Long drive home
02-14-2019, 08:28 AM
#1
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Long drive home
I am taking delivery of a 2019 Coupe in Nashua next week and driving it home to southwest Ohio, about 800 miles. What is the concensus about the best break-in method? BTW, I am having All-Season Michelins installed by the dealer then shipping the 4 summer tires directly to my home, so 30 degree temperatures are not an issue. Wondering about recommendations for modulating engine speed, etc.
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Mark230 (02-17-2019)
02-14-2019, 08:40 AM
#2
Safety Car
I picked up my GS last Oct and drove it home from MD to Chicago. The car itself limits the performance until 500mi. Watch your dash at that point...pretty cool. It then opens up limits and retunes the car actually, per my Vette mechanic. Make sure first chance to get the oil changed as there us break in oil in the crankcase tgat should be changed at 500mi.. I was told I didnt have to worry about the extra miles over as my trip was 725mi. GM pays for this and (2) more oil changes. My biggest challenge getting home was the first hour driving in heavy Washington DC Saturday traffic, getting used to new car, new controls, etc while in rain.
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Ih2lose (02-15-2019)
02-14-2019, 08:52 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
If you have the time - maybe you can make an appointment at a Chevy dealership that is about 500 miles into your trip so you can get that 500 oil change taken care of... If you tell them your on a road trip, Im certain they may get it done while you wait. Best of luck with your new baby! 
02-14-2019, 08:59 AM
#4
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If you want to hit the 500 mile oil change, just calculate where that would be on your trip and make an advance appointment with the local dealer tonhave the service performed. Otherwise, there should be some guidance in the owner’s manual about the break in procedure (I think).
Congrats on the new car and have a have a safe trip back home.
Congrats on the new car and have a have a safe trip back home.
02-14-2019, 09:12 AM
#5
Safety Car
In my case I hit the miles on Sunday. Both dealers assured me I woukd be fine until Monday at 725mi! I woukd be careful to just take it to any Chevy dealer in Podunk USA that maybe sees 2 Vettes a year!
02-14-2019, 09:22 AM
#6
Try to vary the RPM some during the trip. The car in top gears will not be turning that many RPM to worry about highway speed. Stay away from hard acceleration. Remember you are breaking in all moving parts, including tires, in the car not just the engine.
Enjoy the ride.
Enjoy the ride.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 02-14-2019 at 09:25 AM.
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Rebel Yell (02-14-2019)
02-14-2019, 09:40 AM
#8
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Try to vary the RPM some during the trip. The car in top gears will not be turning that many RPM to worry about highway speed. Stay away from hard acceleration. Remember you are breaking in all moving parts, including tires, in the car not just the engine.
Enjoy the ride.
Enjoy the ride.
This
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02-14-2019, 09:55 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
Gotcha beat.... 800 miles? 
Bought a Vette in Norfolk, VA, many years ago, put 5,000 miles on it before I got home to Dallas
Bought a Vette in Portland, Oregon, drove to Dallas....
Bought a Vette in San Diego, drove it to Dallas
Bought a Ferrari in Greensboro, NC, drove it to Dallas
Enjoy your trip!
Bought a Vette in Norfolk, VA, many years ago, put 5,000 miles on it before I got home to Dallas
Bought a Vette in Portland, Oregon, drove to Dallas....
Bought a Vette in San Diego, drove it to Dallas
Bought a Ferrari in Greensboro, NC, drove it to Dallas
Enjoy your trip!
02-14-2019, 10:11 AM
#11
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Congrats, I picked up my 2013 427 convertible in Nashua and drove it back to Southern California. It was a great trip. As far as break in, just drive it within normal speeds, i.e. keep your foot out of it.
02-14-2019, 01:24 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
I think the 500 mile oil change is more relevant on the Z51 package.
I had a 100 mile ride home of which 90 was on the highway-and every 5 minutes or so I switched gears between 5th through 7th. Same revs over an extended time during break in is not recommended.
I had a 100 mile ride home of which 90 was on the highway-and every 5 minutes or so I switched gears between 5th through 7th. Same revs over an extended time during break in is not recommended.
