Break In (Run In) info?

[mfretwell@mgeo.ca]

What is the recommended break-in procedure for an Evora?

I am planning the best way to pick up car and get first service, as our home is about 1,000 km from the dealer by the shortest route.

We are thinking to tour around Vancouver for a few days racking up the kilometres, get the first service then head home.

Thanks in advance.

[bingoking]

In the UK the first service is due at 1000 miles (1,610 km) but I am told that they can do this after 800 miles (1,287km).

Copied from the UK owners Handbook. Hope this helps you decide what to do.

Running-In

Although the Evora powertrain is built to close tolerances using modern technology, the progressive and sympathetic running¬in (or bedding-in) of a new engine and transmission, remains a valuable contributor to achieving the highest levels of efficiency, durability, smooth operation and economic performance. By following the simple guidelines described below, a solid foundation will be built for the car's lifetime career.

NOTICE

Failure to comply with the following running-in provi¬sions could invalidate the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty:

Engine: It is important during the car's early life, not to overload the engine, and to control the amount of engine heat generated. This is dependent primarily on throttle opening (accelerator position) and engine speed. However, being too sympathetic on the car will not allow the piston rings to bed in satisfactorily, so a balance of spirited and gentle use is required. For the first 600 miles (1,000 km), use no more than moderate throttle openings (about half of the available accelerator pedal travel) and do not run the engine continuously at engine speeds over 4,000 rpm. Occasional short bursts at wider throttle and higher engine speed will be beneficial, as will a constantly changing cruising speed and making full use of the gearbox. Do not allow the engine to labour in too high a gear ratio; change down and let the engine operate in its natural power band.

After 600 miles (1,000 km) have been covered, full throttle and/or maximum engine speed may be used for short periods, but do not attempt to exploit full vehicle performance until after the first 'After Sales' service has been carried out.

Transmission: Driving pleasure will be enhanced when using a light touch to guide the gear lever, allowing the tactile senses to convey gear selection messages from the internal mechanism. Forcing the change will cause unnecessary wear on system components and impair subsequent gearchange quality.

Brakes: Allow the brakes to bed-in by avoiding needless heavy braking for the first 100 miles (160 km). Thereafter, the first time the brakes are used aggressively, some loss of brake feel may be evident as the brake pads undergo a final conditioning phase. After the brakes have cooled, full brake performance will be restored. Both the brake pedal and gearchange efforts are likely to reduce during the running-in period.

Tyres: New tyres also require a short 'running-in' period before providing optimum grip.

Note that various operating parameters are continuously monitored and recorded in the engine electronic controller. This data may be downloaded by Lotus dealers on demand in order to assist with fault diagnosis and identify any vehicle misuse.

Stopping the Engine

After running the engine at high speed or under heavy load and generating substantial engine heat, if possible before switch¬ing off the engine, drive for a short period in a gentler manner, or allow the engine to idle for a few minutes in order for normal temperatures to be resumed. This consideration will reduce the effects of heat soak, and benefit the long term durability of the powertrain.

Most of all have fun with your new car.

[ads_green]

General advice for most cars is probably just as relevant:

1) Make sure the car is fully warmed up especially the engine oil before using anything other than the bare minimum throttle required.

2) Don't use full throttle if you can help it.

3) Don't labour the engine or make it struggle in too lower gear

4) Before 400 miles keep the throttle and revs under control. After 400 miles start using a bit more and then after 600 miles don't be afraid to venture up the rev range (with point 1 in mind). As the engine has VVT-i you'll want to get the engine up that high in order to make sure the performance cam's get some running in time. As per the above you should be able to use full throttle but don't just slam the pedal down but slowly press it as the rpm's build up.

5) Avoid steady state driving - sitting at a constant speed is terrible for running in as you want the engine and drivetrain see as many different conditions as possible. If you must do a long motorway journey then try to vary speed and gear and don't use the cruise control at all.

[mfretwell@mgeo.ca]

Thanks bingoking and ads_green, that is exactly the information I need. Now I can plan some west coast and Vancouver Island drives. Can hardly wait to go for a spin

[Al]

I believe that one of the reasons for the dire warnings about the post first service for a thrash is the car is delivered on mineral oil and then at first service changes onto fully synthetic. (At least in the UK) I can confirm that 800 miles is the window open for first service. They prefer 1000 and say 1200 should be the max. Mine was done around 830 or something because the car was in at that mileage for something else and it saved an additional journey. They did it themselves without me suggesting it.

[Moxie]

Here's what my dealer says:

First hundred miles drive the car easy.

100-400 become more aggressive into the upper band range

400-800 start getting into the higher revs

800-1000 drive the car….you want to break in the upper RPM range

[JAWS]

Matt, Have you collected it yet?

[Moxie]

Not yet--Friday. They already have the Stealth Grey Classics and have loaded the P Zeros and balanced and prepped them. The car shows up at the dealer tomorrow around 3:00. They'll then take the Design/Diamond-Cut wheels off, which I'll pick up in my BMW tomorrow afternoon and put in storage, then they'll put the Classics on and do the final setup. I'll take the train out to the dealer Friday morning, pick up the car about 11:00, and be on my way to a lunch meeting...which I expect to have zero retention of since my mind will be elsewhere! Supposed to be beautiful weather all weekend, so a jaunt on county roads up to New England to visit a few other TLFers like Bob Fogle and Whisky Bob, and see Wes Fredericks on the way back. Then as much Evora time as possible during the week for run-in, concluding with a trip with my son and father up to the Berkshire British Motorcar Festival for Father's Day Weekend. Can't think of a better way to spend it than with three generations of the dudes and the Evora.

[Bibs]

Want me to scrub those new tyres in for you

[Moxie]

Just stick 'em in the oven in case the roads are cold! I traded my GoPro HERO HD for a Contour+, which I'll try out this week and next with the Evora so hopefully get some nice footage. Any requests? I was thinking circumnavigating Manhattan as well as a few inter-Manhattan and Queens shots might be nice.

[Bibs]

170mph run please

[Moxie]

By the way, I've decided that Manhattan's only roundabout shall be renamed "Bibs' Loop" or "Drifters' Corner" depending on your preference.

[Al]

A roundabout!!! In America? Naw - can't be true. It will never catch on! 4 way stops are the way forward!

I'm in Philly this weekend as you know & wish I could have joined you but duty calls etc. etc. Enjoy.

[Moxie]

Hi Al. We'll meet some time, I'm sure. I could have jumped a flight to Glasgow with Shark Sandwich tonight! He just sent me a text from the runway. But then again you're here and not there.

[cjtpb13]

Matt,

Enjoy the roads...sorry I am not up at the Trumbull house this weekend. Will however see you at Bob Fogles on the 23rd.

We should explain to Al that our roundabouts just really are not the same...

[Moxie]

Honestly, I can't even think of another roundabout over here. Isn't there a large one on Cape Cod?

[trentor]

Honestly, I can't even think of another roundabout over here. Isn't there a large one on Cape Cod?

There are two right next to my office that rarely ever have much traffic at all. Fun.

[JAWS]

Want me to scrub those new tyres in for you

I think you did enough to the seats!! No wonder customs had their concerns

[Moxie]

I hope Sales at least had the decency to air it out.