Chevrolet Camaro Coupe 2014 Preparation Manual
CAMARO Z/28
TRACK PREPARATION
The Camaro Z/28 incorporates a performance-first design philosophy with state-of-the art, race-proven technology. Simply put,
it’s designed to dominate the track, lap after lap. But before you get behind the wheel of your 2014 or 2015 model year Z/28, there
are several key procedures and steps that must be taken in order to properly experience all that it has to offer. For full details and
information, see the Camaro Owner’s Manual.
1. ATTAIN THE RIGHT MILEAGE
NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN (OWNER’S MANUAL: 9-19)
Camaro Z/28 models have a recommended break-in period during the first 1,500 miles (2414 km) that will prolong their
performance and track behavior.
PART/DRIVING BEHAVIOR TIME PERIOD RECOMMENDED ACTION
Tires First 200 miles (322 km) Drive at moderate speeds and avoid hard cornering. New
tires do not have maximum traction and may tend to slip
Brake linings First 200 miles (322 km) Avoid making hard stops. This is also recommended
every time brake linings are replaced
Full-throttle starts and abrupt stops First 1,500 miles (2414 km) Avoid full-throttle starts and abrupt stops
Exceeding 4000 rpm First 1,500 miles (2414 km) Avoid exceeding 4000 rpm
Driving at one constant speed First 1,500 miles (2414 km) Avoid driving at one constant speed
Driving above 80 mph First 1,500 miles (2414 km) Avoid driving above 80 mph
Downshifting to brake or slow the
vehicle when the engine speed will
exceed 4000 rpm
Participating in racing events, sport
driving schools or similar activities
Engine oil First 1,500 miles (2414 km) Check engine oil with every refueling and add if
Laboring the engine or lugging the
engine in high gear at low speeds
First 1,500 miles (2414 km) Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed 4000 rpm
First 1,500 miles (2414 km) Do not participate in racing events, sport driving schools
or similar activities
necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be higher than
normal during first 1500 miles
First 1,500 miles (2414 km)
or at all times
Avoid letting the engine labor. Never lug the engine in
high gear at low speeds. With a manual transmission,
shift to the next lower gear
2. SEASON THE BRAKES
BRAKE BURNISH PROCEDURE (OWNER’S MANUAL: 9-8)
After the new vehicle break-in period, the Camaro Z/28 brake system must be prepped for track events and racing by completing
the appropriate high-performance brake burnishing procedure described below.
Please note: These procedures are specific to Z/28 with ceramic brake rotors and should not be run on other Camaro models as damage may result. During the burnishing procedure, t he brake pads will
smoke and produce an odor. The braking force and pedal travel may increase. After the procedure is complete, the brake pads may appear white at the rotor contact. Perform these procedures on dry
pavement only and in a safe manner and in compliance with all local and state ordinances/laws regarding motor vehicle operation. If aggressive street braking is performed, it should be noted that some
“green” fade may occur on subsequent stops. This will feel like longer than expected pedal travel for the desired deceleration. This is normal and considered part of the burnishing process. You may also
experience a subtle grinding or growl sound during light brake apply. This noise may be heard coming from the front or rear brakes and is typically heard during slow stops. This condition is normal for new
carbon ceramic brakes and can be eliminated by performing the “Street: Brake Burnish Procedure” listed below.
STREET: BRAKE BURNISH PROCEDURE
1. From a stop, accelerate as rapidly as possible without
activating traction control to a speed of 60 mph (100 km/h).
2. Use enough pedal force to completely stop the vehicle in four
to five seconds. If ABS activates, braking is too hard.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 five times. This should take about
10 minutes.
4. After completing the five stops, cool the brakes by driving for
5 miles (8 km) at 60 mph (100 km/h).
As with all high-performance brake systems, some amount of
brake squeal is normal.
RACE TRACK: BRAKE BURNISHING PROCEDURE
1. Complete the street brake burnish procedure listed.
2. Drive a normal first lap, not too aggressively.
3. Laps 2 and 3 should be gradually driven faster and more
aggressively, while allowing for reduced brake output and
increased stopping distance due to brake fade.
