How to Break In Your Formula 1 Engine

[John P]

Step One: assemble engine.

Step Two: carefully break-in cam between 2-3K RPM, ensuring that it doesn't idle.

Step Three: find a local hill and gently go up and down the hill with the engine under light load.

Or, you could do what these guys do 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26X_s28ilYs

Make sure that you watch until the end.

[John P]

I've been watching F1 for over 20 years now, and the engines continue to amaze me. I had the good fortune of touring the Ferrari Museum earlier this year, studying years' worth of F1 engines lined up, where they discuss the differences. Very interesting.

These engines rev so high (18K-ish) that they don't use valve springs because they are unable to reliably track the cam lobes at that speed. They are controlled by an electro-magnetic process instead. They used to rev to 20K, but they mandated lower revs to increase engine service life.

BTW, check out the headers at the end of the video. I doubt that the ol' standby of BBQ paint would hold. ;-)

[sinikl]

inconel headers. yes!

[chuck]

Dude they run pneumatic valve springs. Seat pressure is the same as over the nose pressure. The air supply is regulated.

[efi67vw]

inconel headers. yes!

just like my exhaust valves!

[Glenn]

But does it sing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XR7OpM2Ufk&feature=related

[efi67vw]

But does it sing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XR7OpM2Ufk&feature=related

way to much money, way to much time.

[John P]

way to much money, way to much time.

But still cool...