L99 break-in period: Aggressive vs Balanced Approach

[Mod4SS]

How many of you took a more aggressive driving approach during break in period versus a more balanced driving approach? It has been stated in various threads that the computer is learning your driving habits and responds differently after time. So which is the best approach to take? I realize the data is subjective, but I am curious to see which owners did what.

[rodimus prime]

I mixed it up. It had an easy first 300 miles, then I gradually got on it more. By 800 it was game on.

[redjewel]

I took it easy for about 200 miles then gradually moved up. Oil changed around 600 and game on. Still a little slow on Full Throttle froma a standstill.

[VulcanGodof Fire]

I mixed it up from the start and seems to be getting more umph every 500 miles. I am at 1500 right now.

[Restroom]

My take on modern systems is that they don't just learn once. If you keep your foot out of it for a prolonged period of time, it'll probably adjust the shift points, maybe give you some of that GM-hallmarked throttle tip-in, maybe dump into half-engine mode a little quicker, but I'm confident that when you start to romp on it a little it'll start adjusting that way, too. You can always reset what it's learned, besides.

I hate worrying about complex break-in prescriptions, and have no intention of babying a brand-new car, what with all the assurances the SS products supposedly are subjected to. Besides, I'm not keeping the car forever, and if it's that fragile that I tear it up I'm within warranty.

[wavrun2000]

You should drive it how you are going to drive it for the rest of its life. Now don't do standing burnouts right off the bat, but after the 1000 mile mark you should change the oil and give it the beans.

[Rockytophummer]

Originally Posted by VulcanGodof Fire

I mixed it up from the start and seems to be getting more umph every 500 miles. I am at 1500 right now.

Pretty much took same approach. At 2500 miles now and she still getting more perkie every 500 miles I add. Also seems like she getting better gas mileage with more miles. Forgot to mention this is by far my favorite car I've ever owned. My H2 I owned was awesome to drive at 1st but by about 2000 miles it was just another vehicle! But still everyday seems like it's 1st day of owning this car! Everynight I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve and can't sleep cause I'm so excited for the next day I can't sleep! But damn she's a beast!

[SGOS252382]

I've been driving mine pretty hard from day one (and it seems to be working). I would say I've used a combination of conservative relaxed driving with occasional full throttle runs mixed in. But I make sure to do some wide open runs everytime I drive my car.
My car now has 700 miles on it and it seem to be getting faster everytime I drive it.

[Mod4SS]

Out of curiosity, has anyone followed the instructions listed in the Owners Manual?

For the first 2 414 km/
1,500 miles:
• Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
• Do not exceed
4,000 engine rpm.
• Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow.

These guidelines seem somewhat restrictive...

[BlemsBumble]

I've been trying to stick to the owner's manual. Got the car Tuesday and took it easy the first couple of days. Today I drove in manual/sport mode all day and it responded beautifully. Lightning quick. Definitely quicker than my '99 LS1 SS. Don't sound as good though.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by wavrun2000

You should drive it how you are going to drive it for the rest of its life. Now don't do standing burnouts right off the bat, but after the 1000 mile mark you should change the oil and give it the beans.

I would not wait to 200 much less 1000.

Originally Posted by Moderator4SS

Out of curiosity, has anyone followed the instructions listed in the Owners Manual?

For the first 2 414 km/
1,500 miles:
• Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
• Do not exceed
4,000 engine rpm.
• Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow.

These guidelines seem somewhat restrictive...

This is exactly how I did it and I'm very sorry I did. After that weak run break in my fastest 0-60 was 6.5 seconds.

Originally Posted by BlemsBumble

I've been trying to stick to the owner's manual. Got the car Tuesday and took it easy the first couple of days. Today I drove in manual/sport mode all day and it responded beautifully. Lightning quick. Definitely quicker than my '99 LS1 SS. Don't sound as good though.

Drive it as hard as you can now. Who's really getting protected? You or GM?

[djsnoflake]

PQ, I don't keep up with all the stuff you do. ( You are a post monster!) But I was wondering if you have gone to the strip yet? And if so what times you are doing.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by djsnoflake

PQ, I don't keep up with all the stuff you do. ( You are a post monster!) But I was wondering if you have gone to the strip yet? And if so what times you are doing.

Closest 1/4 mile track is a fewhours away. I just take video and time it. Also use the Dynolicious iPhone app. Sucks for HP not too bad for times.

2000 miles ago my best 0-60 was 6.2 to 7.8 seconds.

Now my best seems to be around 5.7 to 6.8 seconds.

Not sure about the 1/4 mile. I've only done it on the iPhone app.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by Moderator4SS

How many of you took a more aggressive driving approach during break in period versus a more balanced driving approach? It has been stated in various threads that the computer is learning your driving habits and responds differently after time. So which is the best approach to take? I realize the data is subjective, but I am curious to see which owners did what.

To put it plain and simple. IMO, if you just like to drive casuall and don't mind a slower acceleration then break it in using the softer approach. But if you want your car to really perform well then use a really aggresive approach.