Conventional Wisdom — Bronco Engines Are Detuned for Break-in — True or False?

[Spooled]

I've dabbled in Ford tuning for years. Unless something has changed for the Bronco, there isn't anything in the factory calibration limiting engine power for x amount of miles of other Ford vehicles. We really don't know for sure until we can get into the PCM. As far as I know, no one has put on an a dyno yet either. The 2.7 isn't some high strung, hand built, race engine so I don't see why Ford would create a seperate break-in tune built in the ECM.

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[Mattwings]

I think you're right and I'm not sure if I should be concerned or just annoyed that they're doing this. I wonder if the transfer case clutch is the concern or if it's the 10R60. To have a 4.71 first gear and 4.7 final drive ratio and still be slow off the line is poopy.

It has only presented itself as noticeable when trying to do a drag style start. I assume the trans (I am positive it’s a trans related tuning parameter) will continue to adapt a bit and if it’s really problematic after I am familiar with the vehicle , I will look into Ford or other tuning. Motor feels great in most scenarios other than drag racing so far.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Where do people even come up with this sort of nonsense.

 

[tjnoffy]

Actually, neither of those documents say that explicitly. That’s just how you interpreted the text, which is a good example of how conventional wisdom develops and propagates.

For the record, this is exactly what those two source documents that you referenced say about the subject…

Bronco Nation article:

Owner’s Manual:

Yeah, so I need to drive 200 miles to bring my Bronco home from my dealer. What qualifies as "high speeds?" I-95 speed limits are 55-70 between there and home. Can I assume that sustained 70 mph is safe?

 

[Razorbak86]

Where do people even come up with this sort of nonsense.

It’s all formally discussed at the annual Wisdom Convention, with catered lunches, keynote speakers, and audio-visual presentations.

 

[Razorbak86]

Ok, it’s been a full day, had to work…I’m ready with my beer. What’s the verdict?

 

[zfischer]

On the testing "conventional wisdom" front, I'd love to see some evidence that Ford runs their engines through a break-in before installing them. I feel like we're in danger of adding more myths than we're dispelling here.

And, fuel for the fire:

 

[OX1]

And, fuel for the fire:

Good thing no one has ever floored a new vehicle on a test drive,
or had a brand new rental (is there ANYONE who doesn't floor a rental car,
just because??)

 

[BroncoBuckaroo]

I never intended to prove your interpretation wrong. I just proved that what you claimed those documents said was not true, and then I posted the specific text that you interpreted.

Now I’m going to do the same thing again for your snowmobile example. Your claim about snowmobiles is another classic example of conventional wisdom, because your own source document refutes your claim in the 2nd to last paragraph.

nah bro, im just giving you data and info from other sites.. I’m not claiming anything. And you didn’t prove shit ...

the fact is 100% you have no idea what Ford has done for break-in and until a Ford engineer releases that info no one does. I’m just playing devil’s advocate, because I thought the post was idiotic from the beginning.

 

[ZackDanger]

Yeah, so I need to drive 200 miles to bring my Bronco home from my dealer. What qualifies as "high speeds?" I-95 speed limits are 55-70 between there and home. Can I assume that sustained 70 mph is safe?

I am avoiding highways for the first 1,000 miles... mostly so I'm not sustaining a constant speed / RPM for extended periods of time.

There are as many different opinions about what's "proper" during the break-in as there are usernames registered on the internet.

So, you're probably fine... but it's not what I'm doing.

 

[jxc]

Does the system keep "learning" after the first 1000? What happens when you change the style of driving or move to different terrain( like going from a long highway commute at sea level to more stop and go at high elevation)?

 

[KnoxGnater]

Just for fun.

Maybe we can source our tops from whoever makes those blue parts bins! They look really nice and well made....

 

[Spooled]

On the testing "conventional wisdom" front, I'd love to see some evidence that Ford runs their engines through a break-in before installing them.

I've been trying to find some info for the Lima plant specifically, but have been unsuccessful. The 3.5 EB is built at the Cleveland Plant and I know they have a ton of dyno cells.

I don't work for the big 3, but every engine we build runs through roughly a 15 minute test and the procedure looks like this:

Warmup 1
Warmup 2
Warmup 3
Rated (engine is held minimum 120 seconds at peak hp)
Torque Check (engine is held minimum 120 seconds at peak torque)
High Idle
Low Idle
Shutoff

Modern machining practices pretty much negate the need for a break-in. Our procedures are more to snuff out assembly issues or piece part issues.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

False. Any power loss felt may be attributed to the dealer using 87 octane fuel. The transmission logic takes some learning miles but if you are talking about WOT runs that goes out the window. I am willing to bet that if take a Bronco with 10 miles to the dyno and retest it on the same dyno in the same conditions the results will be with a few HP.

 

[tjnoffy]

I am avoiding highways for the first 1,000 miles... mostly so I'm not sustaining a constant speed / RPM for extended periods of time.

There are as many different opinions about what's "proper" during the break-in as there are usernames registered on the internet.

So, you're probably fine... but it's not what I'm doing.

Yeah, I think sustained speed/RPMs is the issue. Come to think of it, my dealer (my cousin) is on US 1, which parallels I-95. Think I'll plan a nice leisurely ride home on Rt. 1. Lots of little towns with stop lights and probably max 55 mph limits. Thanks for helping me think that through!

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