Yes, I've searched, so if it's a repost, I'm sorry, but I've been meaning to ask this question to someone for a while. Do Ferrari's have break-in periods? On a normal new car, there is usually a recommended break-in period (anywhere from 500 to 1500 miles) during which you're supposed to go easy on it. Is this the same with a Ferrari? I ask because I've seen lots of videos of Enzo's and 430's that can't have more than 300-400 miles on the clock getting the daylights run out of them. Since the same basic principles apply to all engines, I couldn't imagine a Ferrari would be any different. From what I've gathered, I assume it would be more particular about this sort of thing. Please explain.
From everything I have read and understand, Ferrari so quite a job running in thier engines. I have been told each engine spends several hours on a dyno being run in, up to higher and higher speeds and heavier loading, and then the car is driven for several hours as well before being signed off. In the 308 OWM, it discusses initial running in of a newly overhauled motor, and once its set up to run it looks like you would spend a good day running it on a dyno before installing it into the car. I would answer that while the motors are ran in really well, I would find some middle ground for a while. Dont be afraid to rev it fully, not even at full throttle, and neither to drive it slowly, just to not do either for more than a few moments at a time. Keep the motor running up and down in both speed and load, so as to loosen her up. Dont lug it, especially, and dont over rev it, even after. But by 1000 miles and one or two oil changes, if everything is looking good, let her fly.
Ferrari engines go through severe tests at the factory prior to installation in the vehicles. Each engine is run to max. rpm, ofcourse in intervals. The engines are already broken in. Start her up, get the oil warmed up properly and rev her up and get the engine screaming. That's what they are made for.
The 430 owner's manual recommends limiting RPM to 5k for the first 600 miles. Does it matter? I have heard arguments both ways including the "factory broke it in" argument. I bought my 430 brand new, and while it was very difficult to adhere to the breakin recommendations, I did so. I figured the factory has a reason to make the recommendation. I do know of high performance cars of other marques that become oil burners when the factory recommendation isn't adhered to. Evidently, the rings never properly seat. Lotus actually has dealers download info on how the motor was run in (maximum rpm, drop clutch starts, etc.) at the 1K service. If they don't like what they see, the warranty can be affected, and this is on a TOYOTA motor! I do find it hard to believe that someone buys a 430 with the intention of flipping it at 500 miles and yet does not drive the crap out of it while in their possession. If I were in the market for a used 430, I would get one with either delivery miles or a relatively high mileage car that a real user owned. BTW, my 430 now has 6500 miles and uses 0 oil. Dave
