Racing Question

My buddy's integra ls-t just got a new head gasket and he installed all new pistons after he cracked one. He's put about 800 miles on the engine, and he was thinking about taking it to the track tomorrow night. Do you think there is any danger in racing the car so soon after he did the work on it? Is it even necessary for a break-in period after doing engine work that doesn't involve seals? I know it's not a dsm, but any advice would be appreciated, because I don't want him to screw up his car again.

I really dont the answer to this question, but in my opinion i wouldnt race it so soon regardless with what anyone says. Good luck!

what has he done to break it in? if its just a piston and HG it should be fine with 800 miles, but like my engine on my GST everything was new in it and i didnt start boosting any psi before 1500 miles, and i still havent reached full boost yet, i am waiting until i hit 2500-3000 miles just to be on the safe side! i'm at 2371 so i got around another 4-500 more!

I think hes better off getting a couple K on the car before pushing it on the track. No sense in taking chances.

Why run it and take the risk of it breaking again. I know its hard but it couldnt hurt to just wait.

Michael

One of the main break-in reasons is to let the piston rings and the cylinder walls machine in together, for a good seal. Your friend should have new rings, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to wait a while, especially with the turbo causing extra pressure that could blow by a non-sealed ring.

Thanks guys, all good points. He does have new piston rings, and I will tell him that he should wait a bit longer to make sure he's getting a good seal. No point in taking the car to the track if you aren't going to get full compression and you might break your engine again :grinno:!

Thanks for the tips everyone!

Have him do a compression test. If its good, and they are all even, then he can go for it. Just change the oil first if he hasnt done so since the rebuild ;) Rings seating during breakin is a machining process, and as such, lots of debris is created.

Here is my expereince and advice with breakin, in case peopel find this in a search. Actually, I'll start a new thread.