How do you break-in an RX-8?
 

There's a lot of talk here about the importance of proper break-in. But I can't find much real information on what the procedure is. Can someone fill in the blanks for me? The manual says very, very little.

And I'd love it if you could tell me or direct me to where I can learn WHY it's so important. The manual says not to worry about it and gives the same Dah tips they've probably been giving for 20 years. If the manufacturer doesn't think it's important, what do you know that they don't know?

Also, what's the deal about breaking in the brakes and clutch? This is after all not a Ferrari. It's the most wonderful piece of machinery I've owned, but one big reason I own it is because it's also well engineered/built and reliable enough to drive every day. Is it really as fragile and finicky as this forum suggests?

There it is, enlighten me.

RM

You don't have to break it in, but if you do, 600 miles under 6krpms. Other than that, you're fine to go.

The owners manual states that operation under 7000 rpms I do believe, avoid prolonged steady speeds, hard breaking, full throttle acceleration, racing the engine, etc. etc. All for the first 600 miles. Playing the devils advocate for a moment, does anyone have any scientific evidence that some of the complicated break-in procedures described by some members of this forum have any effect on the longevity of the the automobile? Careful now I said scientific.:D

pfft. Scientific you say?

:D

Seriously, I have sorta followed the breakin suggestions from the Manual, although the first couple of days I was playing a lot with the car. Now that I am settling down into finding out how to get the best MPG, I am driving much more sedately, but then again, I am only 85 miles from the 600 marker.....

I have a feeling I am going to blow through a tank of gas REAL quick this weekend :D

I can feel the engine revving a little more willingly than when I just got it, but that could be just regular breakin on the engine no matter what you do. I guess someone would have to break a car in gently, and then do another one not so gently and see how they feel? Dunno.

correct me if im wrong....but i read somewhere that the rotary engine is more reliable then normal engines...is that true? does it last longer?

Honestly, it's a wash.

---jps

When I read the title of the thread I thought someone had locked their keys in the car.