Introducing my new backdraft

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by 427BDR

... Keeping an eye on a couple of things, oil consumption on the Smeding is high (no smoke or leaks) but expecting it to level off as it breaks in and the rings seat ...

Nice BDR, congrats!

There's the old school on break-in, pamper for the 1st 600 miles then drive it like you intend to - and the new school that says put that engine through its' paces immediately with a good break-in oil. I'm sure some engine builders will chime in, most crate motors are dyno'd right after completion - full load on the engine up to redline with several pulls to dial it in - that process breaks in the motor. The longer you wait, the tougher it gets to fully seat the rings because they are getting "seated" right now to the way you are driving it. If the motor has already been dyno'd then don't expect much change in oil consumption from a break-in standpoint, you may have internal clearances not as tight as they should be. If it were me, I would change the oil now, inspect the used oil and filter for metal particulates (nothing big, little stuff expected - saw the oil filter in half), fill with a good BR oil and take it to a chassis dyno for tuning. Kill 3 birds with one stone ...

- motor will be broken in
- you will know what your RWHP and torque actually are @ RPM
- motor will be tuned for optimum power

BTW, oil consumption without smoke or leaks may be a red flag depending on the amount of consumption.
.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

Nice BDR, congrats!

There's the old school on break-in, pamper for the 1st 600 miles then drive it like you intend to - and the new school that says put that engine through its' paces immediately with a good break-in oil. I'm sure some engine builders will chime in, most crate motors are dyno'd right after completion - full load on the engine up to redline with several pulls to dial it in - that process breaks in the motor. The longer you wait, the tougher it gets to fully seat the rings because they are getting "seated" right now to the way you are driving it. If the motor has already been dyno'd then don't expect much change in oil consumption from a break-in standpoint, you may have internal clearances not as tight as they should be. If it were me, I would change the oil now, inspect the used oil and filter for metal particulates (nothing big, little stuff expected - saw the oil filter in half), fill with a good BR oil and take it to a chassis dyno for tuning. Kill 3 birds with one stone ...

- motor will be broken in
- you will know what your RWHP and torque actually are @ RPM
- motor will be tuned for optimum power

BTW, oil consumption without smoke or leaks may be a red flag depending on the amount of consumption.
.

Excellent post/suggestion.