How I will Deal with the 370Z "Problems/Concerns"

11Thumper

Over the years I've had several new vehicles. With most of my cars/motorcycles the break-in period seems to be 600 miles. I don't think there is any magic behind this number but I think 1,200 miles is a little too long.

I'm usually fairly gentle for the first 250 miles. Then I start to increase the load (push the gas pedal harder) after that, but never full throttle or rev past 4,500 RPM. Around 500 miles I start to do some harder pulls and a couple at full throttle to redline, but only after the vehicle is FULLY warmed up and the temps are stable (about 20 minutes of driving). Once I do this I continue to drive for a while in a more gentle fashion (another 10-15 minutes) before I park the vehicle. I then let it cool completely before driving again to heat cycle the parts. Probably not needed.

Breaking in an engine (or vehicle) isn't an exact science. Most of this is done by the time we buy our cars anyway. My Z had 16 miles on it at time of delivery and I'm sure it was driven hard at some point before I got the keys. The thing to focus on is managing heat in a new engine & driveline. Having proper fluids at proper quantities and being sensible is all that should be needed these days.

As for some folks changing oil very quick after break-in...I'm not set on that. I usually change at 1,800 miles for any vehicle. I realize there is a little extra metal in the first oil fill from break-in but I doubt large enough to cause any harm. If nothing else it may act as a minor polish to help things seat and fit properly in the long-term anyway.

Just what I do, not gospel. I've never had an issue with any engine I've ever owned (yet...) and have been buying new vehicles for 18+ years.