Well sometime this week I'll be starting my new motor. Old school, hyd flat tappet (non roller). After initial break in and oil change, do you start easing into the motor (each run a little harder), or do you just go out and run it like you're gonna drive it? The last time I did this, 50yrs ago, if I remember right after the rings seated and break in done, we just drove it hard .

 

I ran mine hard right away and the cam wiped, it was pre owned though.

 

After the initial cam break in I ran my old school BB Chevy at variant speeds. Never staying at one R.P.M. to long for a few hundred miles. Has no oil burning what so ever. Just my two cents, good luck.

 

Once the cam has a minimum 20 min. break in I just drive them around town. I have always avoided staying at one rpm range, and both accelerating and slowing down on engine compression are important to help the rings to properly seat and wear in. The stopping and starting of normal in town driving gets through all the rpm ranges, and does a good job of seating the rings.

 

Thanks Val, I thought that I needed to vary the rpm.

 

You do, and engine load is what helps seat the rings. Pour yourself a cup o coffee, and read this: Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

 

I'll be right behind you in a month! Should have the new engine done and in my Austin then, and will be doing all that break in stuff too!