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Rebel Yell (02-14-2019)
02-14-2019, 01:31 PM
#13
Don't worry about the 500 mile oil change... just change it when you get home and it's convenient to you. Half the dealers out there are idiots who over-fill dry sump cars anyway.
I would vary the rpms and run in 4th through 7th changing it up every so often. You just don't want to lug the motor. However, some say that's an old wives tale and modern piston rings are seated in the first few minutes of running at initial fire.
With the last LS motor I built for my C5 race car had it on the dyno the next day making redline pulls. I followed a recommended break-in procedure and then let it eat next day. No issues, made great power.
I would vary the rpms and run in 4th through 7th changing it up every so often. You just don't want to lug the motor. However, some say that's an old wives tale and modern piston rings are seated in the first few minutes of running at initial fire.
With the last LS motor I built for my C5 race car had it on the dyno the next day making redline pulls. I followed a recommended break-in procedure and then let it eat next day. No issues, made great power.
02-14-2019, 01:33 PM
#14
Drifting
The 500 mile oil change is only advised for dry-sump engines (Z51, GS and Z06). If you are buying a non-Z51 Stingray it isn't required. If you do change the oil it isn't a problem to change it at 800 vs. 500 miles.
Re varying your speed, DO NOT use Cruise Control.
Re varying your speed, DO NOT use Cruise Control.
02-14-2019, 02:07 PM
#15
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I am taking delivery of a 2019 Coupe in Nashua next week and driving it home to southwest Ohio, about 800 miles. What is the concensus about the best break-in method? BTW, I am having All-Season Michelins installed by the dealer then shipping the 4 summer tires directly to my home, so 30 degree temperatures are not an issue. Wondering about recommendations for modulating engine speed, etc.
Bill
02-14-2019, 02:35 PM
#16
Moderator
If you have the time, avoid the Interstates and use state highways. because they go through towns, you will naturally be varying the speed and engine RPM.Plus, you'll have a good chance to really see part of America that you just can't get on the Interstates. I picked up my C7 at the National Corvette Museum and drove the entire length of the Natchez Trace Parkway and then various state highways to Dallas. Never was on an Interstate. Set your Nav/GPS to avoid Interstates and enjoy the trip.
02-14-2019, 11:13 PM
#17
I am taking delivery of a 2019 Coupe in Nashua next week and driving it home to southwest Ohio, about 800 miles. What is the concensus about the best break-in method? BTW, I am having All-Season Michelins installed by the dealer then shipping the 4 summer tires directly to my home, so 30 degree temperatures are not an issue. Wondering about recommendations for modulating engine speed, etc.
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4thC4at60 (02-15-2019)
02-14-2019, 11:41 PM
#18
Moderator
Joe, the Owners Manual does not agree with you:
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2414 km
(1500 mi) of driving this vehicle.
Parts have a break-in period and
performance will be better in the
long run.
For the first 322 km (200 mi):
. To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km
(200 mi).
. New brake linings also need a
break- in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
322 km (200 mi). 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.
For the first 2414 km (1500 mi):
. Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
. Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2414 km
(1500 mi) of driving this vehicle.
Parts have a break-in period and
performance will be better in the
long run.
For the first 322 km (200 mi):
. To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km
(200 mi).
. New brake linings also need a
break- in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
322 km (200 mi). 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.
For the first 2414 km (1500 mi):
. Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
. Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
02-15-2019, 01:48 AM
#19
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Bonneville Salt Flats, 223mph Aug. '04
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Break-in? Simple, follow the Manual instructions. I bought my '18 at Kerbeck's and drove home to Louisiana a week after another Forum member from California picked up his new Z and drove home. Enjoy the ride... I did.
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Mark230 (02-17-2019)
02-15-2019, 02:03 AM
#20
Race Director
The original owner of my z51 had never heard of the 500 mile oil change. Had it done on the normal DIC recommendation at around 4K miles. It is at 25k miles now and is ok. I wouldn’t recommend you do it but it won’t kill the car.