Is it better to open the lid than leaving it closed so the fan keeps running?

 

Normal temps. Nothing to worry about. However not using WOT (regardless of RPM's) during the critical break-in period is a travesty You don't build cylinder pressures which mate moving parts with 1/4 throttle openings. Ugh.

The fan runs to help prevent the engine compartment from heat soaking. It is designed to work with the engine compartment lid closed.

 

[quote=sayboy;2932788]Normal temps. Nothing to worry about. However not using WOT (regardless of RPM's) during the critical break-in period is a travesty You don't build cylinder pressures which mate moving parts with 1/4 throttle openings. Ugh.

Couldn't agree more
You gotta see the entire rpm range early during the break-in process

 

why would the 'head mechanic' know more than the Porsche engineers who contribute to writing the owners manual which consistently suggest a much milder and longer break in (I seem to recall a 4200 RPM limit for 2,000 miles or so on my 2007 and 2008 Turbos). I've had multiple exotics and P-cars and NONE have used oil between oil changes, and I'm confident that my less than aggressive break-in behavoir (as the book suggests) is a significant contributor to that. Sorry, but anything other than what the Porsche factory recommends strikes me as urban legend.

 

I break in my cars the same as you; per the manual and vary the revs and load. However, you have to consider why the RoW manuals -UK for example- make no mention whatsoever of limiting rpms. They basically only suggest not to go WOT or enter racing events until 1865 miles precisely. It makes you think... Is the US of A manual for our litigious society??? I know of many who have broken them in with the "drive 'em like you stole 'em" theory without burning any oil later in life either. These cars run hard. Who knows how they'll run at 50k miles and beyond. Maybe as good or better than ours, maybe not... time will tell.

 

I tend to think what is written in the owners manual is more CYA stuff than anything else. That's why I broke it in exactly how the head mechanic (the only person in the shop allowed to touch the GT3s) suggested. I made sure my salesman and the dealerships GM was there for the conversation so there would be no questions later on if there was a warranty issue with the engine.

IMHO break in is more for the transmission, diff, tires, brakes, ect. My understanding is these engines in our GT3s are put on a Dyno and ran several minutes at WOT before they even go into the car(?). I know I read every post on break in on this site and others: some were I broke it in exactly how the manual suggested. Some were I drove it from the dealership to track. Most were somewhere in between. They all ended with my car runs great and doesn't use a drop of oil. Not one said I wish I had done this different because.... Just my 2 cents.

 

besides spending 2000 miles in a GT3 at or less than 4200 R's would be like the ultimate pair of Blue *****. I'd have to hire it out!