Hey guys,

Just got my '8' ! Wondering how should I drive it to preserve the performance of the engine for years to come.

thanks in advace!

 

Drive it like you stole it...

Seriously, without starting another break-in thread, do a search.

3 options,
read the manual, and use the manual break-in period.
Drive it like you stole it, (There's a link in one of the other threads to a site that says you should beat the snot out of it)
Or, drive it like you're going to drive it.

Personally I didn't feel comfortable doing a 9k clutch drop on a car with 30 miles on it, but hey, it's your car, do what you like!

 

hey mazda newbie

the most prudent options is to take the middle road... what's suggested in the manual is to take it "easy" for the first 600 miles.

what i'd do is a gradual break-in which means for the first 100 or so, make sure the car is always warmed up well, never give it full throttle, easy starts, and use 4000 rpm as your maximum engine speed (which will still let you cruise at 80mph on the highways)... and just keep building up revs and the work slowly until about 600 miles when you just wring her out all the way. then you'd be done, and due for an oil change