ny32182

So rather than ship it, it looks like there is a 99% chance I am going to drive my new Vette from Michigan to SC. It is going to save me about 600 bucks vs. shipping.

I read an old thread that stated a few things:

-Vary the engine rpm, up (gently), down, etc.
-Vary the gear (car is a manual)
-Don't exceed 65mph

Do all this for the first 500 miles.

Google says it is a little over 700 miles and 11 hours. The way the timing is going to work out I'll probably start the drive mid/late afternoon, go for a few hours, stop somewhere for the night and finish in the morning.

I plan to change the oil not long after I get back.

Anything to add to that? Any very specific driving pattern suggestions for the first couple hours on the interstate (in this case I don't mind being a slow PITA driver hanging out in the right lane if necessary). Thanks,

ny32182

One other thing, I carfaxed my own new car since I had leftover reports that aren't going to do me any good anyway, and I found that it was delivered in May and presumably has been sitting on the lot since. Documentation I have says there is 28 miles on it currently.

Would there be any wisdom in having the oil changed at the dealer before I begin the trip?

Gary '09 C6

The oil in the car s/b fine...just properly check the level before starting out. If it's a dry-sump engine, need to run it until the oil temp is 175*
and then park on level ground and wait 5-10 mins before checking the dipstick in the external oil tank.

OM will say not to exceed 4,000 rpms for the first 500 mi's, and no hard stops for the first 200 mi's. Enjoy the trip, the car & congrats !

ny32182

Thanks Gary, exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know there... so per the manual, and what I've read before, best course of action would be to run it between 1500 and 4k rpms, spend at least some time in each gear, for the first 500 miles? I can get that done at normal highway speeds.

I'm sure it is probably a wet sump.

blitzebill

if it's Automatic tranny, yes it's wet.

ny32182

It is a manual 1LT base coupe; 2012 model year.

Gary '09 C6

^ then it's a wet sump, as the LS3 w/dry sump is only available on the GS coupe w/manual transmission.

and, your driving approach s/b fine...and don't use the cruise control for long periods, as obviously the rpms won't vary while it's engaged.

C7 BOB

Basicly, be gentle with everything. Especially brakes and engine. The brake rotors can get warped if you overheat them - I know. I always slowly break it in for the first thousand miles, but gradually increasing speed and aggressiveness.

ny32182

Thanks guys... so is it advisable to hit 4k rpms "gently" when it is brand new, or is the 4k viewed more as a cap, with ideally the rpm staying below that? Obviously we can cruise at 65 in 6th with rpm pretty dang low in this car.

Also is it important to spend some time in each gear to break in the transmission? If it is (along with the brakes) I would have to make an actual effort to hit each gear and use the brakes occassionally on a long highway slog.

Gary '09 C6

IMO, the recommended 500 mi "break-in period" is really to benefit the transmission & drivetrain, so as to smoothly get all the moving parts
meshing together properly without undue stress, etc. The engine is likely ready to go...

It's like any other finely engineered machine--don't abuse it early in its life, and it should provide years of relatively reliable service.

The 4K rpm limit recommendation in the OM is a "cap" (though staying below this isn't easy to do...)

TLS_Addict

Its a mass production engine with very good tolerances.

I wouldnt go out and do 6.5k rpms power shifts but I wouldnt drive it like it was going to break either. Drive it normal and try not to leave the car at any single rpm for extended periods of time.

Have fun with it.

Another Don

Sounds like you're set up for a great trip home. The only thing that I would add is to get the dealership to replace the battery before you set out on your 700 mile odyssey.

If that car has been on their lot for almost half a year, I'd bet teacups to donuts that that battery has gone totally flat on more than one occasion. Our batteries don't like going flat. If they don't change the battery before you by it, then just file a warranty claim before you leave the dealership. Likely they won't argue with you and they'll slap a new battery in there for your trip.

The last thing you want is to stop over for the night in Podunk, USA and not be able to start your the next morning.

ny32182

I don't (think I will) mind driving it like an old lady for the first 1000 miles... there will be plenty of time after that to eventually try to figure out how close that "190 mph" number that GM throws around is to a fact.

ny32182

Great suggestion there about the battery... def add that to the list. I remember reading about the battery tender these need if they are going to sit.

plmkrzy

You will absolutely love it and "permagrin" will set in during the first 3 miles. I know that for sure.

Gary '09 C6

Definitely get one. I use a Deltran Battery Tender Plus. Others here use a CTEK 3300. Both are available with the cig. lighter adapter.
And, there are other brands to choose from...

ny32182

Chances are I'll be cranking it up every .5 to 2 weeks depending on my schedule and the weather... I have a buddy who bought a new '11 earlier this year (which is what got me seriously looking at them in the first place) and he tells me he's gone as long as 2 weeks without cranking it several times with no problems so far. He mostly takes his on mini-vacations to the beach, pistol matches (which is what we do), etc, and it mostly sits in between. Personally I have an 80 mile commute to work every day, so I will probably drive it on nice Fridays and/or weekends hopefully; I don't want to daily drive it to the tune of my normal (near) 30k miles a year, so it will do some sitting from time to time.

Gary '09 C6

If I had an 80 mile commute, I would drive the 'Vette to work every day, weather-permitting !
They're great cars to drive...

ny32182

Nice; and you would have my respect and admiration! But hopefully also a bigger gas and insurance bill than I am shooting for!

Is this the battery tender you referenced?

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender...ry+tender+plus

Gary '09 C6

the cost of ownership...

^ yes; and you need to buy the cig. lighter adapter separately (not incl.)