Order Arrival and Break In

[Dirigo]

Got the email today that my RB 15' has arrived! I stopped by to take a look and it's perfect. I'll be picking it up in the morning.

I have read through the engine break in and first oils change threads and have seen a lot of different opinions. Now that people's cars have had time to mature, what is the best strategy? Is there anything else I should do when I pick it up?

I left work early when I saw the email; Christmas in July.

 

[koozy]

just drive it, don't over think it. follow the owner's manual suggestions and you'll be good.

 

[JasonHaven]

This is a bit of a debated topic

I "take it easy" for the first 1000 miles or so, get an oil change, then drive as normal. Some will give you very strict instructions. Some will tell you to just floor it off the lot. I have a feeling as long as you take care of your general upkeep it doesn't make a giant difference, but who knows.

 

[Dirigo]

Picked it up today and got up to 70 miles. Taking it easy is going to be tough. The blue looks amazing and the Recaros fit like a glove.

My only concern is a small clunk when shifting from 1-2 and 2-3z. The wheel also seems to be a a couple cm. off center to the right. It's minor but definitely noticeable when I'm trying to keep the car straight.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Are your sure its not torque steer.... Lol

Good luck with the break in. I was kinda nice but did some wot as well. Made sure for the last 10 of driving i was gentle to have cool down.

 

[dyn085]

Took mine straight to a safe area to help seat the rings and brakes with some heavy throttle/braking allocations.

 

[CanadianGuy]

One more thing on the steering. I just took mine driving for some homemade french fries at a local chip truck and can make the steering pull left or right if I nudge it one way and leave it. Seems the rack is very stiff and msut be pulled to center to be center. May not be what you have but its my observation.

 

[Joker328]

Picked it up today and got up to 70 miles. Taking it easy is going to be tough. The blue looks amazing and the Recaros fit like a glove.

My only concern is a small clunk when shifting from 1-2 and 2-3z. The wheel also seems to be a a couple cm. off center to the right. It's minor but definitely noticeable when I'm trying to keep the car straight.

Clunkiness in the 1-2 shift is pretty common on this car if you aren't gentle with the clutch. I got the Cobb RMM and it improved somewhat, but I still have to baby that last inch or two of the clutch for a smooth 1-2 shift, 2-3 less so, and not at all in the higher gears.

 

[koozy]

Picked it up today and got up to 70 miles. Taking it easy is going to be tough. The blue looks amazing and the Recaros fit like a glove.

My only concern is a small clunk when shifting from 1-2 and 2-3z. The wheel also seems to be a a couple cm. off center to the right. It's minor but definitely noticeable when I'm trying to keep the car straight.

check the tire pressures, but it's possible that the "wheel center" got knock out during transport or slightly off from the assembly line. it's under warrantee and others have taken their cars in and had it covered (corrected). the clunkiness will lessen with use. Congrats and enjoy you're new ride!

 

[Dirigo]

One more thing on the steering. I just took mine driving for some homemade french fries at a local chip truck and can make the steering pull left or right if I nudge it one way and leave it. Seems the rack is very stiff and msut be pulled to center to be center. May not be what you have but its my observation.

I noticed the stiffness, but no matter how I move the wheel, when its's at dead center I pull to the left. I'm going to check the tire pressures as Koozy suggested and see if there is any change. I did a bit of hard braking but am apprehensive to be too much above 3k RPMs until I get a couple hundred miles in.

I've owned several manuals and matter how I modulate the clutch, I still get the cliunking. I'm going to give everything some time and hopefully it improves

These are minor concerns, and I am blown away by the car. I'm going to spend some time on the back roads tomorrow before the 100 mile commute on Monday. Thanks guys!

 

[Rysessoms24]

Yes definitely check the tire presure. I drove my car for ab 300 miles before checking them. Now mind you I live in the downriver area of southeast MI and our roads are so bad so I figured the suspension was just that stif HAHA boy when I saw the tire pressure were 55 in the front and 50 in the rear I couldnt believe the difference in the way things were really supposed to feel. 39 in front and 36 in the rear are the manu specs. The steering is so much more responsive now too. Enjoy your ride man.

-Ryan

 

[Rysessoms24]

Its possible [MENTION=2668]Dirigo[/MENTION] you may need an alignment ?

 

[eleven]

Yeah, stealership failed to check my tire psi upon delivery as well. Rode like s**t.

My steering is off slightly in the same direction too. My last 2 new Mazdas were the same. Stealership claimed it was to compensate for the crown in the road. I don't like it.

Same clunks as well. Slight clutch shudder 1-2 & 2-3.