2019 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Performance

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
164 Driving and Operating
ZR1 FEB suspension equipped
vehicles can be lowered 12 mm in
the front for optimal track
performance. Lowering the vehicle
should be completed prior to the
track suspension alignment. The
front spring outboard ends must be
unloaded from the front control arms
in order to adjust the spring cushion
adjuster screws upward by
approximately 6–9 mm to achieve
the lowered condition. Driving on
the public roads in this condition is
not recommended.
Caution
Failure to unload the front spring
outboard ends before adjusting
the spring cushion adjuster
screws could damage the spring.If the vehicle is a Z51, Grand Sport,
Z06, or ZR1, the racing and
competitive driving wheel alignment
settings should be set as
described here:
.
Z51 Performance
Package –remove one washer
from each upper control arm to
body bolt attachment (both front
and rear).
. Grand Sport, Z06, and
ZR1 models –do not remove
washers from front or rear upper
control arm bolts.
Proceed by adjusting the lower
control arm cam bolts until
alignment is within specifications.
Alignment values are targets. See
your dealer for tolerances.
After track use, reinstall washers
and reset to factory alignment
settings.
Front (per corner)
. Caster: +7.0 degrees
. Camber: -2.0 degrees
. Toe: 0.05 degrees toe in Rear (per corner)
.
Caster: 0 degrees
. Camber: -2.0 degrees
. Toe: 0.05 degrees toe in
Thrust Angle: 0 degrees
Rear Axle Fluid
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high rear axle
temperatures can occur. Damage
could be caused to the rear axle
and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not drive as
long or as fast the first time the
vehicle is driven on the track or
raced.
Axles must have 2414 km (1,500 mi)
before being used in track driving.
The rear axle fluid temperatures
may be higher than when driving in
severe conditions. Drain and refill
with new fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 165
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0321.
General Information
If reduced performance is
experienced during track events or
competitive driving, turning off the
A/C will help to improve engine
performance.
Maintain a mixture of 40%
DEX-COOL coolant and 60% clean,
drinkable water to optimize engine
performance.
The front license plate bracket or
aero panel should be removed for
track events and competitive driving
to improve engine performance.
Brakes
{Warning
Braking above 200 mph:
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Applying and sustaining full force
braking at speeds exceeding
200 mph (322 km/h) can cause
serious damage to the braking
system. At any speed, braking
must be performed in a smooth
and controlled manner, but at
these speeds specifically, lower
initial brake pedal efforts are
recommended.
Brake Cooling
If additional brake cooling is
required, the grille mesh in the lower
corners of the front grille in front of
the brake duct can be removed.
This is not reversible, and a
replacement grille will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If this is done, it is recommended
that the gap between the fascia and
the cooling duct be taped over. Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a
qualified high performance brake
fluid from a sealed container. Brake
fluid with a dry boiling point >310 °C
(590 °F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake
fluid before driving on public roads.
If high performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the brake
fluid is over a month old or
unknown, replace the brake fluid
before track events and competitive
driving. Do not use silicone or
DOT-5 brake fluids.
Brake Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake
system can result in brake
damage.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
166 Driving and Operating
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage
may occur to the powertrain/
engine. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In 0179.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
any track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed
as instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke
and produce an odor. The braking
force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure, the brake pads
may appear white at the rotor
contact. Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Brake Burnishing Procedure (Z51
Performance Package, Grand
Sport with J56, and Z06 with J56)
1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application.
Drive for at least 1 km (0.6 mi)
between applying the brakes.
This first step may be skipped
if there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Repeatedly apply the brakes from 100 km/h (60 mph) to
25 km/h (15 mph) while
decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application, without
activating the Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between
stops. Repeat until the brake
pedal travel starts to increase. Depending on conditions, this
should take no longer than 25
brake applications.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least
1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications.
Street High Performance Brake
Burnishing Procedure (Grand
Sport with J57, Z06 with J57,
and ZR1)
This procedure should only be run
on a track or other non-public area,
and only on dry pavement. 1. From a stop, accelerate as rapidly as possible without
activating traction control to a
speed of 100 km/h (60 mph).

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 167
2. Use enough pedal force tocompletely stop the vehicle in
four to five seconds. If ABS
activates, braking is too hard.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 –20
consecutive times, this should
take about 5 minutes.
4. After completing the 20 stops, cool the brakes by driving for
8 km (5 mi) at 100 km/h
(60 mph).
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake
squeal is normal.
Racing/Track Brake Burnishing
Procedure (Grand Sport with J57,
Z06 with J57, and ZR1)
This procedure should only be run
on a track and only on dry
pavement.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
this track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
1. Drive a normal first lap, not too aggressively.
2. 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.
