Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 181
{Warning
Some of the adjustments and procedures
specified in this section may require
specialized skill, training, and equipment.
Failure to perform these procedures
properly could cause malfunction,
potentially resulting in death, personal
injury, or damage to the vehicle or
property. Do not attempt to perform
these adjustments or procedures unless
properly qualified.
Be sure to follow all service procedures
before driving the vehicle at track events or
competitively.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and again
before returning to public roads, tighten
the wheel nuts with a torque wrench to
the proper torque specification. Wheel
nuts that are improperly or incorrectly
tightened can cause the wheels to
become loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. See Capacities and Specifications
0 305 for wheel nut torque specifications. If equipped, the front license plate bracket
should be removed and replaced with the
aero cover for track use.
Engine Sound Management Setting
Caution
Do not place the vehicle in Engine Sound
Management–Stealth mode. Damage
could result to exhaust valve actuators.
Engine Oil
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track events and
competitive driving, the engine may use
more oil than it would with normal use.
Low oil levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and maintain
the proper level. See Engine Oil0237.
Check the oil level often during track events
and competitive driving. See “Checking the
Engine Oil" in Engine Oil0237.
Engine Cooling
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.
Fuel
Unleaded gasoline, rated at 93 octane or
higher, is required.
Caution
Some high octane fuels contain additives
and compounds that may damage the
vehicle and void the vehicle warranty. See
Prohibited Fuels
0226.
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid and external filter
should be changed after every 24 hours of
track usage. If prompted by the transmission
fluid life monitor that remaining fluid life is
low, the fluid and external filter should be
changed as soon as possible.
Add an additional 2 L (2 qt) of DCT
transmission fluid prior to track usage. It is
not required to remove the additional 2 L
(2 qt) of DCT fluid.
Any transmission level set or change should
be performed at your dealer.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 185
Right Side Rear Shown, Left Side Rear Similar3. Rear Knuckle Mounted Cooling Duct
4. Rear Lower Control Arm Cooling Duct
Shock Spring Seat Adjustment
The front shocks, on vehicles without
hydraulic front lift and rear shocks, have
threaded spring seats that allow adjustment
of the preload on the coil springs. The
vehicle corner weights can be adjusted for
track use. If the vehicle trim height is
modified, it should be returned to normal
trim height before street use. The spring seat can be adjusted
approximately 20 mm (0.8 in) up or down
from the nominal position. Each complete
turn of the spring seat will change the
vehicle height approximately 1.5 mm
(0.06 in). When adjusting the seat to the
upper limit, lift the dust boot and ensure
the seat does not thread off the center
support tube (stop adjustment when threads
no longer visible). When adjusting the seat
to the lower limit, leave approximately
10 mm (0.4 in) of thread visible for the
lower lock nut to have full thread
engagement.
The following procedure can be complex and
should only be performed by trained
personnel. See your dealer.
To adjust the lower spring seat:
1. Raise the vehicle so the tires are completely off the ground.
Front Shown, Rear Similar
2. Loosen the lower spring seat lock nut (2).
3. Thread the lower spring seat lock nut (2) downward off of the threads to its
resting location on the shoulder of the
center support tube.
4. While holding the center support tube holes, turn the spring seat (1) upward to
increase spring preload, or downward to
decrease spring preload.
5. Thread the lower lock nut (2) back on to the center support tube and torque it
against the spring seat (1) to 25 Y
(18.4 lb ft).
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
192 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Things you put inside your vehicle
can strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the rear area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
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. During the first 800 km (500 mi), engine
torque will be limited in low gears.
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. This rule applies at all times, not
just during the break-in period.
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 (and Splitter)
If equipped, the front air dam and splitter
have 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.
If equipped, the Front Lift System may be
used to increase front air dam or splitter
clearance. See Front Lift System 0214.
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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
198 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
{Warning
To prevent exhaust gases from entering
the vehicle and heat from damaging the
vehicle, the engine cover and all fluid fill
plugs must be secured before closing the
tonneau cover (convertible only) and
operating the vehicle. Make sure all bolts
are torqued to GM specifications.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running. If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park
0 196 and
Engine Exhaust 0197.
Dual Clutch Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch
transmission that contains an integrated
rear differential. The dual clutch
transmission provides an extremely
connected feel due to the direct connection
between the engine and gear box. This
arrangement provides very fast shift times
for maximum performance. Automatic
driving mode is selected by pulling D on the
transmission range selection panel and provides fully automatic shifting operation
which can be further refined using driver
mode control. Upshifts may be delayed
regardless of mode selection or ambient
temperature until the engine is warmed up.
Manual operation can also be selected. See
Manual Mode later in this section.
