Driving & Driving Test Tips: Engine running in., porsche cayman s, porsche engine

Question
Hello, I got a new Porsche Cayman S 2007, in your opinion whats the best method/technique for "running
in" the engine, and for how many miles/KMS.


Answer
I won't claim to be an expert at breaking in a new Porsche engine, but I have read many magazine writers complain that they had to keep engine speed (RPM) way down for the first thousand miles or so.   Don't take that number for gospel, see below.

You should have an owners manual that should be very specific about this, or call the dealer.

Till then, don't go near redline on the engine if it is brand new and below say 4000 miles?

How to break in an engine is a subject of constant argument among my friends.  Some say be easy, others say drive it like you stole it.  

I tend to go in between.  Don't baby the car to the extreme, but don't punish it either.  I do believe that rings need a little pressure (near full throttle application for short periods, like getting up to speed on an on-ramp with some authority but not speeding or driving dangerous, just a good application of throttle, and not full throttle necessarily, and then lift off the throttle and let the car slow down on its own from time to time) to seat well.  There is some evidence that an engine that is used in this manner with some restraint will perform better as it ages than one that is babied and never given near full throttle.

Cars don't carbon up like they used to, but still the old adage of "an Italian tune up" is valid. In this case, the saying refers to Italians being drivers known for enthusiasm and spirited driving. It is in no way a put down, but a compliment.

So keep rev's down to say 4000 rpm till you know for sure, but you can still give the car some throttle as you accelerate.  Most new cars I have owned say to try to avoid long periods of low rpm same speed driving (as on an interstate with the cruise control on), but to vary the speed from time to time, say every 10-15 minutes, just give it some gas, and speed up a little, then slow down a little.  Being sure to not break any laws, or bother other drivers around you.

Don