Modding a New Car.

[5ohSHO]

How long or how many miles did most people on here wait before adding mods to a new SHO? As in meth, catless down pipes, dyno tune, etc. Most of the info I could find says about 1k miles for a break-in period, but the track opens soon and I've got a pile of parts sitting on the floor of my garage.

 

[bpd1151]

My mods began at day 3 of ownership and a crisp 301 miles on the odometer.

Haven't looked back ever since. LOL

 

[5ohSHO]

Haha. Good to know.

 

[FoMoCoSHO]

Mods? I'd say have at it, just don't change the oil before 4K.

When I bought the 15 I tried to have it changed at 300 miles or something silly.

Tech noticed the oil smelled like the special oil that comes in the Shelby.

Call to the hotline and sure enough, special break in oil they strongly recommended I left in till 4K minimum.

 

[SHOdded]

And pray tell, what does the special Shelby oil smell like?

 

[5ohSHO]

Didn't know that about the oil. I'm glad you said something! Now to finish reverting the PI back to stock so I can get my car on Monday.

 

[FoMoCoSHO]

And pray tell, what does the special Shelby oil smell like?

Didn't ask, too annoyed that they left that part out of the OM. Then the Mrs told me they probably don't put it in there because "normal people" don't change their oil within the first week of buying a new car. Touche'.

But apparently there is a "unique odor".

 

[Brucelinc]

I think I would need a bit more convincing before I will believe this break in oil business.    Is there a part number for this stuff?

 

[hawkeye93]

I don't know what it comes with from the factory, but I know that when installing a new cam, it's important to break it with with special break-in oil that has generous amounts of ZDDP.  Or you can use a ZDDP additive with regular motor oil.  I do have a case of PennGrade 1 for my Mustang that has extra zinc & phosphorus.

 

[lamrith]

I think I would need a bit more convincing before I will believe this break in oil business.    Is there a part number for this stuff?

There may not be if Ford uses it only in assembly and it is not made available outside of the factory?

 

[FoMoCoSHO]

I think I would need a bit more convincing before I will believe this break in oil business.    Is there a part number for this stuff?

There may not be if Ford uses it only in assembly and it is not made available outside of the factory?

I asked BND Brian about it and that's pretty much what he said.

IIRC he mentioned that Ford has an exotic/expensive Group V oil they use on certain break in applications. In my mind this makes sense for something like a Shelby, not so much for a mass produced 3.5 transverse.

He also suggested I leave it so I figured if the guy selling me oil thinks its a good idea to wait, it probably is.

 

[lamrith]

I think I would need a bit more convincing before I will believe this break in oil business.    Is there a part number for this stuff?

There may not be if Ford uses it only in assembly and it is not made available outside of the factory?

I asked BND Brian about it and that's pretty much what he said.

IIRC he mentioned that Ford has an exotic/expensive Group V oil they use on certain break in applications. In my mind this makes sense for something like a Shelby, not so much for a mass produced 3.5 transverse.

He also suggested I leave it so I figured if the guy selling me oil thinks its a good idea to wait, it probably is.

It may be mass produced but the Eco is a bit unique (obviously with how many of us are rabid groupies) with the twin turbo design that they may figure it is worth the added insurance during breakin?

 

[Brucelinc]

With all the twin turbo engines Ford builds, (F150, Lincolns, Explorers, Edges, etc.) this mystery oil has been a well kept secret....if this is true.  I have no doubt that some parts like maybe cams are coated with an assembly lube when installed but I would be surprised if the oil is anything other than Motorcraft syn blend. 

 

[SilvererSHO]

I don't know what it comes with from the factory, but I know that when installing a new cam, it's important to break it with with special break-in oil that has generous amounts of ZDDP.  Or you can use a ZDDP additive with regular motor oil.  I do have a case of PennGrade 1 for my Mustang that has extra zinc & phosphorus.

That's generally only for flat tappet cams though.