Idling through various forums I came upon this explanation for running in below maximum revs.
https://yel.pca.org/porsche-engine-break-in/
https://yel.pca.org/porsche-engine-break-in/
Why follow Porsche’s limited revs running in procedure
- Thread starter ralphmusic
- Start date
AndrewCS
Active member
Thank you Ralph.
" Many experienced Porsche engine builders and experts on the Flat-6 engine state that the peak power of a Porsche engine is developed around the 20,000 mile mark"
Can certainly relate to this ^ on older VAG units, both production and hand built modified … via rolling road and gear revs vs speedo indications.
Just another 9,000 miles to do on the GT4 now
" Many experienced Porsche engine builders and experts on the Flat-6 engine state that the peak power of a Porsche engine is developed around the 20,000 mile mark"
Can certainly relate to this ^ on older VAG units, both production and hand built modified … via rolling road and gear revs vs speedo indications.
Just another 9,000 miles to do on the GT4 now
Thanks for that Ralph. It just confirms to me the benefits of - and reasoning behind - a proper running-in period for all the new cars I've owned. I've always believed that a bit of patience and restraint at the beginning of ownership pays off long term and, as said, it's not just the engine that needs a period of bedding-in.
Good to learn that each engine is built by a single person and that care is taken to mass-match components, which no doubt explains the very high cost of a replacement engine!
Jeff
Good to learn that each engine is built by a single person and that care is taken to mass-match components, which no doubt explains the very high cost of a replacement engine!
Jeff
Yes Graham, I'd noticed that it was an old article - maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part that the sports car engines at least were still hand-built. Perhaps 2011/12 saw the last of Porsche's own assembly methods before VW completed the takeover and imposed new working practices in the quest for greater efficiency? And with increased production levels, I wonder what percentage of newly-built engines are now dyno tested before installation?
Jeff
Jeff
Probably be an idea to post that on Pistonheads as they are ranting about not needing to run in cars.
Tracking and Vmax a new car because they are not going to keep the car long term, I just don't understand it.
I will track mine but not until I'm happy its been properly run in and then I'll change the oil, something others including OPC's say is not necessary.
I do wonder how many people properly run in a car reading what's posted on P/heads, possibly I'm in the minority.
I guess I'm just getting old and grumpy.
Tracking and Vmax a new car because they are not going to keep the car long term, I just don't understand it.
I will track mine but not until I'm happy its been properly run in and then I'll change the oil, something others including OPC's say is not necessary.
I do wonder how many people properly run in a car reading what's posted on P/heads, possibly I'm in the minority.
I guess I'm just getting old and grumpy.
I suspect, as fewer and fewer people actually own their cars as leasing is far cheaper, then there is less long-term interest in the health of the car. As long as it's still shiney and lower mileage, Im sure the dealer isn't bothered as he has no real way of knowing if it was properly run-in. Nor does a subsequent owner1.
For the sake of a couple of weeks steady driving, I'd rather do it properly.
For the sake of a couple of weeks steady driving, I'd rather do it properly.
mphillips said:
So why does the handbook say otherwise? I'd take the handbook's guidance over a tour guide.
geoff lane said:
If the car needed it surely Porsche would say you need one and charge you accordingly?
Re. PH, a lot of the so called 'advice' on PistonHeads is based on what was regular practice donkeys years ago. Manufacturing processes and tolerances have changed massively in the last couple of decades, as have the metals used, so personally I would always go with the manufacturer recommendation in the car's handbook. I reckon they would know what's best for their cars...
Twinfan said:
Largely I would agree with you, but I also feel that perhaps the best way to run the car in might be a little more complicated than can be explained in a handbook.
It's also curious that the advice about running in is hidden away in the "Same Driving Pleasure, More Safety" section which is essential a hints and tip section. There is no index entry for "running in", or even "breaking in". You might think that if it were truly vital or important, there would be more of an effort to bring it to a new purchasers attention?
Regardless, I am trying to run my car in properly.
I don't think it's any more complicated than for 1800m keep the revs down, don't let the engine labour, use all the gears and vary loads and speeds as much as possible. Which from memory is pretty much what the manual says I think?
Each to their own, but I followed the above guidance for my 981 GTS which didn't use a drop of oil in 14k miles and 4 years and the engine was very sprightly. I did the same with my current 718 GT4 and all feels good so far []
Each to their own, but I followed the above guidance for my 981 GTS which didn't use a drop of oil in 14k miles and 4 years and the engine was very sprightly. I did the same with my current 718 GT4 and all feels good so far [
]
I followed the guy at the factory's advice and just drove my 911 'normally'. No special effort to do anything, just drove it. Sometimes the revs went high, sometimes I cruised on a motorway. It's now 3 years old and has done 34k miles. It uses oil in no noticeable way (i.e. I never have to top it up) and I do 2-4 track days a year in it. It goes like a rocket 
“I will track mine but not until I'm happy its been properly run in and then I'll change the oil, something others including OPC's say is not necessary.“ Geoff Lane
I quite agree, Geoff, I can’t get my head round NOT doing regular oil changes - the cheapest, simplest preventative maintenance. Mobil 1 may be good but, basically, ‘why not’? competition engines always had oil changed after every event.
I quite agree, Geoff, I can’t get my head round NOT doing regular oil changes - the cheapest, simplest preventative maintenance. Mobil 1 may be good but, basically, ‘why not’? competition engines always had oil changed after every event.
Twinfan said:
Like I said I'm probably in the minority as well as getting old and grumpy.
Thank you for sharing that article with us Ralph, it was very interesting and useful to have found out the answers to one of life’s mysteries...
Agreed Andrew, and I certainly place a lot of trust in what I'm told by Porsche. One does wonder, though, if higher mileage between changes is a "target"; one more positive aspect. My point really is: more regular changes cannot possibly do any harm and can only be good - surely? (.... and, especially if there have been track days, it makes one feel better not worrying about the two years since the last change!)AndrewCS said:
Regular track work is different and oil changes will of course be required more freqently.
Even if the target is a longer gap between services, surely that can't be done unless the oil and engine are up to it. The fact that Porsche offer the extended warranty up to 14 years/125,000 miles would suggest that they have faith in their products and their schedule!
Even if the target is a longer gap between services, surely that can't be done unless the oil and engine are up to it. The fact that Porsche offer the extended warranty up to 14 years/125,000 miles would suggest that they have faith in their products and their schedule!
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