So building new motor with pi head swap and turbo. Question I have is can I break the motor in with the turbo installed. I don't want to get into boost but don't want to have to install turbo after the motor is in the car either. Buddy said can put a 1lb wastegate spring to keep it from building pressure. Thoughts?
Motor Break In
- Thread starter Darkfiggy
- Start date
The biggest thing you’re going to have to worry about is the tune. If it wasn’t tuned for the turbo before the build, then I’d leave the 1 pound spring in it until you know the engine is ready for tuning and then turn the boost on for the tune.
I will say this, total seal (piston ring manufacturer) recommends running the engine hard as soon as you can. In other words, break it in how you intend to run it. You want a load on the rings ASAP to make them seal up.
I will say this, total seal (piston ring manufacturer) recommends running the engine hard as soon as you can. In other words, break it in how you intend to run it. You want a load on the rings ASAP to make them seal up.
So we were going to put a no boost tune on as soon as the motor gets installed. I have done a lot of research about breaking in the motor with and without the turbo installed. Still wasn't sure which to do because I have never done this before. Glad to see someone more knowledgeable than me says it can be done
I was told by my tuner to do this:
1. use break in oil or add lucas with zinc to whatever (as close to dyno oil) as you can find
2. heat cycle the engine 5-10 times (crank it and let it run till the fans kick on then kill it and don't run it again till its cold)
3. drain oil
4. check filter for bad juju
5. do step 1 again
6. run it hard
he said his main concern is, as previously stated, getting the rings to seat real well. i followed his advice, its at the tuner now, we'll see how things go.
1. use break in oil or add lucas with zinc to whatever (as close to dyno oil) as you can find
2. heat cycle the engine 5-10 times (crank it and let it run till the fans kick on then kill it and don't run it again till its cold)
3. drain oil
4. check filter for bad juju
5. do step 1 again
6. run it hard
he said his main concern is, as previously stated, getting the rings to seat real well. i followed his advice, its at the tuner now, we'll see how things go.
Use normal motor oil. Zinc clogs the lashers.
