[TNshadetree]

I built a nice Vortec headed roller 350 with the GM Hot Cam. I've been driving around town to break it in with an occasional blast of acceleration. I have a really long freeway commute of about 100 miles and I'd like to start driving this project car with my new engine to keep from racking up miles on my daily driver and killing its value. But I didn't want to jump on the freeway and have it drone on at the same rpm for hours until it had been well broken in at various rpms.

So how many miles do you think it needs around town before seeing several weeks of freeway boredom?

[OneMoreTime]

200 maybe and do not use the cruise control on the freeway for a good while..just watch for overheating is all..

Sam

[TNshadetree]

I believe I'm over 200. I reset the trip meter once I started on the new engine. Cruise control or not, it's an overdrive car so it will be loafing along in the low 2000's rpm range.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by TNshadetree

I believe I'm over 200. I reset the trip meter once I started on the new engine. Cruise control or not, it's an overdrive car so it will be loafing along in the low 2000's rpm range.

In all likelihood, you're good to go NOW, but it won't hurt to do the "vary the speed" deal a while longer. IMO.

I would just make a habit of occasionally running it up a ways, then coasting back down w/foot off the gas, for the first few commutes (along w/what you're already doing). Then you're surely going to be good to go.

[turbolover]

Most of my builds get the standard cam break in, change the oil, and then 3 miles before I get it on the interstate- I'll let you guess how far it is from my house to the interstate.

Never a failure at break in. I have had a failure due to an oil line that turned out rather poorly though...

[TNshadetree]

My main concern wasn't just hitting the freeway, but it will be seeing pretty much nothing but freeway for quite a while.

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

I would just make a habit of occasionally running it up a ways, then coasting back down w/foot off the gas

Good advice here. This procedure has worked well for me on every motor I've built since I was a kid. Load the rings by accelerating in top gear, then oil the motor by coasting down in gear..... over and over and pretty soon, everything is good to go.