[paradigm]

Just picked up my 2022 Camaro 1LE 6-speed on Friday after waiting 6 months from the order date. It was supposed to be cancelled (color constraint I believe), however it ended up squeaking by and I took delivery on it. I also had a base mustang GT on order which arrived on the same week, but I went with the Camaro instead.

Is there a break-in procedure to follow for the engine? Keep it below 3000 rpms? How many miles before changing out the oil for the initial break in?

Photos of actual car:

[David Gordon]

I have had many sports cars and I broke everyone in like I stole it. Never one time did it break something.
With the exception of my 2001 SS M-6, I added drag radials and broke the clutch.

[cariboocreek]

Originally Posted by paradigm

Just picked up my 2022 Camaro 1LE 6-speed on Friday after waiting 6 months from the order date. It was supposed to be cancelled (color constraint I believe), however it ended up squeaking by and I took delivery on it. I also had a base mustang GT on order which arrived on the same week, but I went with the Camaro instead.

Is there a break-in procedure to follow for the engine? Keep it below 3000 rpms? How many miles before changing out the oil for the initial break in?

Photos of actual car:

I believe the manual covers it nicely. You are going to hear a wide variety of opinions from baby it to trash it. Your money, your car. Rings are seated by the time you hit 100 miles. Diff is another story. Also break in is not what it was in the 70's. New metals, new tech have changed and simplified break in times and methods.

Change you engine oil, your diff and tranny fluid at 500 miles. Do them again at 1500 miles.

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by paradigm

Just picked up my 2022 Camaro 1LE 6-speed on Friday after waiting 6 months from the order date. It was supposed to be cancelled (color constraint I believe), however it ended up squeaking by and I took delivery on it. I also had a base mustang GT on order which arrived on the same week, but I went with the Camaro instead.

Is there a break-in procedure to follow for the engine? Keep it below 3000 rpms? How many miles before changing out the oil for the initial break in?

Photos of actual car:

Congratulations! Welcome to the 1LE club. I think many of us have followed the guidelines in the Performance supplement regarding break in. Keep it below 4K rpm for the first 500 miles, then change the oil at 500. Then change the oil again at 1,500 miles. I'm about to reach the 1,500 mile mark and will probably change the oil this weekend.

Others will say don't worry about break in and drive it like you stole it. I prefer to by more cautious with a brand new engine. Oil changes are relatively inexpensive in the grand scheme of things. But ultimately its up to you how you to decide.

[Aaron07]

I’m curious, how old are you? I only ask because I’m always in awe of of these kinds of questions. I can’t imagine making such a big purchase without reading the owners manual. To my surprise it actually seems quite common.

[PJS57]

Really good thread on all this here:

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=531978

I hear all sorts of things from break in doesn't matter to what cariboocreek said with the very conservative 500/1500 mile maintenance. On my 22' 1LE I just went by the manual, and have not had any issues. Changed the diff fluid @ 1500 miles and it was pretty gross so I wouldn't skimp on that.


As for the trans specifically, I kept it in auto rev match mode for most of break in as I try to learn heel/toe with this pedal box vs. what I was used to on my Mustang GT. I'm thinking it's easier on the synchros than missing the perfect rev match because my feet aren't calibrated to his pedal layout yet.

For trans fluid, I had a T56 Magnum in my S197 mustang and changed the fluid @ 1500 miles. It looked brand new when I drained it so I'm not even going to bother with it on this car for a while given the gear cluster is the same in the TR-6060 & T56 Magnum. Might consider doing it this winter after a couple track days though.

[Christian1LE]

Everyone is going to have their opinion on this, but I followed the manual.

And it states:

For the first 1500 MILES, not 500, not 100, not 10.

. Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt
stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
. Avoid driving at any one constant
speed, fast or slow.
. Do not drive above
129 km/h (80 mph).
. 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 in high gear at low speeds.
With a manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule applies
at all times, not just during the
break-in period.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
. Do not participate in racing events,
sport driving schools, or similar
activities during this break-in period.
. Check engine oil with every refueling
and add if necessary. Oil and fuel
consumption may be higher than
normal during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi).
. To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km (200 mi).
New tires do not have maximum
traction and may tend to slip.
. 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.
. Should the vehicle be used for racing
or competitive driving (after break-in),
the rear axle lubricant must be
replaced beforehand.

[Edward Paul]

My main rule for a new engine is Not to get stuck in traffic.
Keep the air moving. I'm in Florida and it's 99 right now.
I break in at night when the sun is down, and the roads have less idiots on them.

[Gen6cyl]

Don't stay a same rpm long . Vary rpm.

[VR Baron]

Originally Posted by Christian1LE

Everyone is going to have their opinion on this, but I followed the manual.

And it states:

For the first 1500 MILES, not 500, not 100, not 10.

. Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt
stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
. Avoid driving at any one constant
speed, fast or slow.
. Do not drive above
129 km/h (80 mph).
. 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 in high gear at low speeds.
With a manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule applies
at all times, not just during the
break-in period.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
. Do not participate in racing events,
sport driving schools, or similar
activities during this break-in period.
. Check engine oil with every refueling
and add if necessary. Oil and fuel
consumption may be higher than
normal during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi).
. To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km (200 mi).
New tires do not have maximum
traction and may tend to slip.
. 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.
. Should the vehicle be used for racing
or competitive driving (after break-in),
the rear axle lubricant must be
replaced beforehand.

I followed this. I autocross and a GM tech friend said get the miles on it (1500) before hammering it. It works. I had oil consumption of 2/3 qt in the first 2200 miles, another half qt by 3300 and none since and have 8900 on her now. And that’s with high rpm 2nd gear only and hitting rev limiter in autocross.
Maybe as I was lucky to have a hand built corvette engine in my car haha

[pzoom]

Did the 2nd oil change and rear diff at 1500 miles at the dealer. I watched him drain the diff, it was gross. Then hammered it ever since.

[LT4Greg]

Follow the break in recommendation for your Camaro in the owners manual and it will be good to go. Oh by the way, congratulations and a good looking 1LE!��

[RegularJohn86278263789]

Just came here to say that car is absolutely beautiful. Best color for the 6th gen

[paradigm]

Originally Posted by Christian1LE

Everyone is going to have their opinion on this, but I followed the manual.

And it states:

For the first 1500 MILES, not 500, not 100, not 10.

. Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt
stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
. Avoid driving at any one constant
speed, fast or slow.
. Do not drive above
129 km/h (80 mph).
. 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 in high gear at low speeds.
With a manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule applies
at all times, not just during the
break-in period.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
. Do not participate in racing events,
sport driving schools, or similar
activities during this break-in period.
. Check engine oil with every refueling
and add if necessary. Oil and fuel
consumption may be higher than
normal during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi).
. To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km (200 mi).
New tires do not have maximum
traction and may tend to slip.
. 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.
. Should the vehicle be used for racing
or competitive driving (after break-in),
the rear axle lubricant must be
replaced beforehand.

Thanks for this.

And thanks everyone for their advice and tips. I will follow the manual. I should have consulted it first prior to posting. This is my first new car I have ever owned, waited a long time to buy a new car and given current market conditions, used car values don't make sense to buy used anymore, to me at least.

I definitely need to get side skirts to help with rock guards.

How much are you guys paying for PPF for the front bumper?

Any other tips on protecting the car from the elements?

How many miles are you guys getting out of the stock 1LE goodyears? I am thinking of swapping for Contintental DWS06 all seasons, as I will not be tracking the car and prefer to sell off the Goodyears as they are near new.