[fastball]

Originally Posted by jdasnt3

I have to LOL at some of the test videos that we have seen linked here. The latest one from STifan on YouTube (or whatever his name is), has him absolutely going WOT with two SS' that a dealer lent him. Guess I'm glad nobody test drove mine before I picked it up.

This is PRECISELY why I am ordering mine and giving the dealer explicit directions that I will be the first and only person to drive it when it gets off the truck.

[Eroc23]

I understand the two trains of thoughts regarding the break-in period. Take it easy or drive it like you stole it.

I subscribe to what the manufacturer says.

Now that being said, I did buy my car off the lot, and did not order. It had 30 miles on it. When I test drove, I got on the highway and punched it (not red line). Now I regret that action.

For those who subscribe to the manufacturer method, would this affect the break-in period substantially? Also, what about those who test drove before me? I'm sure they did the same.

In fact, I'm sure almost every Camaro purchased on the lot would have been driven against the manufacturer's suggestion.

Is it too late? For everyone who purchases off the lot?

[drivingagain]

LOL. Way too late! That is why we all ordered and demanded no one drive it first! ON a serious note driving it with some power is needed to set the rings properly. Now a days these engines are run before you even get them. The car also is driven to make sure every thing works. Just take care of here for the next 1450 miles and then let her rip! That is my plan anyways.

[RobbyRocketz]

Originally Posted by fastball

People can be a bit mellow dramatic when talking about winter driving in the Camaro lol......

I've lived in Cleveland all my life. We get snow here every year. Some more than others, but between Halloween and Easter you can be sure to see more days with snow than without. The 2007 home opening SERIES for the Indians was snowed out due to a blizzard - we played our first 3 home games against Anaheim at Milwaukee's stadium!

I'm 38, and even when I was a kid most cars were still rear wheel drive. My parents never got stuck, stranded, or in an accident. My first car was a 1985 Buick Regal, rear wheel drive, I never had any problems. Don't forget, these cars all had about a 70/30 weight distribution, no traction control or ABS, solid beam rear axles without positrac, rear drum brakes, and recirculating ball steering. I learned to drive and have experience driving in bad conditions with a rear drive car.

The Camaro has near 50/50 weight distribution and all the modern electronic aides. But even with that, you simply drive with good COMMON SENSE. You'll only have 455 hp going to the wheels if you tell the car to deliver all 455 of them lol! Pay attention, easy on the gas, easy on the brakes, start off in second gear, and always keep your car in the proper gear for road conditions. Even with the automatic, you should drive it in manual mode so you can hold gearing and brake with the transmission by lifting off the throttle.

With a good set of Blizzaks, I have every ounce of confidence to drive my 2SS in 6 inches of snow when it's 20 degrees outside.

It's a Chevy Camaro. It's not a 1962 Ferrari 360 GTO. Drive it all year. Put miles on it. That's what it's made for!

Completely agree, Im in Willowick so the winters are a bit worse here due too being by the lake.
A set of Blizzaks on my old 14 Mustang GT got me by just fine, and I drive too Parma every day for work.
People used too call me crazy for driving the Mustang in snow, but with modern day traction control and a manual, it was easy.
Of course one has less control with an automatic so that might be more difficult. hehe

[Techn9cian805]

Originally Posted by Tr6

After reading the manual and talking with my friends who own c7s (LT1 and our break in literally being the same), I am going to be changing the oil filter itself @ 500ish miles and let the oil stay there till about 1500 miles then do an oil change.

Originally Posted by GTIanZ28

Pretty sure dealerships are offering a couple oil changes for free. Not sure if this is specific to certain brands or dealerships. Wifes new Subaru gets 2 free from the dealership.

Irregardless I plan to do a 500 mile oil change. Then again at 1500 mi. I don't care if it's useless or not needed. I plan to keep this car for 10 years+. I'm going to baby the car during break in and attempt to treat her well to ensure the longevity of the powetrain.