This transmission is electronically controlled.
The shift switches are on the center console.
The selected gear position will illuminate red
on the shift switch, while all others will
display in white. The indicator on the shift
switch may flash if the shift is not
immediate or if the gear is not fully
engaged. This may occur in very cold
conditions or when Double Paddle Declutch
is used.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/ACCESSORY, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
If ENGINE START/STOP is pressed twice while
at a relatively high speed, the engine will
turn off and the transmission will
automatically shift into N (Neutral). Once the
vehicle is stopped, P (Park) can be selected.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
218 Driving and Operating
Limited-Slip Differential
(Without Z51)
The mechanical limited-slip differential can
give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, this
feature allows the drive wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle. See
Competitive Driving Mode0215 and
Maintenance Schedule 0293.
Limited-Slip Differential (With Z51)
The Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD)
is a hydraulically actuated clutch system
inside the transaxle. It can infinitely vary
the clutch engagement between 0 and
2250 N*m (1659 lb-ft) of breakaway torque
between the rear wheels. When necessary it
responds from open to full engagement in
fractions of a second. Smaller clutch
adjustments happen even faster.
The eLSD:
.Uses the vehicle sensors and driver inputs
to determine the optimum amount of
clutch engagement for the conditions.
.Improves traction while cornering by
changing the engagement to achieve a
balance between directional control and
acceleration.
.Provides optimal engagement for
high-speed control and stability without
affecting precise steering and turn-in.
.Improves vehicle stability during spirited
driving and evasive maneuvers. It is fully
integrated with the Active Handling and
Performance Traction Management (PTM)
systems (if equipped).
There are unique calibrations based on the
Traction Control System (TCS) setting. eLSD
modes change automatically when the
traction control button is pressed. No unique
input from the driver is required.
.Mode 1 is the standard mode when the
vehicle is started. It provides a touring
calibration with an emphasis on vehicle
stability. Mode 1 is also used in PTM
Wet mode.
.Mode 2 is engaged when both TCS and
StabiliTrak are turned off. This calibration
provides more nimble corner turn-in, and
is biased for better traction out of
corners.
.Mode 3 is engaged when PTM is engaged
in Dry, Sport 1 & 2, and Race modes. This
is a nimble calibration with similar
functionality as eLSD Mode 2, however, it
is integrated to work with PTM.
.Mode 4 is engaged when TCS is selected
off, but StabiliTrak remains on. Vehicle
stability is still the priority, while allowing
for optimized traction out of corners.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause (Continued)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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250 Vehicle Care
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0305.
Brake linings should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Squeal and Brake Dust
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applies. This does not mean something is
wrong with the brakes.
Vehicles equipped with high performance
brake systems provide superior fade
resistance but will produce increased brake
squeal and brake dust on the wheels and
calipers as compared to standard brake
linings. This is normal. To help reduce squeal, the brake pads are
treated with an anti-squeal paste that may
need to be reapplied periodically as part of
normal vehicle maintenance. The anti-squeal
paste will dissipate over time. Also, the use
of wheel cleaners or power washers directly
on the brake calipers may remove the
anti-squeal paste from the brake pads.
It may be necessary to reapply the
anti-squeal paste if it is removed during
cleaning.
If brake squeal is excessive, the anti-squeal
paste should be reapplied. The anti-squeal
paste should always be reapplied whenever
the brake pads are removed or replaced. See
your dealer for service.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance canchange in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist system is
designed for use with the factory-installed
brake pads or GM-approved replacement
pads. If the brake pads on the vehicle need
to be replaced, use GM-approved brake pads.
If this is not done, the brake fade warning
system may not function properly.
High Performance Brake Lining Cold
Weather Performance
If equipped with high performance brake
components, binding or clunking may be
noticeable when first moving the vehicle
after parking in cold weather when the
brakes have been wet, such as when driving
in the rain or after a car wash. This is
normal for brakes with high friction linings
and does not affect the operation of the
brakes. Apply the brakes several times until
the binding or clunking stops. If the vehicle
is washed before long term storage, drive it
and apply the brakes several times to
thoroughly dry the brakes before storing.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Vehicle Care 273
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires 0273
and
Wheel Replacement 0277.
Different tire sizes should not be
rotated front to rear.
Use this rotation pattern if the vehicle
has different size tires on the front
and rear.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See Tire
Pressure 0267 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0189. Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 270.
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 305.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Technical Data 305
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants 0301.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge type and amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See yourdealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System with Performance Package* 21.5 L 22.7 qt
Engine Cooling System without Performance Package* 20.5 L 21.7 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 7.1 L 7.5 qt
Fuel Tank 70.0 L 18.5 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.