I know of no way to do a heat cycle break in with out a temperature gun. Personally I have tired many methods and heat cycle is the one I like best. I have big block engines that I have at least 9 gallons on them that are still going that I heat cycled when I broke them in. Yes there are other was to break in an engine but not one I will use on mine. A temperature gun can all so save you a motor so is it really worth $35 that is up to you. One more question what fuel are you running and what is the oil content?