PAKev

Well I'm finally moving up to my dream Vette. After having 4 different Corvettes over the years, I'll be picking up my 2019 2LZ M7 from Kerbeck at the end of the month and driving it home to Florida. One question I'd like to throw out there. I realize that the 1st oil change should take place at 500 miles. The drive to Florida is about 1,000 miles. Wondering if I should stop half way to have the oil changed or is the fact that it's one long trip rather than a bunch of small ones over time going to make it ok to have it changed when I get to Florida. I'm sure I could have it shipped but I'd rather drive it. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

64modified

I don't personally think it's all that critical to change the oil at 500 miles provided the filter does its job (and it should). HOWEVER, the owner's manual requires that you do - so plan your trip accordingly (stopping by a dealer for an oil/filter change along the way) so you don't have warranty issues in the future should it ever become necessary.

Regarding the engine itself, here's what the manual says:

For the first 322 km (200 mi):
. To break in new tires, drive at moderate speeds and avoid hard cornering.
. New brake linings also need a break-in period. Avoid making hard stops. This is recommended every time brake linings are replaced.

For the first 800 km (500 mi):
. Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 rpm.
. Avoid driving at any one constant speed, fast or slow, including the use of cruise control.
. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle when the engine speed will exceed 4000 rpm.
. Do not let the engine labor. Never lug the engine. With a manual transmission, shift to the next lower gear. This rule applies at all times, not just during the break-in period.
. If equipped with a dry sump engine (Stingray with Z51, Grand Sport, and Z06), the initial oil and filter change must be performed at 800 km (500 mi).

For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi):
. Do not participate in track events, sport driving schools, or similar activities.
. Check engine oil with every refueling and add if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be higher than normal.

The important thing about varying speeds is that it helps the rings to 'seat' better. Somewhat mild acceleration and mild engine braking apply both downward and upward pressure on the rings as they are wearing against freshly honed cylinders. Proper break-in results in smooth cylinder walls with tight ring sealing which ends up increasing power, fuel mileage, and reduced oil consumption when the process is finished.

Aside:
It's amazing how different this advice is compared to my race engine builder who told me to "beat the hell out of it" when I asked him how I should break in a new $35k race engine! On day 1 I was out there at 8200rpm and never had a problem in three years of racing that engine... At end of day, the idea was the same - seat those rings!

Trackhawkz06

I do the drive from NJ to florida about 5 or 6 times a year... Never in a corvette got bless your soul.... 500 Miles should put you somewhere in NC maybe closer to the boarder of NC and SC. Deff check out chevy dealers in those areas close to i95... There can be some pretty long stretches on i95 where i bet there wouldnt be a chevy dealer for 200 miles... and there are other parts that you can see a chevy dealer from the road!

Deff do some research... Start searching around NC/SC boarder! TONS of cops out when i did the drive 3 weeks ago... Please be careful!

pkincy

I drove some long way to trade in my 08Z and pick up my 16Z. One thing that I noticed is that the cruise control would go off if I shifted gears on my M6 08. But on my 16 A8 it would hold. So I drove the first 200 miles on back roads and then when I got on the freeway I varied the engine rpm while on CC but shifting between 6, 7 and 8 every 15-20 seconds.

Always Red Dave

Here is what I would do.Find out some good Chevrolet dealers in the area that you will have around 500 miles and get the 500 mile oil change .IF not you might always think why didn't you do it.What color did you get? Congrats on joining the BROTHERHOOD and post pictures of the Z06 when you can!

davepl

Don't worry about it. It's about the amount of silicon inhibitors in the oil, and they wear out around 500 miles, but your worst case is some foaming that could leak. It's nothing to do with wear and tear or anything like that, the oil is still plenty fine for a 1000 mile trip. Then change it at home (or at your home dealer).

I got your ZO6

I would change it for the pure fact that you never know if you are sitting on a grenade. Don't give GM the opportunity to void your warranty. It explicitly says dry sump oil systems should have the oil changed at 500 miles, it doesn't say change the oil at 500 miles if you feel like it.

