it's waranteed. it won't break! they need speed. enjoy
Break In
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Joined: Oct 2013
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Break In
I will be getting Z51 3LT in a couple of weeks. I've read the manual but want your opinion on whats the best break in procedure to follow. ITs automatic by the way.
Ill be driving home from bowling green - 700 miles. Ill be checking oil
also !!
Torch Red
Ill be driving home from bowling green - 700 miles. Ill be checking oil
also !!
Torch Red
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,825
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From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
If you are driving home, this is the fast easy way: it's the RPMs that have to be changed , not the speed… So do the following:
1. set the cruise control for 70 miles an hour
2. shift it to "M", you will be in 6th gear, and shift down to 5th and then 4th using the paddles , every 10 -15minutes, and then back up ....
Using the paddles kills the AFM so all cylinders get broken in....
do that for 500 miles
break-in over
1. set the cruise control for 70 miles an hour
2. shift it to "M", you will be in 6th gear, and shift down to 5th and then 4th using the paddles , every 10 -15minutes, and then back up ....
Using the paddles kills the AFM so all cylinders get broken in....
do that for 500 miles
break-in over
Last edited by Glen e; Mar 13, 2014 at 09:50 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Hurst, TX USA
I agree with Glen e. But to break it up even more, if you have the time, take a couple side trips off the highway to get some food or sightseeing. Doesn't have to be much, just enough to give 1st, 2nd and 3rd a little workout too. Remember your engine is not the only thing that needs breaking in. Tranny, Brakes, suspension etc. need some love also. Have fun... 
Last edited by BigJoe; Mar 13, 2014 at 09:54 PM.
Race Director
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From: Ft Lauderdale
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Austin Texas
Ideal break in varies the RMPs continuously while also varying the cylinder intake vacuum. Thus, you press on the throttle in 4th gear going from 40 to 60 then back down the throttle 60 to 40 up to 60 down to 40 up to 60. Better still is having this procedure applied while the car is going up and down hills.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: NYC
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Don't use the cruise control, vary your speed. You will see the redline for the first 500 miles is set at 4500rpm, as in pic below. I varied my speed between 60 and 80 mph on my 550 mile ride home.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Upstate NY
I drove mine home 260 miles from NH (M7). Besides varying my speed between 65 -80, I had passing situations and some stop-and-go when not on the interstates. I would also 5 - 6 - 7th gears to try to keep the revs off on spot. I suspect that the other half of breakin will be much more variable on my home turf with hilly, curvy terrain with little constant high speed highway driving. It will be good though to see that breakin tach dial disappear!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 180
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From: Morristown Tennessee
During my Museum delivery Gary my tour guide explained the procedure for checking the oil on a Z-51. Start the engine and let the temp get to at least 170 degrees cut it off and wait 5 minutes but not longer than 10 minutes before checking the oil.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 648
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From: Gulf Breeze Fl
GlenE you always have good advise. It"s all about RPM. I continued my breakin after 500 miles. I increased the RPM 1k for every 100 miles so at about 1000 and miles it was ready for WOT. This was always with the oil temp above 190 degrees. I did change the oil at 1000 miles and now running Mobil1.