[tlr3715]

My wife and I bought two new cars this month. I have a 2023 Camaro and she got a 2022 Silverado. I was reading the manuals and noticed the Silverado break in period is only 500 miles while the Camaro break in period is 1500. Both have direct injected engines, so why so much of a difference in break in period?

[JSH]

Originally Posted by tlr3715

My wife and I bought two new cars this month. I have a 2023 Camaro and she got a 2022 Silverado. I was reading the manuals and noticed the Silverado break in period is only 500 miles while the Camaro break in period is 1500. Both have direct injected engines, so why so much of a difference in break in period?

Mine was dyno'd four or five times with 350 miles and no issues now with 10k miles

[WhiteMale]

There's no reason that the two seem to be different but I'm sure someone will be along quickly to justify how the Camaro is special and needs a specific sequence that you shouldn't deviate from.

[USAFS197]

I follow break in procedures because in the event that something were to go awry in the first bit of ownership, I want to be covered to some degree and, I'm not pretentious enough to think that I know better in that regard.

Now, once that break in period is over, then it's time to full send whenever I like. Also, I owned a pair of 1LE's and their track break in procedure outlines exactly what you need to do for track prep.

[FlukeSS]

The only real thing I can guess, would be the Silverados are designed with load in mind, and probably a more bullet proof engine setup. i.e. less break-in time.

Camaros have to be nursed to maturity perhaps?

[Alpha1BC]

I believe it's more to do with driveline vs. the engine (LT1 crate engine break in process only says 500 miles). Camaros have limited slip diffs while Silverado's typically have locking diffs, and limited slip should need more time under varying load to prevent scoring/hum later in life. Expected use is probably a factor as well since Silverados likely aren't being flogged as hard as Camaros.

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by Alpha1BC

I believe it's more to do with driveline vs. the engine (LT1 crate engine break in process only says 500 miles). Camaros have limited slip diffs while Silverado's typically have locking diffs, and limited slip should need more time under varying load to prevent scoring/hum later in life. Expected use is probably a factor as well since Silverados likely aren't being flogged as hard as Camaros.

I agree. My guess is the engine is broken in after 500 miles. That's why the track prep guide says keep the engine below 4k rpm for the first 500 miles, vary the speed of the engine and don't lug the engine. Oil consumption can be an issue up to 1,500 miles so it also advises checking the oil and adding oil as necessary. I added about a half a quart of oil to mine between 500 and 1,500 miles. I also changed the oil at 500 (per the track prep guide) and 1,500 miles and changed the diff fluid at 1,500 miles. Once you hit 1,500 miles everything should be broken in.

[KingLT1]

Likely because GM warranties the Camaro with track use long as it is kept stock...So they came up with this extra precautionary break in period. Either way 500 miles is plenty.

[SKM348]

Good feedback. When my 2SS comes in I'll definitely follow the 500-mile guide but may be less stringent with the 1500-mile guidance since i won't be tracking it. I'm at 2.5 months now and can't wait to get it.

[tlr3715]

I was looking up the old 2018 CTS manuals and they also state a 1500 mile break in. The 2022 Colorado has a 500 mile brake in. CTS shares multiple engines with the Camaro and Colorado shares the V6. Maybe it’s a truck vs car thing like some have been saying.

[tlr3715]

Just checked the Malibu. 500 mile break in. Corvette has 1500 mile break in. Must be performance vs non-performance vehicle.

[keep_hope_alive]

They are not the exact same engine. They are not remotely the same type of vehicle. If GM had one break-in period for all cars and all engines it would just be a CYA recommendation and not an engineering recommendation.

There is no doubt that there is a difference in tuning and build specifics with performance models. Different performance despite the same displacement. The amount of time GM expects each vehicle time to spend at or near redline RPM is vastly different - and a Camaro will kiss redline much more often than a Silverado or Malibu simply based on the purpose of the vehicle. Break-in periods are for the benefit of longevity when pushed to the limit, not for typical relaxed driving habits. Most people who buy a Malibu will basically drive as if it's a break-in period for the life of the vehicle.

[s346k]

the 6.2 in the trucks and camaros are exactly the same internally. id guess drivetrain stuff on the extended break in for the "performance" cars.

[2SS Capt]

Originally Posted by ZPirate

I agree. My guess is the engine is broken in after 500 miles. That's why the track prep guide says keep the engine below 4k rpm for the first 500 miles, vary the speed of the engine and don't lug the engine. Oil consumption can be an issue up to 1,500 miles so it also advises checking the oil and adding oil as necessary. I added about a half a quart of oil to mine between 500 and 1,500 miles. I also changed the oil at 500 (per the track prep guide) and 1,500 miles and changed the diff fluid at 1,500 miles. Once you hit 1,500 miles everything should be broken in.

I agree, I changed my oil and my rear diff fluid at 505 miles as well as at 1,500 miles... Neither time did the fluids look "worn" at all, but as I always say "fluids are cheap, components are NOT..." Everything is running great at nearly 7,200 miles... I was very gentle on it until about 1,250 miles, but only a couple pulls...