PAKev

This a excellent information and thanks for the welcome to the club! I can't tell you guys how excited I am about picking this baby up! I'm giddy like a kid! Everything I hear about the Z is that it's night and day over the Stingray which was my latest.
As far as color, it's Arctic White with the Adrenaline Red interior. I will definitely post pics when I get it!
I looked and there is a Chevy dealer not far off 95 in Lumberton, NC which is the halfway point. I looked there right away as this was typically our overnight stop when taking 95 to Florida from PA where we used to live. An even bigger challenge is that we are picking the car up on Saturday and wouldn't be getting into Lumberton until way after closing time. And of course they are closed on Sunday. I don't like driving on 95 in general and for the past year or so we've been taking the western route down 81 to 77. It's a more scenic drive as well although it's loaded with trucks but still better than 95. That option is sounding better but I'll still have the dilemma on finding someone open on a Sunday to change the oil.

3 Z06ZR1

Great time to do the dream the 2019 should be a hell of a car the 2017 !is!

spearfish25

I would do the oil change. My bigger concern though is the sustained highway driving happening immediately on a new differential. Your differential needs some low, variable speed heat cycles to break in properly. The times I've just driven a car 1000 miles without doing that, I've had problems with diff whine and had to get it replaced.

Tally Ho

I drove my 2017 Z06 from Kerbeck to FL without getting the 500 mile oil change done. No issues. I had it changed as soon as I got home. Roughly 1100 mile trip for me as well. I did make more stops on the way home for break in of the trans, diff, and brakes than I would have made in a car that didn't need break in miles.

BEZ06

There's a member of the forum that picked up his new Z06 from a dealer I believe in Michigan last year. He drove down to Florida, I think about 1100 miles, without doing the 500 mile oil change.

A day or two after getting down here he was planning to drive to a local dealer to get the oil change, but the engine seized.

I don't think he had any problem with the warranty - I think he got a buy back and has a ZR1 on order.

On another note - when are you heading up to get your car???

If you'll still be in town next week, we're having a track event at the Speedway Thurs-Fri, April 12-13.

Come on out to watch the action! Enter through Gate# 40, which is on Williamson Blvd about 1/4 mile south of Int'l Speedway Blvd.

I've got a couple students, but hopefully I'd have time to run you around the track in my 2016 Z06 to give you an idea of what you're in for!!!

I'll shoot you a PM with my contact info.

.

Oakmtnbody

I would be more concerned about getting paint protection on that bad ride before a 1000k journey. Imagine getting home and a big rock chip wiping that big ole Z06 grin right off your face. Just me.

64modified

Unfortunately, the system now shows that you had your oil changed at 1100 miles. I hope you never have a warranty issue with your engine - but if you do, that 1100 mile oil change might come back to haunt you (hopefully not based on what's written above).

mdolandese

davepl

No, it doesn't. Read it for yourself, its interesting.

mcoomer

I'd get it done on the road. Just scope out some dealers along your route, call them and talk to a service advisor, and have it setup so that you can get in and out. Another thing I'd consider is getting the rear diff serviced. I've heard a number of folks on here say theirs was low when they had it serviced. I'd had mine done at the 500 mile oil change for about $135. Peace of mine for me.

Congrats on the new ride and hope you have as much fun with yours as I'm having with mine.

GUSTO14

500 miles from Atlantic City, along I-95 will put you smack in Fayetteville, N.C., home of the U. S. Army's famed 82nd Airborne Division. There are two Chevrolet dealers in Fayetteville, Reed-Lallier Chevrolet, and Powers Swain Chevrolet

Reed-Lallier Chevrolet has about 15 new Corvettes in inventory, while Powers Swain Chevrolet has 4 new Corvettes in inventory. Reed-Lallier is open 7-days a week. I know nothing about the reputation of either, but someone that lives near by may have more to add.

Good luck... GUSTO

mcoomer

Maybe post these dealers in the regional forum for feedback from folks that use them. I'd be more like to go with a dealer that has 14 on the lot then 4, based on any feedback you receive.

dvilin

Congratulations on your Z and I would definitely get the oil changed at 500 miles.