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Factory engine break-in?

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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 06:15 PM
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Default Factory engine break-in?

I read somewhere a while back that the Corvette engines receive some sort of break-in procedure at the factory. I searched the forums but couldnt find any relevent info. Does anyone have any info on this or know where to find some reliable info? Thanks in advance guys.

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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 07:13 PM
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They are broken in at the engine building plant and require no additional break in. How ever the rear end does. Follow your owners manual and you will do it correctly.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 09:16 PM
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well you two guys better get ready for "glassslipper" he's going to tell you your full of crap and don't know what your talking about and how your horrible people to have on the forum!, at least thats what he told me for commenting on the same subject
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboLs1
I read somewhere a while back that the Corvette engines receive some sort of break-in procedure at the factory. I searched the forums but couldnt find any relevent info. Does anyone have any info on this or know where to find some reliable info? Thanks in advance guys.

when I picked mine up at the NCM my delivery guy told me to vary the speed for the first 500 miles. I asked him when I could do some spirited driving. He said the 500 mile was for the trans axle and to stay out of the throttle for about 1000 to 2000 miles.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 09:29 PM
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I'm not sure if they break in or even run the engines before installation. What I DO know is that the 2009 Owners Manual now has a rather detailed break in procedure that takes up to 1,500 miles. You can Google a copy.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 10:10 PM
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Thanks for the input guys. Im not new to the performance game and always "break-in" my engines by varying RPM and load for about 600 miles. I dont rag on the car, but im not babying it either as I feel this is the best method. I currently have 200 miles on my 09 Vette, so still several hundred miles before I rag on it. I will take a look at the owners manual tonight. I have been breaking in the car as if it had never been driven before, but was just wondering about the factory procedures. I have to say, if the first mile or two the engine is ran is when it is loaded on the train, then im pretty worried...I used to go to school with several guys that worked at the local train depot where the new cars come into Tampa, and they always talked about ragging on the new cars and doing burnouts...
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 12:57 AM
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if you're really worried, look up a member of the Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant Club. They'll tell you all about their "testing track" on the property
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Old Aug 30, 2009 | 12:48 PM
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Some people say they are already broken in completely at the factory. But then others say that they get better gas mileage/quarter mile times/dyno numbers with more miles, up to around 5-6k. So who knows.
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Old Aug 30, 2009 | 08:08 PM
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I would be nice to it but also "train" the car to act aggressive. ALL cars these days are Modular learning in every aspect.

After you tune a vehicle, it has to re-learn parameters etc.

Same concept.

-Adam

Corvettes of Dallas
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Old Aug 31, 2009 | 03:44 PM
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Worst possible break in procedure on a new engine is the "drive it like you stole it". Second worst is to baby it.

First 20 miles (or at least during the first 100 miles) you need to load the engine (not full throttle) with moderate acceleration in one gear up to 5k rpm, then back off with engine braking. Repeat, repeat. This sets the rings. The rest of the engine is still very tight. Multiple oil analysis's done on these LS engine show that they are still wearing in well past 10,000 miles. Change the oil between 500 and 1000 miles (sooner if you want). One oil analysis company recommends every 1500 miles until you reach 10,000 miles. After the 500 mile drivetrain break in is done, drive it as you want, but the engine is still "wearing in".
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