which method is better for less engine wear?

[markbigears]

let the engine tick over for "x" mins before driving off or drive car from cold keeping the car at "Y" rpm for "Z" mins. Always wondered what was the better method....oh if anyone can fill in the x,y,z factors would be really appreciated, happy new year, mark

[spnracing]

In the case of running in new engines, Scholar (race engine builder) have told me many times NEVER to let an engine sit at idle, it should always be under load.

The engines in the S's are bog standard reilable things, I would say drive at low revs (under 3K) until the temperature gauge is normal.

[Roy C]

let the engine tick over for "x" mins before driving off or drive car from cold keeping the car at "Y" rpm for "Z" mins. Always wondered what was the better method....oh if anyone can fill in the x,y,z factors would be really appreciated, happy new year, mark

However, the battery is not charging until the engine revs pass 2000rpm. I usually just let it idle for 1 min (while I close the garage doors), then use low revs for a while.
x = 1, y = <3.5K, z = 5 ish.

[johno]

The way I used my S and the way I use my Griffith is as follows.

Get in, turn on, put stereo in/on, adjust seating position and drive off keeping the revs below 2500 until I se at 50 degrees on the temp gauge and then I will tak the revs above 3000 but no further than 4000 until I am happy the engine is properly warmed through.

In the case of cas with Cats then they should not be left at idle a the mixture is far too rich when the engine is cold and help deteriorate them faster.

[colin m]

Many moons ago in college, we were all told that a piston can reach operating temperature in around 20 seconds (hence fully expanded) but the block could take up to 20 minutes to become fully heated, and so expanded.
Spot the obvious problem here!
Modern engines are probably going to be quicker heating up, but nothing like 20 seconds.