Matt Sanford from HP Tuners has revealed a particularly extreme tuning option for all modern C8 Corvettes from the ZR1 and Z06 lineups. It can drive the 5.5-liter, flat-crank V8 to around 1,330 horsepower, but comes with major reliability concerns.
According to the tuner, Chevy’s tamper-resistant ECU has finally been properly cracked. With new settings, cars can now churn approximately 1,350 PS (1,330 hp / 990 kW) running on racing-grade fuel. Regular pump gas should still be good enough for 1,217 PS (1,200 hp / 895 kW) and 1,480 Nm (1,092 lb-ft) of torque.
The caveat is that the engine won’t last long in this mode. Proper operational limits must first be set for the dual-clutch transmission, the direct injection system and the turbocharger shaft. According to Sanford, the latter is rated for 130-133 thousand RPM at peak loads, but can briefly dip into 137 thousand. Once tuned, it is liable to hit 142 thousand from time to time – that’s dangerous and not exactly an easy fix.
In other words, those Corvette drivers who are adamant about tuning their cars will do well to upgrade their clutches or entire transmissions first. Unlike most GM cars, the C8 Corvette lacks a durability reserve. Once forced into an extreme mode of operation, it basically begins self-destructing.
With the above in mind and the fact that you can grab a factory-stock ZR1 ‘Vette with 1,080 PS (1,064 hp / 793 kW) at its disposal, it will take a truly dedicated tuner to go with the ECU tune option HP Tuners suggests. “Dedicated” is us being polite, of course.
