Thread: rally season on a refreshed SR20DET

Cliff, I wasn't singling you out. I just realized I'd missed a common method.

Everything else you said I agree with. We could split some hairs, but no need to right now.

I know you werent, I just felt like you.

Richard, I know English is a bit of a struggle for you but please read this web site. It should answer any question you ever had when dealing with engine break-in procedure.

Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

It also gives specific instructions on how to break-in the engine on a dyno or on the race track. And now that I re-read what he says about breaking in an engine on the track, it seems like Cliff and Stratton have the good advice; warm up the car and then go racing.

It's so against the popular belief, which makes it hard for some to comprehend. The greater the pressure in the shortest amount of time possible. Most people worry about throwing rods and lifting heads, which is NOT what the "break in" process is all about.

I've done pre delivery inspections on 1000's of cars. I drove the crap out of all of them. Never had a come back. Everything from rx-8's to 3500 diesels.

If you buy a used engine, don't open it up and replace everything. The factory built it better than you ever could, at least with nissans. Most of the time, just reseal the oil pan and put a crank and rear main seal in it and a v/c gasket and your good to go.

I'm sorry, but this is bad advice.

If you buy a used motor, you have NO idea what that motor's first life was like. Open it up and you may be in for a surprise (Vadim's sludge monster, for instance).

Well, technically, when replacing the vc gasket, you'd see the sludge, if it was there. So, he's right.

Jeff, that was merely an example.

I'm guessing you'd HATE to go thru the work of putting a motor into your ride, and finding out only AFTER you've started it up that it had rod knock.

YMMV.

Of course, but if it looks decent (after popping the vc), then I'd run with it. And, I'd buy from someone reputable (not ebay).

But like skcusloa said, "The factory built it better than you ever could."

I 'spose we could go round and round with it.

But if the factory built it better than I ever could, that would mean that no one would possibly do anything to it to make it better than it already is. IE: exhaust manifold, intake manifold, cams, springs and retainers, rocker arms, HLA's, etc. etc. While I do agree with buying from someone reputable, even this is hit or miss in some instances.

Anyhow, just trying to provide perspective.