CTD99

I've got 350 miles on it so far, 150 more miles of minimal idling for the cam break-in... anything special I should do for general engine break-in? One cylinder is new (sleeve & piston), the rest of the pistons got new rings, and all the bearings are new.

Should I just drive normally?... drive it easy?... or drive it like I stole it? I haven't pushed it too much so far but I've also heard in the past that it's good to work these engines hard during break-in, even hooking up a trailer. How long (if at all) should I wait before I tow?

Also, do the valves need to be checked during, or after break-in? Or can I just go with the normal service schedule?

Thanks.
~ Russ

J BODY

Personally I would let it cool overnight and run the valves.

CTD99

Just to clarify... you're saying I should check the valves now, at my current mileage?

Marine

Did you specifically ask them what they set the lash at?

CTD99

Off the top of my head, I set it a little on the tight side (from standard .01/.20) intake to .08 and exhaust to .18.

Marine

I think I would definitely do them. I would loosen them up, and do them right at spec.

CTD99

I thought these engines liked tighter valves though?...

Marine

Look at the spread that they allow for the intake and exhaust. There is a tight window there. The spec on the tight side is there for a reason. Why make it tighter?

Huff nPuff

Change the oil a little early,if you have head studs,retorque the heads then readjust valves.Just my 2 cents worth.

Smkndzl

Drive it like you normally do, we do an average of 5 overhaul a week and we fire them up , quick check for leaks , never let them sit there and idle for more than 5 mins. after an overhaul, then put them right on the dyno and run them for an hour at full power and varying the rpm every 5 to 10 mins. as for doing the valve adjust again , waste of time..... some guys like to change the oil again but that is for thier own satisfaction.