I've been pushing it around. Hav'nt filled it up once yet.

Thats a pretty good acheivement! :P

I think really its best to keep it between 2000 & 3000 revs - and obviously try not to go from 2000 to 3000 as fast as it will possibly go.

Some cars have thinner oil from the factory which helps with the running in process. The Impreza is one I know of and the car should not be thrashed until after the 1000 mile service when the oil is changed for the regular stuff

I'm sure I read somewhere that all engines are red-lined on the production line, but I'm wondering how much truth there is in that.....!

Chris

I was going to offer my opinion on this from a mechanical engineer's point of view (one that now maintains gas turbine (jet) engines for a living) but the more i read the more i realise i could end up scaring people (oh sod it, here we go).

In the case of the motoring industry I used to think manufacturers advice was given to help your new vehicle last. A way of looking after your investment and so that they didn't have to keep fixing things. However, the more ex-employees of the motor trade i meet and talk to the more i am shocked.

I've heard stories of manufacturers "building in" weak points that would break at 70-80,000 miles so they could make more money out of the customer. Things like not fitting a 5p retaining circlip to the end of a layshaft inside a gearbox, instead welding on a little tab that they knew would break off at a specific mileage (due to fatigue). The customer takes in the car, the dealer knows what the problem is,books it in, charges hundreds to remove the gearbox fit a 5p circlip and re-fit the gearbox. Maximum profit!!!!!!!

With regard to running in, i would say make your own mind up (it's your car after all). It looks like there are good cases "for" and "against" on here, and each engine is different, not only engine type to engine type, but even each individual engine its self.

I've known bike, car and jet engines that have been extreemly good engines, reliable with good fuel and oil economy, but likewise i have known some real "bags of nails". It's strange how sometimes a series of components will come together and work beautifully, and the odd occasion where you fit some together and they almost refuse to work with eachother.

However, the fact that we now have deisel engines that produce Huge horsepower compared to those of 10, 15+ years ago, i think is testament to the leaps and bounds that automotive engineering has taken in recent years.

So, i say again. It's your car, do with it what you will.......