200 mile gear break in
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From: Eastern Shore, MD
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
200 mile gear break in
Hey, quick question. If I drive the car 200 miles without putting it under heavy load is it an adequate amount of time for a break in. I was told to keep the car under 60mph and not floor it or anything for the break in time. If I drive it over 200 miles in 3 days, would it be safe to race afterthat? (dragrace that is)
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From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Re: 200 mile gear break in
I usually take it easy for the first 500 miles.
If I remember correctly, first time you drive the car, you are supposed to drive easily for 20 minutes and let the rear cool down for 20 minutes and do that 3 times, then take it easy for 500 miles or so.
A little after 500 miles, I will pop the cover, inspect the gears and put new fluid in.
Here is the break in for Richmond Gears,
So, according to Richmond Gears, only 30 miles of break in are required for street cars.
If I remember correctly, first time you drive the car, you are supposed to drive easily for 20 minutes and let the rear cool down for 20 minutes and do that 3 times, then take it easy for 500 miles or so.
A little after 500 miles, I will pop the cover, inspect the gears and put new fluid in.
Here is the break in for Richmond Gears,
BREAK IN
A new ring and pinion installation, especially a high numeric ratio with new bearings, can cause an excessive heat buildup in the rear end and cause softening of the gear teeth and bearings if a break in is not performed.
Street vehicles should be driven at normal street driving speed for approximately 10 miles, then stop and let cool for 30 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times. Towing vehicles need approximately 200-300 miles of normal street driving before being used for towing.
On circle track race cars make approximately 6 to 8 laps at slow speed, then let cool for 30 minutes. Make 6 to 8 more laps at slow speed, then 2 to 3 laps at full speed, the let cool again for 30 minutes.
Drag cars need only an initial run-in since they are driven short distances and heat is not normally a problem with proper lube and backlash allowance.
NOTE: If after the above break in is performed, overheating of the rear end is suspected, repeat the final portion of the break in procedures.
A new ring and pinion installation, especially a high numeric ratio with new bearings, can cause an excessive heat buildup in the rear end and cause softening of the gear teeth and bearings if a break in is not performed.
Street vehicles should be driven at normal street driving speed for approximately 10 miles, then stop and let cool for 30 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times. Towing vehicles need approximately 200-300 miles of normal street driving before being used for towing.
On circle track race cars make approximately 6 to 8 laps at slow speed, then let cool for 30 minutes. Make 6 to 8 more laps at slow speed, then 2 to 3 laps at full speed, the let cool again for 30 minutes.
Drag cars need only an initial run-in since they are driven short distances and heat is not normally a problem with proper lube and backlash allowance.
NOTE: If after the above break in is performed, overheating of the rear end is suspected, repeat the final portion of the break in procedures.
Last edited by Zepher; Apr 4, 2010 at 10:56 PM.
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