I know there have been threads before on break-in procedure, but now some of us are actually faced with it. When I picked up my car, the 350Z expert who showed me all the features told me that a break-in procedure is totally unneccessary with modern cars, and I didn't need to worry about it at all. When i mentioned it was in the manual, he said every manual puts this in but it's not really needed. (I know dealers and salespeople are not to be considered good sources of information, though.)

I have heard from other people as well that modern cars don't need a break-in period and these are old wive's tails from an earlier time.

But to be on the safe side I wanted to be kind to my engine, at least for the first couple hundred miles. I tried to keep it below 4,000 RPM but that was completely ridiculous: might as well not drive it at all. It's not very interesting when you have to short-shift like that. So I set the RPM light for 5,000 and generally shift before then, with only the rare visit to 6 and beyond.

The manual also warns against full-throttle acceleration, but I haven't been able to resist the occasional foot to the floor.

What do the rest of you think about this break-in stuff? Is anyone actually following the official break-in procedure from the manual to the letter? Do you believe it's important? Do you think I'm nuts for playing fast and loose with these golden commandments from Nissan?

Opinions, please!

 

HAHA!! Just don't kill it before next weekend, OK!!

 

From my friends who claim to know, at the very least you should make sure you get the engine warm before you hit it hard, especially during the break in.

 

Most people I talk to pretty much agree, gentle break in is nessasary, warm engine, don't slam breaks, peel out all the time, but RPM limits are not nessasary. I haven't gotten passed 5000 myself, but reg. go to 4K I mean other wise you can't drive, great low end torque but you can feel the car just start to real pick up speed @ 4K+. Also dealer told me NOT to change oil till 3700, is this true>? Help??

 

They told me to change the oil in my Pathfinder at 3500 so I guess they're right.

 

Yes, they saif they used to recommend a first oil change at 1k miles, but not any more. They say do the first one as scheduled, at 3700.

Well, I'm glad nobody came on and said "You idiot! You are destroying your car!!". I think it should be OK (I'll keep the warm-up instructions in mind.)

 

The warm up instructions are good for any car. Don't get on it hard in any car until it's warmed up at least past the leftmost cold mark, or even better not until it's at its normal operating temperature range.

 

YOU IDIOT! YOU ARE DESTROYING YOUR CAR!!!


Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

My motto is better safe than sorry. I plan to have this car for a long time, and if I have to spend a few weeks babying it, so be it. Its nothing compared to the years of enjoyment ahead. BTW, I picked mine up yesterday and keeping it under 4K is no problem for me. I do feel like a little old lady at times, but after waiting for almost 9 months, I can drive slowly for a few more weeks just to be safe.

 

Saw that one coming!

 

I agree with Alan. Better safe than sorry.

 

Drive slow......the slower you drive, the longer you will be on the road, the more people admiring you in your Z!!!

 

That's what I'm going to do. Also, since it's my first stick car, it will be a great time to practice by taking it slow and getting used to the Z's power.