I'll be picking up my new baby soon, and I'm trying to figure out what I want to do as far as break-in goes. I plan on doing about 500-750 miles before the temptation to open the taps a bit overwhelms me. I'd like to get those miles done in as little time as possible tho. I was planning on taking a trip up to NYC (from Boston) taking possibly back roads some (most) of the way to avoid going sitting in the same gear for a few hours and to get some time in the curves. Is that too many miles for a new car; better to do a few shorter trips? I've browsed over a bunch of threads pertaining to how many miles in total, but not that many about length of each trip.

Good idea to change the oil after something like this? I was thinking about changing it myself at 3k miles. Any tips as far as during driving, aside from not doing any 0-60 runs? Anything to monitor or look out for?

 

My break-in advice:

1) Avoid numerous cold starts
2) Always bring the oil temp up before driving it hard
3) Take longer trips when possible varying the rpms up to 5500rpm
4) After 400 miles or so you can gradually begin opening it up

Always keep an eye on oil temps/pressure

I would change the oil after 2-3k miles if you can do it yourself, though they say it's not necessary.

 

so, what did you get?????? Cam, we all waiting!!!

 

You'll have to wait for pictures, got to keep people coming back for something.

So a ~300 mile trip isn't too long for a new car to break it in?

 

great! enjoy your new baby! I am still at 1500 miles break-in, but I am intrigued about a turbo cab before the new one hits....what do you think?

 

I'm not giving any break in tips until you post pics of your new car. Congrats in advance.

 

There is an increasing school of thought that initial break-ins, while limiting rpms should include (very early on) some uphill time under load. This helps seat rings and reduce oil consumption for the entire life of the engine.

 

I was told to "drive it like you stole it" !!

 

My understanding is that Porsche engines are dyno broken-in at the factory under WOT for 5 minutes. The rings are already seated before they ship. The 'break-in' period is simply to let the other components work together and for the systems to learn each other as well as the driver. You can "drive it like you stole it" and the car will be able to handle it but I wouldn't for the first 400. Long drives are great for Porsches, they thrive on long drives.

 

In March 07 I picked up my C4S at the factory in Stuttgart, where you're taken on a three hour guided tour through the assembly plant. When we reached the engine area I asked the guide, a retired Porsche veteran engineer, about his view on break-in. He told me that you can drive the car anyway you like to, and that the reason Porsche recommends limiting RPMs for the first thousand miles is to ensure that all the parts within the car are working together like they should, hence avoiding any unforseen mishaps at high speeds.

 

I never broke anything in. Never had any issues. Enjoy the car.

 

I just picked it up today and all I have to say is: my god. I was adamant about keeping it under 4k RPM and going VERY easy on the throttle, and while it did get to 5k once or twice (not under load, it kicked down a gear by itself), the car still hauled like no tomorrow. I've already put on 100 miles today, doing some mildly spirited 30MPH driving toward the end. Pictures to follow tomorrow. I honestly cannot wait to really see what this thing can do. I'm going to get a few hundred miles tomorrow, and then at 500 miles, just let this thing rip.

 

Take a trip to Cape Cod! It's oyster season!

 

How about a hint?

 

I have to say, the most excruciating painful part about my Porsche ownership experience (other than dealing with sales people), is to avoid the temptation of opening her up during break-in period.

700 more miles to go for me....