Just took my FC into the shop to get an engine rebuild. Going to finally be able to drive the car after it's done. Is there a break in period on a rebuilt motor? I assume there is.

 

If it has new bearings, the break-in is 1-2k miles with an oil change after the first 500 or so and then probably again at the end of 2000.

If its used bearings the break-in is about 500 miles and then you're good.

Keep the RPMs below 4-5000 and try to varry your rpm a lot (not cruising on the highway at a constant rpm)

 

Got it. I'll find out what exactly he replaces since he'll give me a list of work done and what not. Driving it back when I get it is all highway so I'll find a way to vary my rpm's like you're suggesting. And goodness now I won't get on it and screw something up. It's costing a pretty penny to get this done, don't want any added costs! I appreciate the info.

 

Mazda has a break in procedure and schedule in their competition catalog:

http://www.mazdamotorsports.com/weba.../97CatComp.pdf

page 153 and 154

 

Thank you very much for this, really going to help.

 

Who is doing your rebuild? I guess my question is, did you find any local shop/tech to perform the rebuild?

 

I took it to a guy named Ray Whitney in fredericksburg. Small self owned shop and he's a Master Mazda tech, seems like a really cool guy. Hopefully his rebuild is great.

 

Holy crap.... I skimmed your post and totally read it as: "I took it to a guy named Ray Wilson in Frederick. Small self owned shop and he's a Master Mazda tech, seems like a really cool guy. Hopefully his rebuild is great."

And I was all like "OMG, no, no, no, No, NO, NOOOOO! Dude, DON'T do it!!!"

Then as I started to post this (I was gunna link in the recent thread on PFS) I noticed the differences..

 

Lol Hopefully I won't have a nightmare story to share with you guys. He's already done some work on the car since I dropped it off. I had Evo-r.net flush mount lights on it that I decided to replace with stock popups and he get one installed no time flat, had to order a part for the other one but still did really quick work. Sent me a video and everything of it working so he seems like a legit stand up guy. I am paying a pretty penny to get all the work done so I hope it comes out perfect.

 

The clearances used throughout the engine will also be reflected in break in time. I would suggest you ask the engine builder what they recommend you do to properly break in the engine that they just built. If the builder is competent (which you believe he is) then he'll be in the best position to give you accurate instructions on how he wants the engine he put together treated.


Heat cycles are your friend just as much as a set number of miles.

Long story short, as your builder what to do, then do what he says

 

That is some sage level advice. Much appreciated. He's rebuilt a number of motors before. RX-7's and 8's so he must know what he's talking about and will know what's best for my motor as well.

 

Thanks, I know everyone has their own idea of what a proper break-in is so I put my 2 cents in. From what I heard its less about seating the apex seals and such, and more the bearings.

but what fendamonky said is very true

 

True true Apex seal seating is good, but so is making sure the side/corner seals can seat properly if you're running really tight clearances (because blowby SUCKS!!).

My personal thought is that it's always better to be overly careful and reserved, than potentially throw all the hard work (and money) away by being lax and lowering the overall lifespan and performance of the motor by neglecting it at the start.

 

Thank you for posting that pdf! It is golden! Do you have anymore catalogs or know where to get them?

 

no '97 is the last time they made one... I got it from the mazda motorsports site, you can sign up if you race your car and they give you discounts on stock and aftermarket parts.

 

I was actually just thinking about this the other day... Do you know if they will count autocross as "racing" if it isn't specifically with an SCCA/NASA group? (aka, would going out with the local CDC guys twice a month count?)

 

I don't see why it would be an issue.

 

They do, just take a copy of the CDC event results that they post online (at least they used to), and provide that list to Mazdacomp (I used to highlight my number, name, car, time)

 

Sweet

 

Hey yall know of anywhere to get injectors cleaned near annapolis area?

 

Home « Injector Pulse

They're in southern VA and from what I've heard have pretty crazy (good) turn around times.

 

Hey guys how are yall doing.........dose anyone have a turbo exhaust manifold,need one for my fc

 

Sent you a message kr

 

There is a diesel performance shop in Curtis Bay, just SE of Baltimore, that apparently has pretty solid injector cleaning. I am planning on talking to them tomorrow about if the do regular gas injectors as well as diesel ones.

It's a bit closer to home..

 

Ya thats definitely closer if they would do gas injectors. Im gonna wait on getting mine serviced. I replaced all the rubber o rings on them as they were hard as rocks. Hopefully it is good enough for now. I gotta get this baby back on the track. Ordered up my engine mount and a new flyuidline radiator. Once they get here i just need to get springs to go with my new kyb agx shocks. Im getting excited, a bit longer than i anticipated but worth the wait.