Running In Period

I always have and am currently doing so on a F430. But it doesn't get any easier everytime you have to do it! I'm only guessing but I think everything is logged in the car and if there is too much abuse when running in it may have an effect on your warrenty - at least this is what I tell myself so I behave!

 

If you have ever been to Maranello during the workweek you will see new Ferraris being test driven before delivery, running around the town and finishing on the track. The test drivers really hammer these the cars, trying their best to shake things loose. They run them in the rain, sunshine, windy days, whatever. These cars have really been driven hard before you take delivery. It is far cheaper for Ferrari to fix things at the factory than is it is to pay a dealer to fix warranty items.
Further, the engines are run on a bench in the factory and are well used by the time they are installed in the cars.
I have bought several new Ferrraris and I have never spent one moment running them in. They are good to go from the first second you get in the car. The only concession I make is to let the engine oil temp get into operating range before I run hard - that takes a minute or two after startup.
Enjoy the car! Most Ferrari owners treat their cars like fragile crystal and hardly drive them. There are so many Ferraris out there that are years old with less than 1,000 miles on them. That is a tragedy.

 

+1

 

Thank you!

 

Plus the car revs so quickly and hard that it is difficult to keep revs down in manual mode. Shift lights are handy, just in peripheral vision below road.
Warm her up, be a little gentle first 2-300, then drive it like you stole it.
If you have never driven anything seriously fast, use caution, however.
L

 

When the F430 was delivered the dealer said not to exceed 6000rpm for the first 1500km. The book says not to exceed 5000rpm for the first 1000km. The dealer did mention all the testing that is done but still recommended this run in period. Anyone with any ideas??

 

You got yours ?

 

I hate to be so cynical, but what dealers know about driving Ferraris is very limited. You could poll 10 dealers and get 10 different responses, because the truth is none of them really know anything definitive. I know what I have seen in Maranello several times at the factory, but more importantly I buy the cars and drive them and I have never had an issue that could be remotely related to observing a running in period.
Think about it. How could anyone possibly ascribe a problem to not running the car in at lower revs, when the factory has already hammered the car and engine before they delivered it to you. Running in modern cars is a bogus concept and is a relic of ancient times when manufacturing tolerances were nowhere near to what they are today. Cars are ready to run right out of the box, including Ferraris. If they weren't, you would be required to sign a slew of legal documents at delivery indemnifying the seller and manufacturer from responsibility for damage caused by not following running in procedures. All that they want from you at delivery is your money. Go out and enjoy the car. And for pity's sake please put more than the "running in" miles on the car.

 

excellent!!thanks 410sa! )))

 

Yup
Check unique thread. Love it, child seats fit fine. How's your life? Any 599's in family yet?

I usually dump oil/filter in first 1k miles or so as well. Old habits die hard. But bench and test drive should be adequate, no steady hi-RPM running either.

 

agreed.

 

Absolutely not, complete waste of time, agree 100% with Alex (and my dealer). I feel sorry for those that baby their cars for the first xxxx miles, or indeed those that baby them forever, treating them like they're made out of eggshells. These are cars, built to run, and they're covered by warranty. Unless you're looking after a 40+ year old classic worth millions, let-r-rip right out of the starting gate. I have the greatest respect for the owner of the 1962 250 GTO with whom I was sharing some track time while I was in my 360 Modena at the time. He was thoroughly wringing the snot out of it and having a great time. I didn't want to do something stupid in front of him and be responsible for causing it to wreck, so I let him pass. I felt Enzo's beaming smile from across the great divide....

“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”

 

I got that feeling that it was yours. I love the front grill ! Congrats !

Life has been pretty good lately. The 599 should arrive by sept/october. I have forwarded pics of yours to show the grill as i believe its a must now !