Break-in Information

Professional Installation is Required

  1. We, at Thompson Motorsports, thank you for your purchase. We are here to help in any way possible with the installation and use of your motor. We are, however, not responsible for improper installation, use or tuning. You have purchased an off-road use, racing motor. This is not designed to be a direct install in any application. This is not designed to be used with any factory tuning. This is also not emissions-friendly, and cannot be use on public roadways. To reiterate, we are not responsible for the improper installation, use, or tuning of your motor.
  2. Understanding the needs of your motor is extremely important. Having an expensive intake, exhaust, or power-adder does not guarantee success. You must have the proper components for your application. For example, our N/A motors are rated using large, long tube headers, open exhaust, and properly sized intakes - the correct components. Another common misunderstanding is turbo size. As your motor changes so does your turbo needs. The turbo that performed on your 5.3/327CI motor is not the correct one for your 440CI motor, and you will create issues. Similarly, the turbo that performed on your friends 427 is likely not the perfect turbo for your 370. If you are unable or unwilling to use the correct components, you will not see the motor's fullest potential, and are likely to damage your motor or components. Again, we are here to help, and are willing to help in any way possible to ensure that you have the correct components for your build.
  3. Factory oiling systems are limited to 6800 RPM. If you have a motor that is capable of more than 6800 RPM, it does not mean that the oiling system is. If you are using a factory-style, crank-driven oil pump, do not turn more than 6800 RPM or damage will occur. We offer accumulator kits and external dry sump kits that will allow for more RPM. If you have a motor capable of more than 6800 RPM, and you would like to look into one of these upgrades, please contact your sales rep at Thompson Motorsports.

Prior to First Start

  1. Confirm that you have the correct reluctor on your motor, 58x/24x available on crankshaft and 0x/1x/4x available on cam. If you are unsure, check the removed motor or contact Thompson Motorsports.
  2. For automatic transmission applications, ensure that your torque converter has been pulled out of the pump at lease 3/8" (0.375") to ensure that thrust damage does not occur. Some might require more than 3/8", but none will require less than that. Thrust damage is not covered under Thompson Motorsports' warranty for any reason.
  3. In a manual transmission, check with GM to ensure that you have the correct pilot bearing. There are two options, and if the wrong one is used, you will damage your motor and transmission. The correct one can only be confirmed by GM with your VIN. Thompson Motorsports does not supply these and cannot confirm what GM used, so GM must be contacted. All GM parts dealers can confirm the correct part number with the last 8 numbers of your VIN. Thrust damage is not covered under Thompson Motorsports' warranty for any reason.
  4. Factory EVAC systems are barely enough for a factory motor, and they are not enough for your off-road use racing engine. Upgrading your system is necessary, so contact Thompson Motorsports for what exactly is needed. You should never run your EVAC to your intake tube, throttle body, or manifold. This will cause oil to enter your manifold, and will create issues. You should never use an EVAC line directly over a rocker arm, because this will cause oil to pass through the line into your catch can or vent. Many factory locations will cause this issue.
  5. If Thompson Motorsports did not supply your long block, you must confirm pushrod length, valve springs, and piston-to-valve clearance. Thompson Motorsports is not responsible for any improper set up.

First Start and Break-In

Once your new motor is installed, please do the following.

  1. Fill with Valvoline conventional VR1 20-50w Motor Oil. This will be used for the life of the motor. Do not use thin full synthetic fluids unless specifically told to do so by Thompson Motorsports.
  2. Unplug the coil packs and injectors, and then turn the key to the start position, and allow motor to turn over for 6-10 seconds.
  3. Stop and wait 20 seconds.
  4. Repeat steps 2-3 three times. This will allow motor oil to work its way through the motor.
  5. Re-attach the coil packs and injectors.
  6. Flash your base tune in the vehicle to allow the motor to safely start and run.
  7. Check all motor oil and coolant fluid levels.
  8. Start the vehicle and allow it to run at 1000-1200RPM for 3-4 minutes.
  9. You will see oil pressure in 60 seconds or less. Do not start and shut off the motor over and over unless an unsafe condition occurs and it is necessary. It is normal to take up to 60 seconds of continuous run time to see oil pressure on some systems. If you are shutting off the motor prior to the prime in less than 60 seconds you will not prime the motor, and it can damage your motor.
  10. It is normal to not see oil to the top of the motor coming through your rockers for up to 4 minutes of continuous run time. Again, if you are shutting your motor down and restarting it repeatedly, you are preventing the prime of the motor, and you can cause damage. The oil will roll out of the rockers, not spray. This is normal.

Driving Your Vehicle

Make sure to follow these steps during the first 500 miles

  1. For the first 500 miles, you will be in a break-in period. It is normal to burn more oil than before during this time, as your rings will be seating.
  2. Always allow engine to warm up before putting the motor under load, even once the motor is broken in. Your high-performance valve springs are not designed to work at high load when cold, and your oil flows poorly when it is thick and cold.
  3. Keep the RPM below 5500.
  4. Vary the RPM during the break-in period for the first 500 miles. Do not just set the RPM and drive. You need to be accelerating and decelerating on the motor constantly.
  5. After 500 miles, change the oil again using Valvoline 20-50w conventional motor oil, and with an AC delco ph-46(97-06) or ph-48(07-12). Check the owner's manual for the filter to make sure.
  6. If in doubt, contact Thompson Motorsports at 972-853-2450. It's easier to answer a question than it is to break a good engine.
  7. Enjoy your TMS engine and components. Keep in mind, a lean engine or detonation is an easy way to break a good engine, and rich isn't safe like people will tell you. You must keep proper fuel and timing in your motor. We are not responsible for damage due to tuning issues or lack of good judgment.

Your First Oil Change

  1. You will see metal in your first oil change and small amounts in your second, but this is normal.
  2. There is a gold appearance that can look like metal in the Valvoline VR1 20-50 conventional oil used. You will always be able to see this if looking with light. This is not metal, it is just an additive to the oil and is normal.

Things We Should Never Have To Tell You
  1. Things like rags and sunglasses in your oil pan will prevent proper oiling. We are not responsible for damage no matter how nice the sunglasses were when you put them in the pan.
  2. If you purchase a camshaft and do not purchase springs and pushrods, it is up to you to figure out if what you have is enough to handle the camshaft. No, factory springs will not work with a high lift blower camshaft.
  3. Pushrods are not made in 1/2" increments. Measure them and set them up properly. Guessing and throwing pushrods "the next size up" and half an inch longer will only damage parts.
  4. Oil filters have an inlet and outlet. Oil from the pump goes to the inlet. Oil from the filter goes to the block. If hooked up backwards you will starve your motor of oil and will damage your motor.
  5. If you put a stroker crankshaft in a motor, you need more room in the motor. Check your windage tray. If the bolts are hitting the tray or pan, you need to modify, clearance, or replace the items hitting. Metal on metal in a motor is not as cool as it sounds.
  6. Just because the backspacing on the converter worked on your last motor, that does not mean it works on this one. You need to set this on every motor due to a change in combined tolerances. Not doing so can cause crankshaft damage on your thrust bearing, and it is not covered under warranty.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact us online or give us a call.
Thank you,
Thompson Motorsports
972-853-0518