I have a new 383 engine that is getting fired up for the first time this weekend and need the lowdwon on the proper steps that need to be taken after it fires for the first time. it is a hydraulic roller engine. I know all about the timing and fuel and stuff I basicaly need to know what I need to to to break it in the RIGHT WAY. this is my 3rd engine in 2 years and I dont want this one grenading on me. If it fires up and there is no problems, can I have it dynoed next weekend or is that too soon? I would really like to get it on the dyno to check out fuel and timing curves along with other readings.

 

I wouldn't take it to the dyno until you at least put about 3k of miles on it.

 

holy crap. 3K miles? What is the proper procedure to seat the rings on my engine? and how long should it take. Ill drive 3K miles in a week if I have to

 

I think its actually about 300-500 miles. The 3K would be just me, by then I know the engine has settled in and your numbers will be much higher after breaking it in.

 

I know the HP numbers will be higher after I pout some miles on it but I really want to dyno it to make sure the timing and fuel are correct

 

In that case, play it safe and take it after 700 miles.

 

looks like I have a LOT of driving to do this week

 

I would drive it for about 500 miles, drain the oil and pull the oil filter, check the filter and make sure there is no copper in it (which would show abnormal bearing wear) and then drive it normally (not redline everytime you're in it) but it doesn't hurt to get on it every now and then and at 3k miles, change the oil again.

That's what I do to every engine I've built and have not had any problems at all with oil consumption or breakage.

Matter of fact the last 350 I built with a buddy of mine, he took it out the first time and hit 7k on the tach and came back saying "well, we know it will turn 7 grand and stay together" I almost crapped when he did that, but that motor is taking a full body 1981 Malibu with full interior down the 1/8th in 8.3 with a 1.60 60' time, so we did something right.

Also, do not, I repeat, do not break the engine in with synthetic oil. Break it in with 10W30 (I prefer Castrol GTX) and then swap at the first 3k oil change (not the 500 mile change) and you should be safe.

But I wouldn't take it to the dyno before the first 500 miles just to give the rings a bit of time to seat (unless you put chrome moly rings in which take more time to seat)

One last thing, before you start it up, get an old distributor shaft or something that will fit onto the oil pump, hook it up to a drill and spin the pump which will prime the engine and build up oil pressure which will help in the start of the car.

 

What kind of piston rings?