What are your "break-in" techniques for the 5.7L Hemi?

[Afflyer]

I got my oil changed for the first time in my new '07 Hemi Ram.  I've got 3500 miles on her.  I asked around the dealership how best to break in my 5.7 Hemi, so as to get the best MPG that I can.  Currently, I'm getting 14.7.  I can't seem to break above 15 MPG. 

Since I don't do much highway driving around here; the squadron is only 16 miles away from my house, I was told that I should "punch it" as often as I can when the engine is at normal operating temperature.  Naturally, staying within the limits of the law, I might add.  Putting the hammer down several times a week is supposed to seat the rings, seals and what ever else- much better, so I've been told.

The guys told me that the 5.7 isn't truely "broken in" until 10,000 miles.

Any truth to this claim?

What have you guys done to break in your Hemi's if you don't do much highway driving on a daily basis?

Thanks guys,

Bradley

[69charger2002]

i've now had 4 of them since 04, and i've beat on some, been easy on some, used 87 octane, used 93 octane, never made one bit of difference.. i always got 13-14 city driving, not much better on the interstate, all were 4 door dodge rams.. i put 30-35000 on my first 3, this current one is an 05 with 5600 miles on it.. it's a ram 3500 dually. i can't imagine what this one will get, probably 10 mpg.. the hemi's just suck for gas mileage in a truck. period. they never get the 14-19, even my 07 hemi with MDS sucked gas down..
trav

[Magnumcharger]

Not that I'm an authority, but I remember reading somewhere that the ECM in the new vehicles equipped with Hemi engines actually has a "break-in" program installed, which limits the amount of avaliable HP in the first 20K or thereabouts.
I'm sure this might have something to do with mileage as well.

[Spike]

Read this break-in procedure, this guy seems to know his stuff.
Break in secrets

[leeandgrant]

I agree with Spikes link. I have a 2003 Hemi Ram and I have driven it like I stole it from mile 000003. Uses no oil, runs like a champ, but the fuel mileage is not the best. 12-14 city, 12-15 towing my cars around, and 16-17 interstate not towing anything. Sure beats the 5.5 my 1977 Plymouth Trailduster 400 full time four wheel drive gets.....

[Chatt69chgr]

My 2005 4X4 Quad Cab was getting right at 15 around town (taking it pretty easy on the gas).  On the interstate, at a constant 70mph with cruise and keeping my foot off the gas completely, I have got 19.  This was on I-75 between Chattanooga and Knoxville which is pretty level the whole way.    Probably gets 10-15% less now with the damn alcohol in the gas.  My company car dropped from 30 to 28mpg.  As far as break-in, the only thing I did was to avoid jackrabbit starts for the first 500 miles and to not run at a constant speed for any distance.  Would run at 50 on the interstate and then 70 and then back again.  I changed the oil at 1000 miles and put in Mobil 1.  I am using 5W-30.  Not 5W-20.  I have changed the oil and filter every 5000 miles.  Probably should be using the Mobil 1 filter but have been using the Mopar Filters.  With the local dealer now getting stupid on prices I will probably seek out a different filter source and type.  The only thing that ever happened in 28,000 miles was the engine just died once maybe 10,000 miles ago when I pulled off a 5 mile straight stretch and coasted to a stop at the end of the exit ramp.  Just quit.  I have heard of others having this problem but this is the only time mine ever did it.  I wish it got better milage but it is a big truck and it will haul my charger on a trailer eventually.  I drove a little Nissan 4cyl king cab 2wd 5sp for 100k mi and liked it but, honestly, I would never want to have to go back to that size vehicle.  Too small.  Would wear you out driving to Knoxville, Nashville, or Atlanta which are all 2-3 hours away from me.  Still a shock to fill the 26 gallon tank and ring up $80 soon to be $100.  I retired but may have to see about that greeters job at Walmart.   

[wizkid]

sorry if this is off topic, but my 87 ranger 4 cyl gets 20mgp town and 25ish highway, that doesnt really seem much better than your 8 cyl hemis, i dont know why i get such low gas economy with my little 4 banger but oh well, i plan on ripping it out and sticking a 302 5.0 in it anyways

[Brightyellow69rtse]

afflyer do an cai and a performance muffler chop the resonators too. i went form 11 to 15 on my 2500. i did other stuff too but thats the cheapest stuff for the most bang. im still investigating on the superchips if it helps or hurts..........Mike

[Charger74]

Read this break-in procedure, this guy seems to know his stuff.
Break in secrets

Kind of funny about that link, when I would rebuild my engine back in high school and the few years later, a few of my friends told me straight up, RUN IT HARD for the break in.  Guess I never really understood why, now I definetely to understand.  My engine did run pretty good and for along time because I did do just that.