5 Ways to Add Big Power to Your Corvette

Corvette owners from the C5, C6 and C7 era can all reap big power gains with similar builds.

One of the reasons that the Chevrolet Corvette is so popular in the performance world is that there are loads of aftermarket support. Whether you want to build your Corvette to go faster around turns or in a straight line, the C5, C6 and C7 models can all be upgraded in a relatively similar fashion. The C8 could be included here as well, but since tuning has not yet been unlocked for the LT2, we are focusing on the LS1, LS2, LS3 and LT1 models.

Also, we are focusing on those models that come from the factory without forced induction, as the build approach for the likes of the supercharged Z06 and ZR1 models is often a little different. After all, if your Corvette comes with a supercharged, you are less likely to be shopping for a new supercharged, unless you are chasing monster power numbers.

Many Corvette owners add upgrades like aftermarket exhaust, wheels and tires, but for those who want to make changes that lead to dramatic power increases, there are 5 basic paths to take. Today, we take a look at those 5 options.

The Big N/A Build

First up, if you would like to make big power with your Corvette without the help of forced induction, a big naturally aspirated build is the way to go. The upside to this approach is that these builds are often less stressful on the engine internals compared to a boost build. Also, most N/A builds including extensive changes to the engine components, so in addition to making more power, these engines are often stronger than they were in stock form.

As you might imagine, there are varying degrees of a naturally aspirated build for the LS or LT engines. A simple N/A build often starts with an upgraded intake manifold, headers and a tune. That type of build will yield significant power gains without tearing into the engine. Those who want a more can opt for a high-performance camshaft and aftermarket cylinder heads, but that obviously entails a greater degree of difficulty and expense. When you see someone post about having “full bolt-ons”, they generally have upgraded the intake manifold, the cylinder heads, the camshaft and the exhaust system, including a set of headers. Of course, these builds require a proper engine tune and in most cases, some fuel system upgrades.

Finally, if you want your Corvette to be a real monster, you may want to consider the stroker route. By changing the stroke of the rotating assembly, engine volume increases, creating greater potential for more power. When coupled with a good set of heads and headers, along with an intake manifold, camshaft, fuel system and tune, a stroker build is the best way to yield big power from your Corvette without forced induction. The only real downside to this approach is that replacing all of these key components can become quite costly, especially if you are paying a shop to do all of the work.

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com