4. Drive Lap 4 near full speed, while allowing for reduced brake
output and increased stopping distance due to brake fade.
5. Laps 5 and 6 should be cool-down laps.
6. Lap 7 should be normal driving or an easy out lap.
CAMARO Z/28
TRACK PREPARATION
3. ADJUST THE FOUR CORNERS
TIRE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT (OWNER’S MANUAL: 9-10)
The summer-only tires on Camaro Z/28 require inflation and pressure adjustment when driving at high speeds on a track
(where legal).
Limit the vehicle load to the driver only with no other cargo and inflate the tires to at least 26 psi (180 kPa)
•
Camaro Z/28 wheel alignment settings can be set as follows for increased handling and performance:
FRONT
Remove the spring spacers from the front suspension and
•
place them in the glove box. If the car is to be on a trailer for
any reason, the spacers need to be placed back in the front
springs to obtain ground clearance
Caster: 5.9 +/- 0.50 degrees
•
Camber: -1.5 +/- 0.50 degrees
•
Total or Sum Toe: 0.1 +/- 0.20 degrees
•
Please note: Excessive tire wear is not covered under the vehicle warranty. Driving on wet roads, in heavy rain or through standing water with competition-oriented tires may cause hydroplaning and loss
of control. This is a race tire and wear performance will be markedly different than most tires, not just reduced tire life. These tire s will have significantly reduced tread life. The special tread pat tern and
compound will have decreased performance in cold climates, heavy rain and standing water. Competition-oriented performance tires have rubber compounds t hat lose flexibility and may develop cosmetic
surface cracks in the tread area at temperatures below 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C). Always store Ultra-High performanc e summer tires indoors and at temperatures above 20 degrees F (-7 degrees
C) when not in use. If the tires have been subjected to 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or le ss, let them warm up in a heated space to at least 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) for 24 hours or more before being
installed or driving a vehicle on which they are installed. Do not apply heat or blow heated air directly on the tires. Always inspect the tires before use. Only use GM-approved tire and wheel combinations.
Unapproved combinations may change the vehicle’s performance and handling characteristics. The Z/28 uses a specific TPM sensor (the same sensor used on the ZL1 and 1LE). See t he electronic parts
catalog for ordering information. The Z/28 tires cannot be rotated and are corner-specific by design. Do not perform wheel alignment for tire wear.
REAR
Camber: -1 +/- 0.50 degrees
•
Total or Sum Toe: 0.1 +/- 0.20 degrees
•
Thrust Angle: 0 +/- 0.20 degrees
•
4. CHECK YOUR FLUID LEVELS
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS (OWNER’S MANUAL: 11-12)
Be sure to follow all service procedures before driving Camaro Z/28 on the track or competitively.
FLUID/LUBRICANT TO DO WHEN
Oil
(Mobil 1™ 15W50 Recommended for
Track/Competitive Driving)
Engine Coolant
(DEX-COOL® engine coolant)
Rear Axle Fluid
(Rear Differential Fluid 75W-90 LimitedSlip: GM Part No. 88900401, in Canada
89021678)
Brake Fluid Replace with a high-performance brake fluid that has
Check the oil level and keep it at or near the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick (check the oil level only after the
engine has been thoroughly warmed up and shut
off between 5 and 15 minutes to ensure an accurate
reading)
Please note: This engine uses a special high-performance oil filter (PF64, General
Motors P/N 12640445) and use of any other filter may lead to filter failure and/or
severe engine damage
Reduce the coolant/water mixture to a 30/70 mix and
increase underhood airflow by removing the water
deflector on the engine side of the hood scoop
Because fluid temperatures may be higher, it is
necessary to change the rear axle fluid
a dry boiling point greater than 279°C (534°F). After
conversion to the high-performance brake fluid, follow
the brake fluid service recommendations outlined by
the fluid manufacturer. Do not use silicone or DOT-5
brake fluids
Often (before and after
every track event or
competitive driving
session)
If operating a Z/28 on a
closed course during hot
temperatures
After every track or
competitive driving event
For track events or
competitive driving
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