C6 Break in
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: MI
C6 Break in
I know your all tired of talking about break ins but I need a solid answer. I'm getting my first vette in a couple of weeks from the museum delivery and have to drive it to detroit. Is this a good idea? I don't care if i have to go 50 the whole way ill do it. Once it is back should i put new fluids in it? these kind of questions are the ones i need help with, i would die if i f something up. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
You are right, there is a lot of debate, but one thing that everyone will agree on is don't let it stay at one rpm. You can run 50, but do it in 4th, 5th, and 6th. I've heard that keeping it below 50 mph is not as important as keeping it below 3000 rpm.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: MI
Thanks glen, do you know how often i sould change the rpms? every few minutes, hours? i know when i broke my motorcycle in i was constantly moving the throttle and didn't let it sit at all.
Last edited by MotownR; Jun 12, 2006 at 10:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
Originally Posted by MotownR
Thanks glen, do you know how often i sould change the rpms? every few minutes, hours? i know when i broke my motorcycle in i was constantly moving the throttle and didn't let it sit at all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
Originally Posted by MotownR
Thanks glen, do you know how often i sould change the rpms? every few minutes, hours? i know when i broke my motorcycle in i was constantly moving the throttle and didn't let it sit at all.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: San Ramon California
I would defnitely drive through a range of RPM's and stress the motor after 500 miles. Your car will be a different car after about 2000 miles. At about 2300 miles my engine was nice and lose and finally hit the rev limiter without hesitation. The power just surges once broken in.
Have fun...
Have fun...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,255
Likes: 3
From: Sugar Hill Georgia
A common theme seems to be you're breaking in the rear end as much (or more) than the motor. Glennhl gave you good advice. Just don't be dragging, drifting, or hitting triple digits back to the motor city! 
And post pics when you get home!
And post pics when you get home!
Last edited by StarJack; Jun 13, 2006 at 12:10 AM.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Ask your guide at NCM. He'll give you some specific suggestions. Mine said they were all in a question-answer session with Dave Hill before he left and asked this question.
His suggestion: vary the speed every few minutes, someplace between 45 and 70, even if you're on the Interstate. This engine and rpm doesn't have to be held under 50 mph as the manual suggests, he said, and the speed should be varied because of the transmission and differential as much as the the engine. New gears, driven at a constant speed, can wear in a pattern and that can cause rearend noise later. After 500 miles, gradually increase speed and consistency.
Right or wrong, it seemed reasonable to us. We drove our MN6 home 2,600 miles and were driving at or above the limit by the time we reached California. With 4K+ now, it hasn't burned any oil and has a fine power curve.
His suggestion: vary the speed every few minutes, someplace between 45 and 70, even if you're on the Interstate. This engine and rpm doesn't have to be held under 50 mph as the manual suggests, he said, and the speed should be varied because of the transmission and differential as much as the the engine. New gears, driven at a constant speed, can wear in a pattern and that can cause rearend noise later. After 500 miles, gradually increase speed and consistency.
Right or wrong, it seemed reasonable to us. We drove our MN6 home 2,600 miles and were driving at or above the limit by the time we reached California. With 4K+ now, it hasn't burned any oil and has a fine power curve.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 2,077
From: Guelph, Ontario
Originally Posted by JimTN
And don't hit the brakes too hard the first 200 miles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
Drive it like you stole it.
I laid rubber out of the dealers lot, while I waved...
It was at the track 150 miles later....
1,500 miles now, zero problems.
There is no break in, my warranty expires at 36,000 miles, not 36,500 miles.
I laid rubber out of the dealers lot, while I waved...
It was at the track 150 miles later....
1,500 miles now, zero problems.
There is no break in, my warranty expires at 36,000 miles, not 36,500 miles.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: MI
Thanks everyone, just so you guys know its my 25th b-day and I sold a 00 ws6 and an 05 STi for this vette. It is a 3lt z51 mn6 in victory red/cashmere with chromies and the roof package (no holding back) I plan to have it even when were all driving hovercrafts. I will post pics as soon as I get back. 
Last edited by MotownR; Jun 13, 2006 at 04:27 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
I do it the same way I do any engine.
Warning if you get arrested dont blaim me!
I suggest you choose a very deserted location for this!
1. Bring Car up to normal operating temperature. Place in 3rd Gear. Accelerate 2000-4500 rpm @ 50% Throttle, Allow car to decelerate back to 2000 rpm under engine compression braking only. Repeat. (Do 5 Times Total.)
2. Drive car 10 minutes to allow to cool. Place in 3rd Gear. Accelerate from 2000-5500 rpm @ 75% Throttle, Allow car to decelerate back to 2000 rpm under engine compression braking only. Repeat (Do 5 Times Total)
3. Drive car 10 minutes to allow to cool. Place in 3rd Gear. Accelerate from 2000-6400 rpm (make sure not to hit rpm limiter) @ 100% Throttle, Allow car to decelerate back to 2000 rpm under engine compression braking only. Repeat (Do 5 Times Total.)
4. Drive car 10 minutes to allow to cool.
Car is now ready for track with rings fully seated.
Gene
Warning if you get arrested dont blaim me!
I suggest you choose a very deserted location for this!
1. Bring Car up to normal operating temperature. Place in 3rd Gear. Accelerate 2000-4500 rpm @ 50% Throttle, Allow car to decelerate back to 2000 rpm under engine compression braking only. Repeat. (Do 5 Times Total.)
2. Drive car 10 minutes to allow to cool. Place in 3rd Gear. Accelerate from 2000-5500 rpm @ 75% Throttle, Allow car to decelerate back to 2000 rpm under engine compression braking only. Repeat (Do 5 Times Total)
3. Drive car 10 minutes to allow to cool. Place in 3rd Gear. Accelerate from 2000-6400 rpm (make sure not to hit rpm limiter) @ 100% Throttle, Allow car to decelerate back to 2000 rpm under engine compression braking only. Repeat (Do 5 Times Total.)
4. Drive car 10 minutes to allow to cool.
Car is now ready for track with rings fully seated.
Gene
Last edited by Tightwad; Jun 13, 2006 at 07:58 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 4
From: ---Phoenix, AZ --- Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
Originally Posted by CYA-Vett
Drive it like you stole it.
There is no break in, my warranty expires at 36,000 miles, not 36,500 miles.
There is no break in, my warranty expires at 36,000 miles, not 36,500 miles.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Findlay Ohio
i had the museum delivery and i was told by roger on the end of the line that i should give it about 50-100 miles to let the clutch seat itself and warm up a few times then give it absolute hell for the rest of its life. He then of course told me "if you can break it, we'll replace it" So that pretty much eased my mind on the way home when i lit up the tires on the Corvette Testing Grounds at the back of the plant.
Dave
Dave