Decision
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 378
Likes: 330
From: Pahrump, NV
Decision
So, for the past 14 years while living in Nashville, all my Corvette purchases were either done at the dealer or getting a ride up to NCM for pickup there. Now I'm living in Las Vegas and my new C-8 has gone to 3300 with projected delivery at the NCM in late August or early September.
I've vacillating on whether to fly back and drive it home (2.5 days on the I-40) or hook up my 36' enclosed gooseneck and trailer there and back. One option means break in miles can be controlled and service inspections can be done by me, either at home in Vegas or using quickjacks in the trailer. The other being next to no break in miles and taking the chance that someone (either at the BG assembly plant or at NCM) forgot to check all the fluids and torque specs on bolts and fasteners.
Flying is obviously cheaper and faster but with added worry of issues. Trailering is a large addition cost in both fuel cost and time (6-7 days vs- 2 driving it).
Anyone do a long distance (1500-2500 mile) drive home direct from NCM recently? Any issues?
I've vacillating on whether to fly back and drive it home (2.5 days on the I-40) or hook up my 36' enclosed gooseneck and trailer there and back. One option means break in miles can be controlled and service inspections can be done by me, either at home in Vegas or using quickjacks in the trailer. The other being next to no break in miles and taking the chance that someone (either at the BG assembly plant or at NCM) forgot to check all the fluids and torque specs on bolts and fasteners.
Flying is obviously cheaper and faster but with added worry of issues. Trailering is a large addition cost in both fuel cost and time (6-7 days vs- 2 driving it).
Anyone do a long distance (1500-2500 mile) drive home direct from NCM recently? Any issues?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,296
Likes: 1,531
From: Oviedo Florida
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
You have a trailer, go get it.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,688
Likes: 7,746
From: NJ
You only live once. Fly in. Drive it home.
If you're worried about rock chips etc buy some trac wrap for the front and just enjoy the car.
Whi knows how long we all have. I've done it both ways and driving it home made me happier than when I trailered my first new Z06
If you're worried about rock chips etc buy some trac wrap for the front and just enjoy the car.
Whi knows how long we all have. I've done it both ways and driving it home made me happier than when I trailered my first new Z06
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 855
From: Cincinnati ohio
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C8 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2020 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2017 C2 of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
This is a no brainer! Drive it home. It’s an awesome car to drive and you’ll loved every minute of it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 378
Likes: 330
From: Pahrump, NV
I'm more worried that one or more of the fluids will be too low, or a fastener or bolts will not have been properly tightened and getting stranded out in the middle of Texas or New Mexico. That and getting zero to none of proper break-in for both engine and brakes.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 740
Likes: 149
From: Eastside WA
We did NCM Delivery in May and immediately drove it 2900 miles to home. No issues, no leaks, just lots of fun. Unless you're buying your C8 to do something other than drive it, this decision should beyond a no-brainer.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 121
"I'm more worried that one or more of the fluids will be too low, or a fastener or bolts will not have been properly tightened and getting stranded out in the middle of Texas or New Mexico. That and getting zero to none of proper break-in for both engine and brakes."
I think you're overthinking this. When was the last time you bought a new car and had fluids too low, bolts not tightened etc? Driving back from NCM is fun, I drove back to Reno. Don't sweat the break-in. I took a little more time driving home, I took both interstates and back roads, just tired to mix up the RPM's and careful on the brakes. This is your first adventure in a great car. IMHO too many on this forum think the anything but a perfect break-in will create problems..
But...do what makes you comfortable.. you are the one that has to sleep with your decisions. There is no wrong answer. Good luck. Have fun!
I think you're overthinking this. When was the last time you bought a new car and had fluids too low, bolts not tightened etc? Driving back from NCM is fun, I drove back to Reno. Don't sweat the break-in. I took a little more time driving home, I took both interstates and back roads, just tired to mix up the RPM's and careful on the brakes. This is your first adventure in a great car. IMHO too many on this forum think the anything but a perfect break-in will create problems..
But...do what makes you comfortable.. you are the one that has to sleep with your decisions. There is no wrong answer. Good luck. Have fun!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,900
Likes: 4,352
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Drive it home. I would think that the PDI at the Museum would as good as any you would get - including yourself, unless you are a Vette Tech with a lift.
Last edited by johnodrake; Jul 24, 2021 at 04:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 205
Likes: 157
From: Eugene, Oregon
Zoom, you are being waaay to negative. Drive it home...vary your speeds...take some back roads...see some parks..have some fun. Quit worrying about what if....you will not regret it.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,542
Likes: 24,834
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Fly in to Nashville, rent a car to get to BG, then drive the C8 home after the museum delivery. What a great way to get to know the car and do the break in miles.