When you get a new car like the Chevrolet Corvette 2021, the temptation to hit the pedal straight to the dealer’s lot is extremely powerful. But that can be disastrous for a new engine from the factory.
Don’t worry if this new car is a C8 generation corvette – GM has an ingenious way to ensure that you follow the engine break-in procedure.
The C8 comes with a V8 developing a healthy 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, but you can’t use it all in the beginning. While the Detroit Free Press reports, for the first 500 miles you are limited to 330 lb-ft in first and second gear. The speed limit is also reduced to 4,000 rpm.
In the past, the buyer read the owner’s manual and understood the need to take it easy for a certain number of miles. At that time, it was very important to let all moving parts become familiar with each other before reaching maximum power.
Mike Kociba, assistant chief engineer for GM small block engines, agrees. From the Free Press:
People were actually throwing dice when they opened the engine too early, 10 or 20 years ago
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And while the improved technology and materials mean that the engines are more durable today, you still shouldn’t leave the dealer’s lot with the engine hitting the speed limiter. Therefore, the Corvette has software that limits engine power to 500 miles on the odometer. Ford’s powertrain engineering manager, Joel Beltramo, believes that these electronic controls will protect owners by preventing damage caused by having too early fun. From Freep:
The manufacture and tolerances of our engines are now so good, and the software controls that monitor temperature increases are so effective that, even if you have to accelerate the accelerator 10 minutes after leaving the dealership, the engine will protect itself through cooling so that you do not damage the engine life.
Should you do this all the time before the engine is completely broken? No. That is why we recommend that owners consult the owner’s manual on their vehicles.
After owners cross the 500-mile limit, all they have to do is restart the car to unlock the vehicle’s full power and the 6,600-rpm rev roof.
Although the Corvette has this nifty proof, owners are still encouraged to read its manuals. Corvette Blogger Published the full Corvette break-in procedure directly from the owner’s manual.
So far, the Corvette is the only vehicle in the GM line with this technology. Honestly, I think most cars with a specific break-in procedure should have something like that. I wonder how many problems a proper break-in avoids in modern cars.