[The Maverick]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

3. Here's a tip for your chrome surround, I popped off these two pieces and plastidippedthem, they came out fantastic with a nice texture, almost impossible to tell they're not OEM.

Vinyl wrap is also an option. I went with satin black, same as I used on the exterior of the car.

While I didn't really mind this bright trim on my 2016, a recent move that altered my commute route (and angle I would regularly have the sun hitting that piece) changed my mind.

[2023_ZL1-AUTO]

I've never been a follower of the "break in period". I've had high performance cars and motorcycles all my life and never saw issues come from me not "breaking it in" like the manufacture suggested. Regardless, that's a sweet ride, enjoy it! I'm really starting to dig that color paint. I saw one in person at Cars and Coffee not long ago and it looked really good! Congrats on the new ZL1 !

[JBones81]

Thanks guys. I'll probably just plastidip that trim piece if I can get it off easily.

Would a wrap guy need to remove it to do the wrap?

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by JBones81

Thanks guys. I'll probably just plastidip that trim piece if I can get it off easily.

Would a wrap guy need to remove it to do the wrap?

I think a wrap can be done in place, but I didn't want any visible cuts or risk damage to the dash.

Oh, and plastidip is very easily reversible if you want to redo it in another color or choose a different route, you just scrape it forcefully with your nails at the edges and pull it off.

[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by 2023_ZL1-AUTO

I've never been a follower of the "break in period". I've had high performance cars and motorcycles all my life and never saw issues come from me not "breaking it in" like the manufacture suggested. Regardless, that's a sweet ride, enjoy it! I'm really starting to dig that color paint. I saw one in person at Cars and Coffee not long ago and it looked really good! Congrats on the new ZL1 !

I'm a mechanical engineer, so when engineers recommend something like a break-in period, I listen to them, not you.

[Palutz]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

I've had my 2023 ZL1 A10 for just two weeks now. Obviously, I haven't driven in in anger and I'm not going going to get to 1500 miles any time soon due to miscellaneous schedule constraints.

But I do have some strong impressions. I traded my 2010 2SS A6 for this car. Cruising around, I am amazed how at-home I feel in the new car. Like its predecessor, it combines firm and quick steering response with a smooth and quiet ride. What's new, mainly, is the absence of the absurdly loud burp of switching from 4 to 8 cylinder modern the 2010. The visibility is considerably better looking forward, and the outside mirrors are noticeably bigger, which is great. Also great is the blind spot warning system.

The video rear view mirror is useless to me because it's difficult to focus on, compared the true distance in the reflecting mirror.

The sound system is a significant upgrade.

Much more to look forward to when the break-in period is over and I head fo the drag strip.

Automatics just kill the joy of the supercharged V8. It’s the same shit every day .. the drag strip will show great time slips though.

[NYTMARE23]

Originally Posted by Palutz

Automatics just kill the joy of the supercharged V8. It’s the same shit every day .. the drag strip will show great time slips though.

I don't know man, I have a hell of alot of fun with my A10.... I get it, people are M6 diehards and that's ok, it is fun to row gears, but the A10 can be just as fun whether you like Automatics or not. As an added bonus, they're faster than manuals anyway. I was dead set on getting a M6 when first wanting my Camaro. At the time I was even looking to get one they had A8's. If the A10 hadn't come out it would have most definitely been a M6 for me, but the A10 was and is a game changer. Either way, whether a M6 or A10, the Camaro is a badass car!

[Tibby ZL1]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

I'm a mechanical engineer, so when engineers recommend something like a break-in period, I listen to them, not you.

Mechanical engineer here as well. Enjoy the car. I have a 68 with an LS swap very similar to that color. I would have gone that way as well with my ZL-1 but the wife says, "That would be weird having two cars the same color"...... Happy wife happy life LOL.

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

I'm a mechanical engineer, so when engineers recommend something like a break-in period, I listen to them, not you.

M.E. here as well, but man, babying a new engine for 1,500 miles like the manual describes is NOT the way high performance engine builders break-in engines. There are procedures for setting the rings very early in an engine's life that the manual just doesn't address, probably because the average consumer can't be trusted to do it properly.

And yes, setting the rings involves multiple runs of heavy or even wide-open throttle (just not to redline). Look it up.

[RobZL1]

Originally Posted by Idaho2018GTPremium

M.E. here as well, but man, babying a new engine for 1,500 miles like the manual describes is NOT the way high performance engine builders break-in engines. There are procedures for setting the rings very early in an engine's life that the manual just doesn't address, probably because the average consumer can't be trusted to do it properly.

And yes, setting the rings involves multiple runs of heavy or even wide-open throttle (just not to redline). Look it up.

Also an ME. Apparently we're drawn to the ZL1 and this forum.

I agree with you 100%. The engineers here are limited by the general jacka$$ public who treat it like a Civic. Limiting warranty liability and risk is what they are concerned about. I guarantee the GM racing motors aren't babied for 1500 miles, they are properly loaded on an engine dyno to break them in.

For the newer models with the "hand-built" engines in them, I have even less concern about giving it the proper, methodical break-in.

I've personally only ever purchased 2 brand new performance vehicles (the rest were used). Those were both sportbikes with 0 miles on them. I took them straight off the dealer lot, warmed it up, and proceeded to do break in runs and proper heat cycling with loaded runs in mid-rpm- with engine braking on decel, which is just as important.

Anyway, I know I'll never convince anyone differently, just like they'll never convince me to baby it for 1500 miles.

[6spdhyperblue]

Originally Posted by Idaho2018GTPremium

M.E. here as well, but man, babying a new engine for 1,500 miles like the manual describes is NOT the way high performance engine builders break-in engines. There are procedures for setting the rings very early in an engine's life that the manual just doesn't address, probably because the average consumer can't be trusted to do it properly.

And yes, setting the rings involves multiple runs of heavy or even wide-open throttle (just not to redline). Look it up.

High performance builders aren’t targeting longevity as a main priority either. I’d be more concerned with bearings than rings after 15 miles.

[2023_ZL1-AUTO]

I say we swing back the conversation to : "ZL1's are totally BAD A$$, no matter how you break them" I might enjoy mine for 40,000 miles, the other guy, 100,000 miles, but, the common link - we both enjoyed our cars" !!! Have a GREAT 4th to everyone !!!!

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by 2023_ZL1-AUTO

I say we swing back the conversation to : "ZL1's are totally BAD A$$, no matter how you break them" I might enjoy mine for 40,000 miles, the other guy, 100,000 miles, but, the common link - we both enjoyed our cars" !!! Have a GREAT 4th to everyone !!!!

mine was broken in hard, too (although it isn't really the same engine anymore).

[RobZL1]

Yeah, yeah, you're right.

On that note, I'll just leave some other non-controversial statements for the group:
- Maggies are better than Edelbrocks and Whipples
- Oils with more ZDDP are better for your motor
- 0w40 OR 5w30 should be just fine in these engines
- If the oil pump breaks on your 7-model-yr-old car, just fix it and continue to smile
- Stainless Works Legend series sounds better than anything else if you are replacing your exhaust.
- Warranty/schmarranty. 650hp is most definitely NOT enough.

Twawlk amongst yo-wo-selves...