Performance Upgrades & Tuning Discuss general performance and tuning enhancements for your Mercedes-Benz.

Interesting article.. any thoughts?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 21, 2004 | 01:24 PM
  #1  
Sleestack's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Interesting article.. any thoughts?

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2004 | 06:25 PM
  #2  
speedybenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
AMG C43, 1999
I have known Motoman (Pat McGivern) for many years and he knows how to build some really fast engines. I also believe the information on his Website is True.

Engines I built for AMA Supersport that ran against his stuff were good runners if they could run neck and neck with his. Rarely could one of my engines run down a straight any faster than something Motoman built.

To understand the whole concept of what he is saying I highly recommend that you sign up for his free site. He has some 23 articles posted on engines and what it takes to make them go fast.

Jeff

Last edited by speedybenz; Jan 21, 2004 at 06:32 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2004 | 07:00 PM
  #3  
nukblazi's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, MD
I hadn't read this but my father, a motor builder, and a highly experienced VoTec teacher told me this many years ago.

I broke my cl203 this way. I took my car out of the dealership, two blocks to the freeway, three exits to country roads northwest of of Cambridge, MA. Shifting then excelerating hard, downshifting and deceling that way.

Here's the baseline Dyno from a humid day last summer. Is this good by comparision?



Edit- The A/F was taken in the tail pipe. So it is off by point or so.

Last edited by nukblazi; Jan 21, 2004 at 07:05 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 06:36 AM
  #4  
sillydriver's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 298
Likes: 2
From: Boston
SL600, A8L W12, Continental GT, Range Rover SC
Interesting article. I have a knowledgeable friend whose theory on gently breaking in modern cars is that the procedure isn’t for the sake of the engine at all (in agreement with the article) but is really for the transmission and particularly the differential. The gearing in the differential has a complex milled shape which doesn’t have the smoothness of the honed parts in the engine itself. The break-in allows the surfaces of the differential gears to work-harden, allowing them to handle the enormous torque you get on a full throttle launch in first gear. If his theory is correct, then what you might want to do is take it easy in the low gears where torque to the rear end is highest, but floor it early on at high speed in, say, third gear to seat the rings.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2004 | 10:25 AM
  #5  
jco-amg's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: NY
ML 500 Sport
That also makes the case for breaking in the engine on the dyno rather than in the car. Aren't all AMG engines dynoed before installation?... If so let's hope they apply this principle.

It would be interesting to find out, given the impetus in current racing for longer use, high durability engines, in both DTM and F1...you would think there is alot of research into this issue going on at MB.....ie best breakin procedure for max power+high durability.

My Grandfather who drove only Packards insisted that you always warmed an engine under load...never at idle...for similar reasons.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:47 PM.

story-0
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-2
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-3
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE