Proper Engine Break-in & other questions

[Guido]

Hi guys,

I browsed around here for a while before making an account - you all seem pretty helpful so I decided that I'd ask a few questions.

I got a new 2004 Tib GTV6 Shiftronic about a month ago - my questions:

1) How important is the break-in process? The manual suggests not going over 55mph and to keep it between 2-4k RPM. Normal highway driving will break the 55mph part, so I was wondering how important the break-in stage is for these engines. Oh, the manual suggests 1,250 miles of the above driving practice.

2) I am not looking to bump this engine to 250 horsepower or anything like that, but I would like to see a little more low-end torque. Are there any modifications that can boost this without getting too outrageous?

3) Related to #2 - how much can you "get away with" as far as modifications while still keeping your warranty? Yeah, I read the legal post above, but in general, what is acceptable? Again, I don't plan on doing much, if anything ($$$ reasons) to this car.

4) I haven't done any modding before, so I am wondering how noticable the horsepower gains are. I mean, will you actually notice a 5 horsepower gain, or do you need to do at least 7-10 to feel an increase?

That's all for now. Forgive my noobishness and all that, and thanks in advance.

[Edited by Guido on Nov 27, 2004 3:06 PM]

[SPIKE]

welcome :evil:

1. Semi important lol...I had a new GT V-6 6spd I drove it ...just normal
2. I/H/E (3 basics) Intake *(AEM, INJEN) Headers (ebay) Exhaust( Borla, ARK, MUSSA)
3. You are pretty much safe with that law in the glove box I always was
4. I felt them with the KORE exhaust and AEM I had

Anymore ask

I am always on AIM too
Tiburonman2001



Also work on the footwork (suspension, wheels etc..)

I went with a pro kit from Eibach, and 17X8 wheels (filled the space nice) if I did it over again I would get 18X8's (like I have for sale off my car now : )

[Edited by SPIKE on Nov 27, 2004 4:12 PM]

[MonzaRacer]

Never really worked on a V6 tib before but here are my two cents:

1. Break-in according to what the manufacturer says, keep it under 55 mph (u can technically go up to 60) and keep the revs under 4K, also on cold days let the car warm up before you start driving and especially since you have an auto gearbox, don't push too hard in the cold until the engine gets to its op. temp.

2. As far as torque goes, an intake/header/exhaust type deal will generally increase torque by about 10-20 lb ft, but keep in mind that most of these numbers come at higher than normal revs. One thing to watch out for is mufflers though, alot of times they decrease backpressure in the exhaust system and thus rob you of torque at low rpms (normal city driving).

3. Generally speaking, most dealers will try to void your warranty for very minor things, but unless you mess with the car's electronics and fiddle around too much with the engine, they can't really do much cause you can never be made to replace a part with only a genuine factory part, it is a free market after all, that is unless you signed against this in the warranty contract.

4. In all honesty HP and torque gains are a little hard to feel. Unless something radical like a supercharger or turbo kit is put in there you won't be able to immediately feel the difference. Keep in mind that it's the full package that counts, that is don't expect to feel a difference when you put your intake in as far as accel. goes. But with a whole intake to muffler system you will deff feel a mild difference over stock. With handling improvements like coilovers, strut bars, wheel/tire and anti-roll bars you will definately feel the difference immediately.

[Guido]

Thanks for the replies guys. I did come up with a couple more questions, though:

1) Those engine covers in my engine bay. Do they serve any purpose at all? I can see them *maybe* keeping the engine slightly cleaner, but I imagine most dirt come from the bottom up, that is, the street.

2) A common upgrade for a lot of cars is a Preformace Chip. I read here that there isn't really a such thing for NA Tibs, but I have read about upgraded/tweaked/improved ECUs. Anyone have any info about these?

Thanks again.

[SPIKE]

1. The engine covers don't really serve a "purpose" they are just there lol..I actually look mine off, and I have seen people paint them to match the car etc.. (My IS300 has matching covers) soon to be all

2. R.E.A.L ECU is what you are asking about, and please don't buy into the Ebay "chips" and don't ask about them, they are BS PM Hyundaifixer (AJ) he knows about the ECU as he works with REAL on a lot of things

Anything else just ask

As always I am online a lot so AIM works too man

[Mad-Machine]

one of things you are in luck with.. the v6 responds well to simple bolt ons like an intake and exhaust.