Your new engine has fresh machining, new rings and new bearings. The first 1,000 miles are the break-in period, when the rings and bearings seat. How you drive during that time affects how long the engine lasts. Following this procedure is required to keep your warranty.

Before the first start (installer)

• Fill the oil and coolant to the correct levels and check for leaks.
• Prime the oil system before the first start, so the engine has oil pressure right away.
• Make sure the correct tune/calibration is loaded, especially for AFM/DFM delete and performance builds.
• After the engine starts, watch the oil pressure and temperature. Shut it off if anything looks or sounds wrong. Avoid long idling.

Break-in period: first 1,000 miles

• Use conventional oil only during break-in. Don't use synthetic oil until break-in is complete.
• Change the oil and filter at 500 miles.
• Check the oil level regularly during break-in. Some oil burn-off is normal until the rings seat. Top it off as needed.
• Vary the engine speed often, between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM. Avoid long idling or constant RPM, such as highway cruising.
• No heavy loads, no towing and no high-RPM driving.
• Metal particles in the oil at the first change are normal and are not a defect.

1,000 to 3,000 miles

• Drive normally, but avoid sustained high RPM or heavy loads until 3,000 miles when you can.

High-performance and stroker builds

• High-performance engines, including HEMI Strokers, come with no warranty (see the Warranty & Refund Policy). Following this procedure still gives your engine the best chance at a long life.
• Complete the full 1,000-mile break-in before any hard use. Red-lining a new engine early can destroy it.
• Follow the cam manufacturer's break-in instructions if they're different from these.

After break-in: required maintenance (keep your receipts)

• Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first, using API-rated oil of the correct viscosity.
• Flush and replace the coolant every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
• Check the belts, hoses and cooling system regularly.
• Use good-quality fuel.
• Receipts must show the date, mileage and service performed.

On warranty-covered engines, not following the break-in procedure voids the warranty. Full terms: Warranty & Refund Policy.