2020 Corvette Stingray Track Preparation

May 29, 2020
GM TechLink

The all-new 2020 Corvette Stingray is the fastest and most powerful entry-level Corvette ever produced. It’s mid-engine proportions and rear weight bias along with a race car-like view and driver’s seat positioning all enhance performance on the track. But before owners take their vehicles out on a closed course, there are a number of items to be checked and adjusted, including several key procedures that must be completed in order to properly prepare the Corvette Stingray for a day at a sanctioned racing event. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1

The track prep requirements that should be undertaken before and after a track event are summarized in the recently released 2020 Corvette Track Preparation pdf (Fig. 2) on GM GlobalConnect (U.S.). The supplement is for the Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package. For full details, refer owners to the vehicle Owner’s Manual.

Fig. 2

TIP: The service items covered in the Track Preparation supplement are the responsibility of the customer and should not be submitted under warranty. Failure to follow the recommendations may void the vehicle’s warranty.

The 2020 Corvette Track Preparation pdf includes:

1. Attain the Right Mileage – New vehicle break-in periods for various components and systems.

Vehicles must have over 1,500 miles (2,414 km) before participating in any track events, sport driving schools, or similar activities.

2. Prepare the Brakes – High-performance brake fluid use, the Brake Fade Warning Assist system, new brake pad burnishing procedure, and installing and removing the brake cooling kit.

Brake fluid flushing before and after a track event is critical. The battery must be disconnected prior to any brake service. If the brake pads on the vehicle need to be replaced, use GM-approved brake pads to ensure that the Brake Fade Warning Assist system functions properly.

3. Adjust Four Corners and Alignment – Shock spring seat adjustment, tire pressures for road courses, and racing and competitive driving wheel alignment settings.

4. Fluid Levels – Engine oil and dual clutch transmission (DCT) fluid and filter requirements.

0W-40 dexos2 engine oil is approved for both track and street use. The DCT transmission must have an additional 2 quarts (2 liters) of fluid added to the transmission prior to track use. The added fluid will help with possible low pump pressure due to the fluid being pushed up the side of the transmission case. It is not required to remove the additional DCT fluid.

5. Driver Mode and PTM Settings – Using the Driver Mode selector, Competitive Driving Mode settings and Performance Traction Management (PTM) settings.

After the track event, the Corvette Stingray should be returned back to the original factory settings using the proper fluids before normal street driving.

– Thanks to Jeff Strausser