from say a Civic or something more sedate. Some driver break-in required.

Okay, what is more sedate than a Civic???

LOL!

I should have put that as "...a Civic or something - anything more sedate than a Viper".

But now that you mention it, I guess a 3 ****** Metro or a new hybrid Civic would take the sedate cake!