Newbie Break-in questions...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 165
From: Raleigh, NC
Newbie Break-in questions...
Hi all,
First off thanks for the great forum. I have spent the better part of my evenings the past few weeks searching the forums and learning stuff about vettes. I just sold my 340 RWHP '99 T/A and bought a Torch Red '03 Z. I love it already. Just a few questions.
Temps: At idle temps are pretty high on the car (235 deg) during normal driving conditions it drops back to 210 which was what I expected. Is this normal for break-in??
Power: My '99 felt like a turd for the first 3K miles I had it, felt like it gained 20 RWHP beween 3K and 5K. Can I expect the same with the Z? I drove an '02 (6500mi) that felt significantly stronger than mine (I have only pulled mine to 5K). I attributed this to break-in.
Any othe break-in or general tips??
TIA,
-Nick
First off thanks for the great forum. I have spent the better part of my evenings the past few weeks searching the forums and learning stuff about vettes. I just sold my 340 RWHP '99 T/A and bought a Torch Red '03 Z. I love it already. Just a few questions.
Temps: At idle temps are pretty high on the car (235 deg) during normal driving conditions it drops back to 210 which was what I expected. Is this normal for break-in??
Power: My '99 felt like a turd for the first 3K miles I had it, felt like it gained 20 RWHP beween 3K and 5K. Can I expect the same with the Z? I drove an '02 (6500mi) that felt significantly stronger than mine (I have only pulled mine to 5K). I attributed this to break-in.
Any othe break-in or general tips??
TIA,
-Nick
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
Re: Newbie Break-in questions... (niphilli2)
Temps are normal not to worry. Break in really has nothing to do with the power delivery. With 5 miles on mine I passed a truck and scared the devil out of myself. If she is not pulling strong now whe won't after 500 miles, have the dealer check the tunign, plugs, wires etc. and see if there is something not set up right. JMHO
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,474
Likes: 2
From: Detroit
Re: Newbie Break-in questions... (jedicowboy)
You might also consider having your car dynoed and then compare your results with other stock Vettes before giving the dealer an opportunity to screw up your car.
Good luck,
Mark
Good luck,
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Newbie Break-in questions... (niphilli2)
Hey, enjoy that Z!! When the rings "seat" and the drive train has had a chance to wear in, people often report an increase in power, performance, etc. I noticed that on our 2K and am about to reach that point on our 2003 AE. Six thousand miles so far and has not burned a drop of oil. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: Newbie Break-in questions... (carpe dm)
I noticed mine loosened up over the first 10K miles quite a bit. I wouldn't push it too hard until you have about 2K on it. Only issue I have now is a slight tick when cold started. I have a feeling it is the onset of the damned piston slap, but time will tell.
Good luck with the new car :cheers:
Good luck with the new car :cheers:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 165
From: Raleigh, NC
Re: Newbie Break-in questions... (vettenuts)
Thanks guys!
The car is already running better after 300 miles (still have only pulled it to 5K rpm). I am trying my hardest to break it in right but it takes tooo much restraint!
I think the initial gains in performance (first 500 miles) are due to the computer learning fuel and timing curves. Then as the rings and valves get seated and the motor loostens up they run better and better up to about 8K miles (this is the way it was for my T/A).
I did not mean that I thought the car was down on power, I knew it just needed some break in miles. Just wanted to get your experiences.
-Nick
The car is already running better after 300 miles (still have only pulled it to 5K rpm). I am trying my hardest to break it in right but it takes tooo much restraint!
I think the initial gains in performance (first 500 miles) are due to the computer learning fuel and timing curves. Then as the rings and valves get seated and the motor loostens up they run better and better up to about 8K miles (this is the way it was for my T/A).
I did not mean that I thought the car was down on power, I knew it just needed some break in miles. Just wanted to get your experiences.
-Nick
