Break-in

[CCM52]

Now that the wait is over, for those who will be traveling hundreds of miles to pick-up their ZL1, how are you planning to handle the 1500 mile break-in period?

New Vehicle Break-In

Notice: Follow these recommended guidelines during the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi) of driving this vehicle. Parts have a break-in period and performance will be better in the long run.

• For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi): Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops. . Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
• Avoid driving at any one constant speed, fast or slow. Do not drive above 129 km/h (80 mph).

• Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle when the engine speed will exceed 4,000 rpm.

• Do not let the engine labor. Never lug the engine in high gear at low speeds. With a manual transmission, shift to the next lower gear. This rule applies at all times, not just during the break-in period

• Do not participate in racing events, sport driving schools, or similar activities during this break-in period.

• Check engine oil with every refueling and add if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be higher than normal during the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi)

• To break in new tires, drive at moderate speeds and avoid hard cornering for the first 322 km (200 mi). New tires do not have maximum traction and may tend to slip
• New brake linings also need a break-in period. Avoid making hard stops during the first 322 km (200 mi). This is recommended every time brake linings are replaced.

• Should the vehicle be used for racing or competitive driving (after break-in), the rear axle lubricant must be replaced beforehand.

I personally have 550 miles to travel and plan on taking some back roads but will have to spend the majority of the trip on the interstate driving at a constant speed.

[2012ZL1]

Interesting on the diff fluid. I wonder what happens to it in that short of time?

[OVRKLL]

Originally Posted by 2012ZL1

Interesting on the diff fluid. I wonder what happens to it in that short of time?

Is that the diff oil or axle lubricant?

[Erik@Torq]

I broke in my SS by taking her to the road course 2 days after I picked her up and then did an oil change lol. 45k of extremely hard road racing and 3 x 6000 mile road trips miles later she is still 100%!

[RULK]

I think the car will drive fine if you don't follow the break-in instructions, they only thing would be the life of the engine would not be as long. 150,000K vs 200,000.

[adamgl]

• For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi): Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops. . Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.

All sound good except for this.

[htron50]

Originally Posted by CCM52

[*]Should the vehicle be used for racing or competitive driving (after break-in), the rear axle lubricant must be replaced beforehand. [/LIST]
I personally have 550 miles to travel and plan on taking some back roads but will have to spend the majority of the trip on the interstate driving at a constant speed.

Isn't the rear axle liquid sharing the cooler with the tranny and use the same fluid?

If so, do you therefore replace tranny fluid and rear axle fluid simultaneously?
IE, is it a simultaneous event?

[xx_ED_xx]

Every engine etc, the break in period is driving it like i normally would. And following severe duty service intervals

[trademaster]

Just don't beat on it and it will be fine!

[Fenderaddict2]

I recommend laying down two black stripes as you leave the dealership and keeping the pressure on until you park it in your Garage.

[Sven59]

Be careful violating the break-in period, I believe that the Chevy Service department can tell if you violated some of their rules and could void your warranty.

[hognutz]

this break in puzzels me beyond belief. I work with metals everyday as we operate helicopters.

there are heat cycling and break in issues for cetain metals, gear meshing, etc. 1500 miles is huge.

do not maintain a constant speed for 1500 miles???? good f-ing luck with that one.

I will not follow this proceedure to a T because it is almost impossible. I will follow guidlines of my own though.

the odd thing is just do do a dyno pull on a motor would be behond this break in procedure ha ha.

you have to wear the tires front tires in. rears can be broke in faster ha ha. heat cycle the trans and rear diff a few time. make sure the rings have seated before you redline the car.

I usually dirve to the coast and back ~200-250miles of random driving speed and rpm with multiple stops. then drive it like I stole it.

[phantom]

This thread was discussed several months ago and the one surprising comment was follow the breadk in period as noted for 250 miles. After that, do starts slow, accelerate hard to 80 MPH and then get off the accelerator, push in the clutch and let the vehicle come to a 5 MPH speed, then do it again. Several pulls like this per day will seat the rings better and allow the engine to develop into a more powerful beast. I'm not following this procedure, but it was discussed in great detail earlier this year. Most of the comments came from individuals that race cars and build engines. Any input!!

[ZL1_Alkindi]

The break in period for cars nowadays isn't as important as it used to be in the past due to improvements in material selection and manufacturing processes... I will probably go easy for the first 200 miles and then let her rip....

Sometimes you just have to show her whos boss....