New truck break-in. How long?

[SCREAMNEAGLE]

I would like to thank everyone who responded to my post. I agree about the break in. Thats pretty much how race motors are done. As well as my Harley's.

But, how long should I do the break in? Change the oil in the first 2000 miles. Then how long to the next oil change? Also, would a K&N filter or a new computer box help the fuel mileage?

 

[Scooby]

Eagle,

From what I understand, the truck's computer is also regulating your break-in. At specific mileage intervals (like 5000, 7500 and 10K miles for example) the computer will "allow" the engine to rev higher, etc...

Naturally, there are precautions about pushing a cold engine past 2000 rpm and all that stuff I'm sure you've heard. No synthetic motor oil until well after 10K miles. The engine will break in faster if you tow early on. As the manual says... put the engine under load (after it's warmed up). Don't baby it!

If you do baby it - it may take up to 30K miles for it to really break in. I only have 9000 miles on mine and it is breaking in nicely - the engine just feels smooth and wants to run forever on the highway! #ad
(picture me staring off in the distance with a big smile just imagining being in the truck... . sigh).

I changed my oil at 2000 miles and then at 7000. I plan to do it every 5K miles unless my driving habits change dramatically.

Have fun!

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'01 2500 SLT+, QC, LWB, 4X4, 3. 54s, AT, SPA guages, Alpha Liner,DTT VB, SnugTop XV shell with BedRug, Grovers, Roadmasters... every option but running lights!

'98 DUCATI ST2 "Bombed" 944CC with Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Exhaust, F. I. M. Chip, K&N and "modified" air box.

 

[HC]

Also, would a K&N filter or a new computer box help the fuel mileage?

VERY controversial questions. I have a K&N RE-880, and I don't believe fuel mpg was impacted significantly. I also have an VA-CPC on the ETH, and again, after a month or two of driving, I know it impacted mpg as reported by the trip computer (dropped 0. 3 to 0. 5 mpg), but ACTUAL mpg appears to be unchanged. I won't know for sure until I get a longer bout of warmer weather. Most of those reporting significant mpg increases with boxes are reporting "loaded" miles towing; all my miles have been "empty". My opinion might change in the future, but right now I have to say if you travel mostly unloaded, don't buy a box expecting mpg improvement until someone comes out with a pure timing box designed for that purpose. All the boxes now seem to be designed primarily to improve "power" (which they do well, I might add).

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2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Pyro & Boost, K&N RE-880 w/foam pre-cleaner, ARE Z-series Cab-high shell, Rear ARB locker, and all kinds of synthetic fluids...

 

[madams]

Scooby did a good job at suming it up.

As far as the K&N lots of folks like them . . others don't trust it . . there are several good posts on this topic . . search the accessory area.

As far as the computer . . I guess you're referring to the "add on" performance boxes?

No one has really confirmed this factually. I think the performance add on's address power limitations . . not fuel economy.

There are some who say the uprated injectors help 1-2 mpg . . but folks are all over the map there too. Seems the folks with those fancy overhead computers are the ones proclaiming increases . . while the manually calculated folks say not noticable.

Again . . many posts on both topics . . this is a summery from what I've read.

I have neither . . but definately like to read #ad


Michael