finally i got my new 08 Z... i'm really happy to own this beautiful car...
how can I ensure proper break-in for the new Z06 ? is there a limit for the speed or RPM limit that should not be exceeded during break-in? does 75-85 mph (6th gear) on the freeway sound reasonalbe?
what are the things that should be avoided when driving the new Z to ensure proper break-in and stay away from troubles?
Just take it easy on the WOT for the first 500 miles. Best to vary the speed over the 500 miles. No hard braking for 500 miles, remember the brakes are also new.
what are the things that should be avoided when driving the new Z to ensure proper break-in and stay away from troubles?
"No hard acceleration for the first 500 miles and then gradually increase performance until 1,000 miles", to quote the owners manual. In addition, "no hard stops for the first 200 miles", as the brake pads need time to bed in.
The break-in period is as much about the transmission, differential, and all the other moving parts of the car, such as the shocks and u-joints for example, as it is about the engine; in fact, even more so. One could argue that even the car as whole needs time to wear in, with subtleties such as the body panel fitment and other minutiae needing some time to settle in. In this way, creaks and noise may, and I emphasize ‘may’, never be an issue.
The fact is, cars are machines. And as such the harder they are used, the sooner they wear out. A thousand miles of taking it easy, although it doesn't guarantee a long trouble free life, certainly can't hurt.
Note: although not called for, some people change the oil after the first 5 or 600 miles.
Shift before the tach hits 8000
Seriously - see above & congrats on the beautiful new ride. Post some pics when you get a chance.
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'04 MS/Blk - Z06Fest IV, V, VI & VII - WinterFest I "Bus Driver"
You'll get more opinions on this than there are stars in the sky. I've done it both ways. Without exception EVERY car I have broken in easy made less HP and did not run as good as the one's I broke in with my right foot on the carpet. Corvettes have been no exception. I broke in my 03 easy....my 04 hard. The 04 made 14 more HP to the tires dead stock than the 03. And got better gas mileage to boot.
As soon as my 07 - all warmed up mind you - got to the on-ramp leaving the dealer, I hammered it through the first 3 gears (no power shifts). I ran the snot out of it for the first 1000 miles. It runs great, makes awesome HP, and has no issues whatsoever.
The next one will get broken in that very same way. And the next, and the next, and the next..........
Your '04 may have made more HP, but you failed to mention the fact it went through 3 transmissions, 2 differentials and 2 clutches. Not to mention how many halfshafts? Then there is the whinning noise from the wheel bearings and the latest differential.
But yeah, the engine runs strong.
Of course I'm kidding!!, but the point is as above.
what do they do with a race car... build it and then run the shit out of it!! if its gonna break.. ya might as well try and break it while its under warranty!! lol
Engine, trans and differential, I put a filter screen on w/a new oil filter and install magnetic drain plugs. I also change all drivetrain fluids first time around 500 to 600 miles and see what is in the litter box. If you ever try this practice a significant amount of time there will be some foreign material in the fluids, on the filter screen, filter and on the drain plugs.
Is this being overly cautious? Yes it is and it doesn't have anything to do with poor maching or dirty new parts during assembly. Remember that everyting in the engine and drivetrain have closely machined serfaces that wear in.(break in) These surfaces all have microscopic sharp edges that are sheared from running and getting on down the road. These tiny pieces of metal are smaller in new components that are broken in per GM's break in procedure. Yes you can "do it" your way, but GM's way will give you more troublefree miles.
The good part is that the engine will not realize its' potential if it isn't run hard, (WOT) after proper break in.
unfortunately i didn't have enough time to enjoy the car yet. i was very busy last week, i only put around 350 miles on the car so far. the car runs fine but i hear a noise (can be described as the rear axle chatter) on 1st gear when take off. the noise is starting to fade i hope it gets better after break in. there's also a "ticking" sound seems to be coming from under the hood when driving the car.
some people requested pics. i got some pics of the car, but i don't know websites that host pics.
c5 Zo6r-- I just got an o8Z also and the sounds your describing are normal. I now have 3000 mls and no chatter or shudder. There were alot of little things I wouldn't start to worry until you have a real issue that lingeres after break in. As far as break in this has been debated here much. I have agreed w/ no doubt and still do. Your motor will be mostly broken in after 500 mls. Thats when I would drop the oil and filter. Hold off on beating on the car because the rear and trans are not broken in yet. No High speed or holeshots. Many improper break ins result in rear failure or at best the dreaded rear whine. My dealer told me they have done at least 8 rear ends on the C6z w/ less than 3000 mls due to improper break in. There is nothing to debate break it in right and you will have less problems. Mind you I didn't say no propblems. I will be changing my trans and rear fluid after 5000 mls. There are alot of fine particals in there after it all mates up. It is 70,000 dollars treat it like you might keep it! After all the torture of waiting you can then start getting on it and then your jaw will hurt from smiling so much! Thats when the fun starts for me it's therapy. Best of luck Jim
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i'm really happy to own this beautiful car...
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