Redlining it: Another engine break-in question
 

OK, I've read the owner's manual and prior threads on engine break-in. I have 280 miles on my engine and have never redlined it yet. However, the owner's manual does NOT say not to redline it during the first 600 miles, IIRC. It says not to RACE the engine, and it says not to subject it to SUSTAINED high RPMs. Those are two different things from what I'm describing.

In my opinion, especially in this litigious country, if the engineers had not wanted me to redline the engine momentarily during shifts they would have said so. (Likewise driving over 60 MPH, or whatever some people are suggesting here.)

Moreover, in the Miata world, there is a large and vocal minority of enthusiasts who say one should break in his engine as one plans to drive it. And the Miata Magazine (for what it's worth--I know) used to recommend redlining a green engine up through the gears at least once every 100 (?) miles or so.

Which is all to ask, why shouldn't I redline my engine yet? Or should I? I must say that this whole thing smacks of the emporer without clothes; everyone says don't redline the engine when it's green so no one does, when in truth maybe it's completely OK. Does anyone here really and truly know the answer? TIA.

I've never had a rotary before and restrained myself for the msot part during breakin, but I did redline ti a couple times, and Judge Ito has been driving it like he stole it from day 1. Vosko posted nice burnout vid in Ito's car when it had like 180 miles on it. A lot of old time rotary users say it doesnt need it, some say it does. From my experience, it didnt hurt at all to have a little fun with it.

Thanks. Maybe I just want some validation here. I'm dying to hear that buzzer. I'm hoping to burn off those last 300 miles or so soon in any event.

Well, ever since I redline it at least once every time I go out. And I do a lot of work driving. About 260 miles a week when it's busy. But since I use my car, I expense the miles and it pays for my gas, AND for friday night dinner :D

And I get to driiive all day long. Just passed 4000 miles. Might need the new oil pan, but it hasnt really been an issue.

I agree - I have to hear the beeper at least once on every journey...

I didn't baby the car all that much during the breakin period. In the first 600 miles I cracked 120 and hit redline at few times, but I didn't make a habit of thrashing the car or sustaining high revs.

So far the only issue I've had (and had fixed) is the oil-light issue.

Simon.

I purchased my car last week at currently have about 300 miles on it. I have yet to redline and hear the beep but go over 80 mph everyday. Would that be damaging to the engine?

Cool. You guys are all of the same mind as me. And no, going 80 or 120 should not be an issue, IMHO. The only thing that I would avoid, the way I see it, is for example driving at 70 in second (or whatever the speed would be at redline), for longer than it takes to upshift.

Last night I was driving around and I decided to hear the buzzer in second, but that was too high for the local speed limits so I backed off. This area is too residential for high speeds. In that regard, the Miata was great because it's geared shorter.

The only thing is make sure you dont cruise at a single speed for extended periods of time while breaking in the engine. Thats pretty much the only thing I paid attention since it sounds like something you should :D

Read that there user manual that came with the car for specifics.

I did read it, Genom; I was just questioning some things I'd read here. Thanks.

I think the break in period is to just deter maniacs from damaging other components when the car is new. Such as the clutch, tranny etc... while they are still breaking in. IMHO engine break ins are a thing of the past. This doesnt mean to redline your car right now. But you certainly dont have to "baby" it too much. Believe me, if you could damage your motor that easily, Mazda would be in a lot of trouble. It is a sports car after all. They knew people would be flooring it.

Here's some advice though. Change your oil before you really "get on it." You'd be surprised at how much metal shavings there are in your factory oil.

good luck. And all this was just my opinion

Thanks. And yeah, I usually change a new car's oil after 600 miles or so. I guess I might buy a dozen filters from an on-line Mazda parts place, like Roebuck Mazda (which has a new name now, IIRC).

ive yet to eclipse 6k on the tach......have about 520 miles right now. as soon a i hit 600 im going in for my free oil change and bye-bye, its off the land of redline. although i kinda feel like im catching a late flight ;)

If I'm not mistaken doesn't the Honda S2000 have a special oil that needs to be left in for the first x amount of miles? It doesn't sound like Mazda has anything like that in the RX8. Am I right?

Some cars have this. My Z didnt. Check your owners manual. Though I'm sure you would of heard something about it by now if that was the case.

Drive it like your renting it :D

Don't think I'll be doing that. I busted a rod in a Cutlass Cierra rent car one day when I flew out the front entrance of the Milford Proving Grounds in Michigan. There was a rise at the bottom of the hill and I got airborne and overreved the engine while doing 80. To make matters worse, Blue was waiting for me at the bottom. After writing me the ticket, I had a hell of a time starting the car. I actually managed to drive it about 50 miles to the rental return. It was banging like an SOB, making a huge racket! It died on me just as I entered the lot, and I coasted into a parking space, went in and told the clerk that there was something wrong with the engine and could I please have something sportier. Left with a 6-cyl Pontiac Fiero, which I drove for the next few months. Had a particularly funny incident with that one while visiting in Milwaukee, but that's a story for another time. Or maybe I'll start a lounge thread - Best Rental Car Stories!