hi all-
i heard from a friend that in a new turbo charged car, you aren't supposed to use any boost for 1,000 miles....is that true? i have an STi on the way, an i need to know....thanks, any help is much appreciated.

 

You can get into boost prior to 1,000 miles. With the STi it is nigh well impossible NOT to get some boost. I think what you are talking about is the break-in period. For 1,000 miles keep your RPM's below 4,000. This allows the engine to break-in properly and will prevent any number of future ailments (oil blow-by, improperly seated pistons and rings, shredded gears).

This is so the engine can naturally and properly wear down all the right surfaces in all the right places and also go through natural heat cycles without the excessive pressures of high-rpm driving.

You may want to keep your boost lower (don't stomp on the gas on your way to 4,000 RPM) and keep it around 0.5bar/6-8lbs of boost.

Yes, it sucks but so does lots of blow-by (you find oil in your intercooler) and ground-up gears (lots of metal shavings when you change your gear oil).

 

Also during the break-in period, try to fluctuate the RPM's. Don't go on a road trip where you cruise on the highway for 100 miles with the tach consistantly at 3000. Just do your normal day to day driving without going above 4000 rpms.