I know back in the old days that people would swear by being really rough on their brand new cars which helped them break in better... is this lore or fact? I guess the more important question for me (since I'm planning to buy an 08 accord v6): is there a break in period on a modern vehicle? Are you susposed to take it easy or treat it mean?

Google found this article where the author agrees with the more aggressive break in technique. There are many others that more or less agree with what this guy wrote; just google these terms and you'll see what I mean:

new engine break in

 

for the first 500-1000 miles you should stay away from wide open throttle (WOT, Flooring it) moderate accleration and don't be suprised if your fuel economy doesn't look great, it will improve. You're better off not to "beat on it" during the break in period, take it easy, shift early..

 

I remember the owner's manual for my dad's 01 accord saying that you should avoid going over 4k rpm for the first 600 miles.

 

Ah, here is another decent looking break in procedure:

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/s...d.php?p=590862

 

Interesting thread.... The heat cycling makes sense.... chances are one of the honda techs will swing in and toss out an opinion before to long...