New crate 454
Last month I broke the crank in my 1988 Winnebago Super Chief. It had only 57,000 miles on it. I located a GM crate engine 454. I took my time and installed the engine piece by piece. I went with a n...
Forum Discussion
Dave H M wrote:I've built engines and there is a great amount of friction that generated quite a bit of heat while they brak in. The most obvious examples have been the several american made, air cooled motorcycle engines I've built and rebuilt. Those with kick starters really let you feel the friction of the honed cylinders grating on the rings as you kick them through. They kick easier as they break in. The amount of heat thrown off a new air cooled engine is undeniable. Bearings and other surfaces also break in, but don't generate as much heat as the cylinders/rings.
I see not reason why a crate engine would run hot because of friction - never heard of that. I have not had that many new engines but nary a one ran hot from the factory.
As to the timing, using the most advance you can without pinging will lower engine and exhaust temps. It will also give you better power or economy. I like to say OR because we have to choose which is more important for each driving condition. When My 454 is pulling 21,000 pounds up a 7% grade, the last thing I care about is economy. Power and temperature are my priorities. When I'm cruising along the flats, I appreciate the better efficiency it offers.
