In other threads about engine break-in, I've read warnings/recommendations to "stay off of VTEC" during the first xxxx miles.

Can someone explain what "staying off of VTEC" really means? Of course not revving the engine too high is common sense. But how do you know when VTEC has kicked in? Is it that obvious a sensation?

(This is a serious question -- I would really like to know....)

Thanks!

 

VTEC is at 6000 rpms. You'll want to stay below 4000 rpms, ideally.

 

Not to "pick nits" but the manual suggests you avoid full throttle acceleration, there isn't really a mention of an RPM limit. They do suggest avoiding driving at a steady speed for extended periods

 

M u s t V T E C !!!

I followed this:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1443

Snippet:
In order for your engine to run well from 1000 to redline, you need to operate it at all those rpms while it is breaking in. If you don't, the parts won't be used to working at the rpms you neglected, and they won't work as well at those speeds.

 

It's up to you on how you break your engine in. But I recommend you break in your piston rings first. All you need to do is warm the engine up fully, use 2nd or 3rd gear, and give it 1/2 throttle up to 5000rpm and let it come back down on its own. Repeat with 3/4 throttle up to 6000rpm and back down. Finally full throttle up to 7000rpm and back down. If you are not comfortable with 7000rpm, you can still stay at 6000rpm. Even 5000rpm should work. Most important is the amount of throttle, the increasing and decreasing of the engine RPM and warming up thoroughly.

After you have done this 3 short runs, you can then break your engine in as gently as you want.