I've done a little research since I sent my message on engine break-in
periods. Jim Davis and others have questioned driving the car immediately
as they are aware of the necessity to hold the engine at a constant,
moderate speed for a specified period when firing up a newly overhauled
engine. It turns out that this is for proper camshaft and lifter break-in,
and is usually specified by the cam manufacturer. This does nothing to
seat the rings, however, so once the specified time at a continuous speed
has been performed, I would still get the car on the road to do some
deceleration/acceleration cycles to seat the rings before the newly honed
cylinders smooth out too much to permit proper seating. Thanks for the
catch Jim and others.
Rex Townsend
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