Engine and vehicle break in period for 2020 GT350R

[Shelbyfam]

Just landed a 2020 GT350R it is new and in factory wrapping. I plan on keeping it forever! And I want to know what the proper breakin is and what I should do to make sure I give this vehicle the best care and attention. I am a first time owner of a sports car so any advice or counsel would be well received. Thank you, all in advance for help.

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[madweazl]

You'll see all kinds of recommendations that people have come up with here but when it comes down to it, I'd do what is listed in the owners manual (they're the ones that spent millions in R&D to figure out the best practice).

 

[lenFeb]

Just landed a 2020 GT350R it is new and in factory wrapping. I plan on keeping it forever! And I want to know what the proper breakin is and what I should do to make sure I give this vehicle the best care and attention. I am a first time owner of a sports car so any advice or counsel would be well received. Thank you, all in advance for help.

I wouldn't recommend any other methods that are there on the internet.
From GT350 Supplemental Owners manual, Page 26:

BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period.
Drive your new vehicle at least 100 mi
(160 km) before performing extended wide
open throttle maneuvers and at least
1,000 mi (1,600 km) before performance
or competition conditions.
Note: Vary your speed frequently in order
to give the moving parts a chance to break
in.

 

[RPDBlueMoon]

I wouldn't recommend any other methods that are there on the internet.
From GT350 Supplemental Owners manual, Page 26:

BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period.
Drive your new vehicle at least 100 mi
(160 km) before performing extended wide
open throttle maneuvers and at least
1,000 mi (1,600 km) before performance
or competition conditions.
Note: Vary your speed frequently in order
to give the moving parts a chance to break
in.

What does "performing extended wide open throttle maneuvers" mean?

 

[lenFeb]

What does "performing extended wide open throttle maneuvers" mean?

7000-8250 RPM for longer time

 

[madweazl]

7000-8250 RPM for longer time

WOT could be any RPM, I believe that is why they state WOT vs an RPM range.

 

[lenFeb]

WOT could be any RPM, I believe that is why they state WOT vs an RPM range.

Yep. Good point.

 

[68Stang]

Congrats on your new GT350R - if you are anything like the rest of us you now have a perma-smile on your face when driving!

I followed the break-in noted in the owner's manual. So far so good on my 2020. just over 1200 miles and every single mile has been a blast!

 

[RPDBlueMoon]

WOT could be any RPM, I believe that is why they state WOT vs an RPM range.

So if it means any RPM range then what are you supposed to do then?

Sorry I am a bit confused.

 

[460Fred]

So if it means any RPM range then are you supposed to do then?

Sorry I am a bit confused.

When your right foot hits the floor, that’s wide open throttle. Don’t do that for an extended period of time.
I’m thinking that first 100 miles is pretty important. If you can go WOT for an extended period of time on the street, your breaking the speed laws anyways.....BIG TIME!
OP....Pictures are required.

 

[RPDBlueMoon]

When your right foot hits the floor, that’s wide open throttle. Don’t do that for an extended period of time.
I’m thinking that first 100 miles is pretty important. If you can go WOT for an extended period of time on the street, your breaking the speed laws anyways.....BIG TIME!
OP....Pictures are required.

Oh okay so its like the mechanical way of saying don't put the pedal to the metal. Gotcha. I've seen so many people suggest certain things like dont go above 4k RPMs, or for X miles and then dont go above 6k for X miles. It gets confusing and makes me nervous because I dont wont to ruin my new car.

I didn't even know that breaking in engines was a thing until I already racked up like 40,000 miles on my car. I used cruise control the whole time when I was driving it new. I never had any problems with it but then again its just a regular 4 cylinder economy car.

 

[460Fred]

Oh you can put the petal to the metal after 100 miles but not for an extended period.
The closer I get to 1K the more my car feels the need to run...if that makes sense.

 

[460Fred]

BTW
Your first sports car and you went with an R? I like your style.
Be careful of those wheels.

 

[Tank]

WOT could be any RPM, I believe that is why they state WOT vs an RPM range.

Not understanding this concept...

I can be at WOT and be at 750 RPMs? Basically idle...





OP, congrats!

Some pointers:

• Read up on glazing and operate your GT350 in a way to avoid it.
• Don’t just let it sit there at extended idle.
• Let it come up to temp, engine oil temp at 190 or over, before redlining.
• Don’t be afraid to redline at any mileage, just don’t keep it there for long.

 

[madweazl]

Not understanding this concept...

I can be at WOT and be at 750 RPMs? Basically idle...

750 is an extreme example but sure; if you're at idle and mat it, you're at WOT. WOT is WOT regardless of RPM. I think a more common scenario would be at a considerably higher RPM (say 1500) and then going WOT further through the rpm range (e.g. the extended period of WOT the manual warns against).

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