Viper engine Break-in

[roadrunner]

This was in my owners manual - and it mimic the old "Herb Helbig" break-in recommendation from the old Viper magazine pretty closely.

SRT ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

SRT Engine Break-In Recommendations: The following
tips will be helpful in obtaining optimum performance
and maximum durability for your new SRT Vehicle.
Despite modern technology and World Class manufacturing
methods, the moving parts of the vehicle must still
wear in with each other. This wearing in occurs mainly
during the first 500 miles (805 km) and continues through
the first oil change interval.

It is recommended for the operator to observe the following
driving behaviors during the new vehicle break-in
period:

0 to 100 miles (0 to 161 km):
• Do not allow the engine to operate at idle for an
extended period of time.
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more
than halfway to avoid rapid acceleration.
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 3,500 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph (88 km/h) and
observe local speed limits.

100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more
than halfway to avoid rapid acceleration in lower
gears (1st to 3rd gears).
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 5,000 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph (112 km/h) and
observe local speed limits.

300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
• Exercise the full engine rpm range, shifting manually
(paddles or gear shift) at higher rpms when possible.
• Do not perform sustained operation with the accelerator
pedal at wide open throttle.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 85 mph (136 km/h) and
observe local speed limits.

For the first 1500 mi (2414 km):
• Do not participate in track events, sport driving
schools, or similar activities during the first 1500 mi
(2414 km).

NOTE: Check engine oil with every refueling and add if
necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be higher
through the first oil change interval

[Blue T/A 2.0]

Change the oil on delivery! Follow the guide lines for the first 500. Then drive it, like you stole it! I could only make it to 400. Car hauls ass!! I'm at 1,800 miles.

Do you mean change the oil as soon as you get it or wait til 500 miles? I have considered changing mine to Mobil 1 as soon as I get it and change it again at 500 miles. May
be overkill, but....

[TexasTonka]

Just an FYI, Mobil1 and Royal Purple have both replied to my inquiry that they do not meet the required Chrysler Material Standard MS-12633 for 2015 Viper V10 motors. Amsoil did reply that they do acknowledge and meet this new standard.

Just thought I would throw that out there, I know there have been a few motors with spun bearings etc and you would not want to give Chrysler any firepower to deny a warranty claim if you used oil that did not meet the required material standard.

[Blue T/A 2.0]

That's ridiculous. Sounds like what GM did with their oil certification, whatever it was called. Dexos or something like that; however, if I recall correctly, Mobil 1 did meet that standard. Thanks for the heads up.

[dasvolk]

Just an FYI, Mobil1 and Royal Purple have both replied to my inquiry that they do not meet the required Chrysler Material Standard MS-12633 for 2015 Viper V10 motors. Amsoil did reply that they do acknowledge and meet this new standard.

Just thought I would throw that out there, I know there have been a few motors with spun bearings etc and you would not want to give Chrysler any firepower to deny a warranty claim if you used oil that did not meet the required material standard.

So which oil do we need to be using?

[bluesrt]

The manual also says to do hard pulls but stay under the speed limit.

I have been doing those hard pulls up to 4K rpm. I will change the oil at 500 miles.

yep, helps seat the rings well

[AZTVR]

Do you mean change the oil as soon as you get it or wait til 500 miles? I have considered changing mine to Mobil 1 as soon as I get it and change it again at 500 miles. May
be overkill, but....

I think that the "change the oil immediately " comes from the discussion of some 2013 model year engine failures where the oil in the engine reportedly had an unexpected color. I would think that by the 2015MY, they would have fixed whatever manufacturing escape might have caused that, if it were part of the problem.

So which oil do we need to be using?

Well, Dodge does refer to 0W-40, Pennzoil Ultra or equivalent in the user guide. Some people like other oils for various reasons; but, always remember that even in one manufacturers product line, such as Mobil 1, there is variation in formulation of additives like ZDDP that is different for various viscosity formulations . Just recommending "Mobil 1" does not help. There are two specific viscosity formulations of Mobil 1 that are more desirable from a ZDDP standpoint. Here is Pennzoil's press release, for what it is worth. http://www.pennzoil.com/press/new-pe...-srt-vehicles/