Originally Posted by LSxWittles

I will be ordering my camaro from a dealership almost 2 hours away from me (115 miles one way) so doing this on the way home will be very difficult. Odds are I will ride the right lane and fluctuate speeds between 60-75 mph to keep it from being constant but it will be somewhat difficult.



Regarding the first oil change I'll be doing it around 500 ish miles also and once again after 1500 miles. And I will be getting rid of skip shift as soon as possible lol

can someone explain to me why you guys are changing the oil and/or oil filter so early at 500? is there a proven benefit to doing so, or is it just for the sake of caution? I'm new to all of this, and looking to learn as much as I can from you guys

[Glen e]

The dry sump system on the Corvette LT1was put together with some sealants and other assembly liquids that foamed the oil in the dry sump reservoir. Therefore Chevrolet wanted you to change the oil at 500. That is not the case with this LT1 which does not have a dry sump so you don't have to change it at 500 miles.

But many do anyway, i chsnged at 750 only as it was convienent to do so as i mounted a drain valve then.

[Techn9cian805]

So if the break in period is cut short to about 900 miles instead of 1500, and with at least 5 but no more than 15 hard runs within those 900 miles, what can happen? I have tried to stay off the "spirited" driving, but there were a few times i just couldnt resist stepping on it.

What happens when a car is improperly brokem in?
I ask because a very popular aftermarket exhaust company headquartered near me is interested in using my car for a video shoot for a week and a half, in exchange for a free NPP exhaust system. Anything i should be worried about, break-in wise?

[archer1965]

I feel sorry for the dude who buys the car the salesman took me for a test-drive in.
This young guy drove the piss outta that lot car. He's taken it out several times; I doubt the sales manager knows how he drives it.
My car is coming in from another dealership where it sat on the showroom floor. pretty tough to drive it hard on the floor, so I should be good.

Change the oil after 500 and again at 1500. It's low cost (or free depending on the dealership) and can't hurt. I've owned several 4X4's and replace the diff fluid once a year. Each time I find very minute metal particles on the magnetic cap. Maybe that's why my Toyota truck has 150K miles and runs like its brand new and climbs trees in reverse!

[LosAlamosAl]

New guy here...

One thing I haven't seen (I've only examined this thread) is any discussion about engine data logging and its potential affect future warranty work. I would guess (though I don't know for sure) that engine operation data (RPM, throttle position, et.al.) is logged in the vehicle and visible for analysis by the techs. Perhaps a dealer could point to a non-standard break in period if issues with the engine arise? I know Porsche logs data and buyers of used Porsches always request a look at this data--though mostly for concern about over revs). Just a thought--you guys may have already discussed this elsewhere.

[archer1965]

Originally Posted by LosAlamosAl

New guy here...

One thing I haven't seen (I've only examined this thread) is any discussion about engine data logging and its potential affect future warranty work. I would guess (though I don't know for sure) that engine operation data (RPM, throttle position, et.al.) is logged in the vehicle and visible for analysis by the techs. Perhaps a dealer could point to a non-standard break in period if issues with the engine arise? I know Porsche logs data and buyers of used Porsches always request a look at this data--though mostly for concern about over revs). Just a thought--you guys may have already discussed this elsewhere.

Legit question. I think the service dept will absolutely look at the data logs when a warranty issue comes up. If you avoid the break-in, you may not be able to avoid paying the man $$$$

[archer1965]

Originally Posted by Techn9cian805

What happens when a car is improperly broken in?

Same things that happen when you don't allow your engine to warm up; premature failure of internal engine/drive train parts. Failure may happen sooner or later, depends on how the car is driven.

[Sledgehammer70]

A video I did speaking to most aspects of vehicle break-in.

[Emoto]

Break-in schedules and restrictions are typically established as the way to the fewest warranty claims.

[Modshack]

Originally Posted by Emoto

Break-in schedules and restrictions are typically established as the way to the fewest warranty claims.

There ya go....which translates into better long term customer satisfaction...