In light of rampant reports from owners of the new 2015 Corvette Z06 about a dramatic power reduction after consecutive hard runs, it turns out that Chevrolet has a simple fix: break it in.
Yep, according to Corvette Forum, all that’s required is about 500 miles on the odometer before the Engine Control Module stops cutting power. That simple message comes from Rocko Parker of Chevrolet Performance, so we’d like to think it has some credibility.
It would make perfect sense that the ECM wouldn’t allow for full performance straight out of the box, as engine components like piston rings are still being worn to seal with the cylinder walls. In fact, one of our readers chimed in on our first post about the issue, suggesting that the ECM in the base Stingray is similarly conservative during the break-in period.
Of course, this pretty much invalidates any dynamometer numbers that have been publicized by independent testers; as alluring as those numbers are, it may well be that the true RWHP of a primed Corvette Z06 is even higher than initially thought. And we are simply dying to find out what they are.
Comments
one or two dyno pulls is far different than a drag/track day
Called it, haha.
Cant wait to see this thing run in a motor trend head 2 head
More LIES from GM. ZO6’s with 700+ miles are having the same issues with timing. GM also LIES about the PATHETIC new A8 transmission that has TERRIBLE lag when manually shifted and does NOT compare to PDK. As a new Corvette buyer for 20 years, I will NOT buy another Corvette until it gets at least DCT, and all GM performance cars need the OPTION of AWD.
@TTC6 are you crazy ? AWD for what ? DCT for what a .1 of a sec better ? Think about it if Z06 drops 200 to 300 pounds with the way the 2015 is already .. Then all cars will have to run and hide on track day !!!
You just have got to love trolls who never owned let alone drove many of the cars they bash.
The truth is out there and no matter how hard they deny it never changes the reality of what is there.
This is a great car and what ever is going on will be resolved quickly.
Even engines like this are pretty well seated with the rings when built but the rest of the engine still need to loosen up Close tolerances make for tight engines. These are not like the legacy small blocks of old. Nor are they race engines built loose to only last 500 miles.
What is GM “lying” about, exactly? Let’s start with that.
All combustion engines still need break in time and the tuners that immediately do burnouts and rev the engine from the get go are actually doing damage.2000 miles and most automobiles still need more break in time.GM products are just as good or better than any other auto manufacturer now.
With todays technology, materials, and machining tolerances these motors should have their rings seated within the first few heating and cooling cycles. The conservative ECM tune for break in period is there just to cover GM from a liability standpoint in case said person rolls it right off the hauler on to a track or dyno. GM does not know how these cars will be treated or where they will end up once they have left the plant so the ECM defaults to a break in tune with consevative timing and fuel maps untill the 500 mile mark is reached. The clutch and brakes are a different story and thus…break in period of 500 miles for these components is a good idea.
If it were mine i would put a few dyno pulls on it as soon as i took delivery and then promptly change the oil. Should be a very healthy motor afterwards that will last a long time.
TTC6’s claims are widly up for debate as there are too many variables that effect fuel and timing to claim that GM is lying. And watch any ZO6 video with the 8-speed auto…TERRIBLE lag is just simply NOT TRUE. Plus, 20 years of buying Vette’s and the best one ever made (C7 ZO6) has now soured you? Are you nuts? You sound like a Porsche fan boy.
If you believe GM is lying, then why don’t you sue GM for false advertising, like the claim (and $100M fine) against Hyundai’s false MPG rating?
Can anybody post the link for the A8 Z06 please?
As to my knowledge no A8 have roll out of the plant.
Boyle may have to do a lot here. Will know until tuners post the IAT’s after few runs. I think the supercharger is heating intake air too fast and the ecm is acting accordingly to the antiknocking parameters.
Nothing in the tune will counter heat. Maybe a Water/Meth injection might help.
I’m passed 500 miles and still having reduced power. Car has been at the dealer more than it has been in my possession. Anyone else with this problem. I know I’m a little late