I have seen an extensive write up on engine break-in. Does anyone have the link? I've searched and can't find it anymore. I can't guarantee I'll follow it, but I would like to read it over.

 

I didn't think there was any particular engine "break in" required for the RX-8, other than the obvious things such as no 9k shifts when the car is cold.

Am I wrong?

 

Are you refering to Racing Beat's recommended break in instructions? Hmm let me try to find it~

 

This it?

https://www.racingbeat.com/RX8%20Break%20in.htm

...and by the way, I am at just over 1300 miles and have definitely NOT followed their procedure... havin' a lotta fun though...

 

I have taken it to 6k several times a day and i have had it for less then a week

 

no big deal really, just keep under six and your fine

 

It's interesting that Mazda and RB recommend changing oil only every 6 months or 7500 miles!

 

Without meaning to turn this into yet another oil thread.... I have been keeping
an eye on my oil pretty regularly. I didn't start to see any contaminates in my oil until ~3000 miles (I now have ~3800 and last topped off the oil at 3500). Until that point I had honey colored oil, which is slowly starting to darken. I will be changing mine at 5000 mile intervals, since summer driving in Texas qualifies as "harsh conditions" (extending driving over 90 deg F). Based on what I've been seeing when I check the oil, I think the 5000 mile interval is appropriate for me.

As they say, YMMV

 

How do these things lube themselves, I believe oil is injected into the rotors and some is burned off through the exhaust, how does the oil get contaminated like a recip?

 

Thanks guys. I'm going to follow the RB program exactly. Probably don't need to, but what the heck it will make the car seem newer longer.

 

I wanted to do RB's break in, but couldn't stand waiting 2000 miles. So I did a hybrid of Mazda's break in and RB's: Kept it under 4k revs and no full throttle for the first 600 miles. Then gradually increased rpms for the next 600 miles. After 1200 miles I started to let her rip.

 

I have been doing the same but it is hard keep from reving this engine. I do plan on doing my first oil change at 2k

 

I don't get it:

1. It's a machine - it doesn't require stretching, tendon warm-up, etc. - it gets to operating temp' and that's it
2. There are no rings to seat - big issue in pushrod motor break-in
3. I have built 350 hp V8s and taken them to 7,000 rpm within 20 miles - and these V8s are utilizing Flintstone-era technology compared to the 1.3 L in the RX-8

Is it because the motor is that advanced (compared to my old Flintstone V8s)?

I've got 285 miles on my RX... I just don't think I could possibly wait 'till 2,000 miles to start playing... 600? Maybe.

Please inform (read: counsel) a newbie.

-Mark