When a new car like the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is delivered, the temptation to put the pedal on the ground directly from the dealership is very powerful. But this can be disastrous for a factory fresh engine.
Don’t worry if this new car is one C8 generation corvette – GM has an easy way to make sure you obey the engine introduction procedure.
The C8 comes with a V8 that develops a healthy 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, but at first you can’t use all of that. Like the Free Detroit Press according to the first 500 miles, it is limited to 330 pound feet in the first and second gears. The speed limit is also reduced to 4,000 rpm.
In earlier times, a buyer would read the owner’s manual and understand the need to take it easy for a certain number of miles. At that time, it was very important that all the moving parts became familiar with each other before favoring maximum power.
Mike Kociba, chief engineer of GM’s small block engines, agrees. From the free press:
People were really rolling the dice when they opened the engine too early ten or twenty years ago
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And while improved technology and materials make engines more resilient today, you still shouldn’t leave the dealership with the engine exploding in the rev limiter. So the Corvette has software that limits engine power to 500 miles with the odometer. Joel Beltramo, Ford’s transmission engineering manager, believes these electronic controls will protect homeowners and prevent damage from having fun too soon. From the Freep:
The manufacture and tolerances of our engines are now so good and the software controls that control temperature rises are so effective that even if you had to accelerate briefly 10 minutes after leaving a dealer, the engine will be protected. by cooling so that you will not harm the life of the engine.
Should you do this all the time before the engine breaks completely? No. That’s why we recommend owners consult their owner’s manual on their vehicle.
Once owners cross that 500-mile threshold, all they have to do is restart the car to unlock all of the vehicle’s power and 6,600 rpm roof.
Although the Corvette has this ingenious safety system, owners are still encouraged to read its manuals. Corvette Blogger published the complete procedure for introducing the Corvette directly from the owner’s manual.
So far, the Corvette is the only vehicle in GM’s range with this technology. Honestly, I think most cars with a specific introduction procedure should have something like this. I wonder how many problems prevent proper breakage in modern cars.