3. Drive Lap 4 near full speed, while allowing for reduced
brake output and increased
stopping distance due to
brake fade.
4. Laps 5 and 6 should be cool down laps.
5. Lap 7 should be normal driving or an easy out lap.
Exhaust Cooling
Hardware (ZR1)
The exhaust cooling hardware
should be installed prior to any track
event. These components will help
cool the exhaust system.
To install the closeout plates and
deflectors:
1. Install the 12 U-nuts onto the
tunnel brace. Align the
threaded holes in the U-nuts
with the holes in the tunnel
brace.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
168 Driving and Operating
2. Install the two closeout platesover the holes.
Install the two deflectors over
the holes, with the shorter one
in front.
3. Torque all the fasteners to 9Y (6.6 lb ft).
When the track event is complete,
remove the closeout plates and
deflectors and store them for the
next track event.
Rear Adjustable Performance
Wing (If Equipped)
The Rear Adjustable Performance
Wing can be adjusted up for greater
downforce during a track event.
To change the angle of the rear
wing, remove the rear attaching
bolts and move them to the upper
hole. Tighten the bolts to 9 Y
(6.6 lb ft). Return the wing to the
factory location following the track
event. Every time the wing is
adjusted, re-apply threadlocker to
the attachment bolts. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0321.
Front Compartment Air
Deflector Panel
Prior to the track event, when
ambient temperatures are above 27
°C (80 °F), the panel between the
front fascia extension and the front
cradle can be removed to maximize
cooling air flow to the steering gear
power assist motor.
To remove the air deflector:
1. Remove the four front (2) and
three rear (4) front
compartment air deflector
screws.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 169
2. Remove the forwardpush pin (1).
3. Remove the front compartment air deflector (3) by tipping the
rear down and sliding it out
from under the lower deflector
panel.
When the track events are
complete, reinstall this panel.
Z07 Performance Package
Z06 with the Z07 Performance
Package has installed Stage 2 and
Stage 3 Aero Packages, which
consist of a front splitter with short
end caps, rocker panel extensions,
and a rear spoiler.
Stage 3 Aero components are
delivered but not installed on the
vehicle. These are intended to be
installed for track use only. The
components include:
. Front splitter tall end caps that
replace the front splitter short
end caps
. A center transparent wicker bill
for the rear spoiler
{Warning
Changing the following track
settings could reduce tire traction
and could cause a crash. Do not
change the track settings.
The track settings for the Z07
Performance Package with the
Stage 3 Aero Package are:
. The front splitter tall end caps
installed
. The center transparent wicker
bill installed all the way up on
the rear spoiler
. The Driver Mode Selector in
Track Mode
Stingray with Performance
Package-Carbon Fiber (CFZ)
The Stingray with Performance
Package-Carbon Fiber (CFZ) has
an installed aero package which
consists of a front splitter with short
end caps, rocker panel extensions,
and a rear spoiler. A center
transparent wicker bill for the rear spoiler is delivered but not installed.
This is intended to be installed for
track use only.
Front Brake Cooling Duct Kit
(Z06 and ZR1)
The following installation procedure
is for Z06/ZR1 vehicles. The upper
cooling ducts should be installed
prior to any track events or high
speed straight runs.
To install the cooling ducts:
1. Remove the front wheels. Refer to the procedure in the
vehicle service manual.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 173
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0265.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line. .
Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0198.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 179
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2 414 km
(1,500 mi) of driving this vehicle.
Parts have a break-in period and
performance will be better in the
long run.
For the first 322 km (200 mi):
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering.
. New brake linings also need a
break-in period. Avoid making
hard stops. This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.
For the first 800 km (500 mi):
. Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 rpm. .
Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
including the use of cruise
control.
. Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4000 rpm.
. Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine. With a
manual transmission, shift to the
next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
. If equipped with a dry sump
engine (Stingray with Z51,
Grand Sport, and Z06), the initial
oil and filter change must be
performed at 800 km (500 mi).
For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi):
. Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities.
. Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal.
Front Air Dam
If equipped, the front air dam has
minimal ground clearance.
Under normal operation, the
components will occasionally
contact some road surfaces (speed
bumps, driveway ramps, etc.). This
can be heard inside the vehicle as a
scraping noise. This is normal and
does not indicate a problem.
Use care when approaching bumps
or objects on road surfaces and
avoid them when possible.
Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped with
parts containing carbon fiber,
sheet-molding compound, or other
composite materials.
Dealer-installed accessories may
also contain composite materials.
These parts and accessories may
include the splitter or rocker
extensions.