Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance New Engine...now what?

Well, almost new.

I had a piece of ceramic fall into a valve.
$2200 bill from Goodyear/Lebzelter's, I have 4 new pistons($260), Chrome Piston Ring Set($115), Ford Complete Head Gasket($263), Ford oil pan set($93), misc. fluids($60), and ($1300) for labor at garage and at RaceCrafters where they sent the head to have it checked out.

Question is-> How should I drive the car now?
Should I drive it easy for next 500-1000 miles or should I rev the **** out of it to have all the parts 'broken in' for harder driving??

Please let me know.
I don't know $hit about cars.

Thanks for the help!!!

My dad and I built the engine for his truck and as soon as it was done we took it on the highway for about 30 minutes and drove the hell out of it. Never burned oil and started every day with no problem. Very reliable. He has built many engines and that was how he broke them in. On the gas, let it top out, off the gas, let the rings cool a little, and back again. I know this will probably catch someones atention, because a lot of people say to drive easy for so many miles. Many different opinions on this one. This is just my opinion.

P.S. No flames, please!!

Ummm,
How did a piece of Ceramic just "FALL" into a valve???

Inquiring minds want to know!

Regards

hmmm...I've heard of people driving the **** out of their cars to break 'em in. Ford manual told me to drive easy, so I did...FWIW
Plus, I'm a pretty wussy accelerator most of the time anyway, so...

geez derek, and you have the y-pipe with all that low end torque too!!!

I hope you got the Cylinders bored. other wise those new rings will never seat right and your gonna burn oil like no tomorrow.

-Andy

i have a friend with a M3 and he said dealer told him to break the car in for the first 10000 miles. That inclused not going over 4000rpm's or staying at one consistant speed for to long.

i dont know how much to trust this guy but the dealer told him the engine should last well over 200,000 if its taken care of and breakin in correctly.

chrisvt...I know I know. Especially with my burbly exhaust (seen my muffler go bye bye post?), the car temps me often. I just use the power when I need it...or really really want to hear it scream. Did you see my reply about the lights?

Um...10K to break in? I'd be willing to bet any engine is broken in by 1K.

Why didn't you just buy another engine???