new '07 ION 3 engine question

[mecha187]

I'm new to the new car thing, and since this is my pride and joy (that I will be making payments on for the next 3 years..) I was wondering what's entailed in breaking in a new Ecotec engine?

I got the VVT 2.4 (Enhanced Performance Package), in fact, I got almost every option on the car minus the Advanced Audio (I figure if I'm gonna be making payments, might as well get all the goods).

I know 90% of you will think I'm stupid for buying a Saturn now when the product line is getting revamped next year, but I wanted the polymer, and that unfortunately is going bye-bye next year.

I have about 360 miles on the engine now, and I wanted to know how long until I can drive the car normal. I use cruise control a lot at 45+ mph, and the car hasn't been driven faster than 65. I was quite impressed with how much the engine loafs considering it's a 4 banger. definite step up from my '94 SL2!

I'm really impressed with the 2.4's power / torque figures. I just want to know how long until I can put Civics to shame. (j/k)

thanks

[W.A.F.U.]

There really isn't a whole lot to breaking it in. The owners manual describes how to do it. No full throttle starts or staying constantly at one rpm during the first 500 miles.

MPG and power also improve after break in. I just did a 600k round trip with an average speed of 70mph and got 33 mpg.

Don't forget the LE5 gets all it's ponies on 91 octane gas. You can run safely run 87 with a slight power loss.

[mecha187]

Originally Posted by W.A.F.U.

There really isn't a whole lot to breaking it in. The owners manual describes how to do it. No full throttle starts or staying constantly at one rpm during the first 500 miles.

MPG and power also improve after break in. I just did a 600k round trip with an average speed of 70mph and got 33 mpg.

Don't forget the LE5 gets all it's ponies on 91 octane gas. You can run safely run 87 with a slight power loss.

ah, yeah, I guess they don't include manuals anymore. it's a wonder the dealer never asked if I wanted to buy one.

with the cost of gas now, I'll take the power loss. haha

either way, highway mileage is pretty good on it, if I can get an improvement on my city mileage (compared to my SL2) I will be satisfied. my SL2 was sold with 58,000 miles on it.... even though the car was mechanically mint for its age, I still got horrendous gas mileage driving to class this past year. in the winter time as low as 18 mpg.

thanks for the info.

[W.A.F.U.]

Somebody screwed up and forgot to give you the owner's manual. I'd call and ask the dealer for it.

I bought my 2.4 G5 for exactly that reason as well. I'm getting about 1.5 times the city mpg of my V6 Grand Am. I do a 3 mile drive to work with 7 sets of lights and one stopsign mixed in.

[mecha187]

Originally Posted by W.A.F.U.

Somebody screwed up and forgot to give you the owner's manual. I'd call and ask the dealer for it.

I bought my 2.4 G5 for exactly that reason as well. I'm getting about 1.5 times the city mpg of my V6 Grand Am. I do a 3 mile drive to work with 7 sets of lights and one stopsign mixed in.

yeah, I actually have to take it there sometime in the next week. they're throwing in a factory spoiler and the Navigation Package compass mirror free, but the parts haven't arrived yet.

[coaster.n3rd]

Yeah.. get your manual.

Your seals will set around 500 miles. Drive as fast as you want until then, just avoid cruising for long periods of time. Try to change your speed by 5 or 6 mile an hour every 5 minutes or so during the first 500.

As usual, avoid braking hard. Especially during the first 500. Your brakes have a better chance of glazing at this point.

[cdp326]

Even after the official break-in, the Ecotecs typically loosen up around 5,000 miles. While the break-in period is much shorter than that, many people on SaturnFans have felt that their car w/ Ecotec has a bit more pep to it after that, plus the mileage improves.

[silverbugeye]

Did you get the 5-sp or Auto?

The 2.4L Auto is OK. But the 5-sp is unreal compared to it.

[W.A.F.U.]

Originally Posted by silverbugeye

Did you get the 5-sp or Auto?

The 2.4L Auto is OK. But the 5-sp is unreal compared to it.

The 5 speeds are running about .5 quicker in the 1/4 than the autos from timeslips given on CobaltSS.net