When you take delivery of a new car, such as the Chevrolet Corvette 2021, the temptation to put the pedal on the floor directly from the dealership is strong. But this can be disastrous for a freshly made engine.
Don’t worry if the new car is a C8-generation Corvette – GM has a simple way to make sure you follow the engine start procedure.
The C8 comes with a V8 that develops 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, but you can’t use it all at first. As the Detroit Free Press reports, for the first 500 miles, you’re limited to 330 lb-ft in first and second gear. The speed limit is also reduced to 4,000 rpm.
In the past, a buyer would read the owner’s manual and understand the need to lighten it for a certain number of miles. It was very important then to let all the moving parties get acquainted with each other before putting pressure on the maximum power.
Mike Kociba, assistant chief engineer of GM engines with small blocks, agrees. From the free press:
People were really rolling their dice when they started the engine too fast 10 or 20 years ago
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And, although improved technology and materials mean that engines are more durable today, you still shouldn’t leave the dealership with the engine out of the speed limiter. So Corvette has software that limits engine power until you reach 500 miles per meter. Ford’s engineering manager Joel Beltramo believes these electronic controls will protect homeowners, preventing damage caused by too much fun too soon. From the Freep:
The output and tolerances of our engines are now so good, and the software controls that monitor the rise in temperature are so effective that even if you had to access the accelerator briefly 10 minutes after leaving a dealer, the engine will be protected by cooling. you will not injure the life of the engine.
Should you do this all the time before the engine is completely broken? Not. Therefore, we recommend that owners refer to the owner’s manual of their vehicle.
Once owners exceed that 500-mile threshold, all they have to do is restart the car to unlock the maximum power of the vehicle and the 6,600 rpm ceiling.
While the Corvette has this smart safety system, owners are still encouraged to read their manuals. Corvette Blogger published complete procedure for breaking the Corvette directly from the owner’s manual.
To date, the Corvette is the only vehicle in the GM range with this technology. Honestly, I think most cars with a specific breaking procedure should have something like this. I wonder how many problems prevent proper breakage in modern cars.