Kirk...
Basically, "you take care of it...it will
take care of you" is the way to go, IMHO.
All Series A engines are pretty much
bulletproof. They are very tough to
break though they can be broken
through negligent and/or careless
operation/maintenance, just like any
other motor.
Depends how you use it and take care
of it, bearing in mind that brand name petroleum based lubricants of
today (along with lubricant technology
in general) are far superior to those of
yesterday in terms of anti-wear
additives ("packages").
Generally speaking....
Whether it's a 948, 1098 or 1275, the more you expose it to higher rpm's
(accelerated piston travel over miles)
as opposed to temporarily high
manifold pressures (throttle opening
as in "acceleration"), the faster the
bores/rings and engine mechanicals
will wear over miles/time, ALL ELSE
BEING EQUAL. This is also a "3 main",
rather than a "5 main" bearing design
as well.
Same with oil/filter changes and
scheduled maintenance.
In terms of "service life"
it's all strictly a case of "pay me now or
pay me later" with respect to vehicle
mechanicals (again), ALL ELSE BEING
EQUAL.
Usually, the nicer you are to "it", the nicer
"it" will be to your pocketbook over
miles/time, bearing in mind that it is a
machine and can break at any time for
no apparent good reason at all
(though this is not usually the case)
no matter how well you take care of it
in terms of operation/maintenance.
This doesn't mean you need to drive
it like a "girlyman". It means you operate
it "reasonably", with respect and
consideration for your time/effort (to the
extent you do your own work) and/or
pocketbook (to the extent you have to
pay others to do the work for you).
Like to see the redline on a continuous
basis in terms of acceleration? It"s fun
but it'll cost you. Don't slow down for
"uneven" surfaces? It'll cost you. Like
to drive it like you stole it (ALL the
time)? It'll cost you. Like to "save money"
by extending oil/filter changes and lube jobs? It'll cost you. Don't
check tire pressures regularly? It'll cost you.
Pinching pennies on lower octane
unleaded "regular". It'll cost you.
All a matter of....
"Pay me now or pay me later"
Cap'n. Bob
'60 :{)
|