the reason I didn’t call is because they said that if you have any questions send an email , so I did … waiting is no problem for me and today is why I haven’t called yet

 

It's kind of ridiculous. It takes next to zero effort to send out an update to those who put deposits in, and it's the non-response that is the issue for me, not the delay per se.

 

I exchanged texts with a Callaway representative yesterday.

I asked when the next Newsletter for those who have deposits with them would be sent out.

His response was: "Within the next few days".

So, we'll see if we hear something next week....

 

Thanks for checking with them and posting the results. I hope that it really is only a few days.

 

thank you for letting us know , i was trying to plan some time off and trying to include the build into the time off

 

Thanks for updating us

 

Another 6 weeks, more "blah blah". "We can't tell you the power because we're having to dial back the power!" Nothing about shipments beginning in Q2.
Done with these guys. Going to get me deposit back."Greetings from Callaway Headquarters in Connecticut.

C8 Supercharger Program News



We are on target for the power and performance goals that we set for the Callaway Supercharged C8 program. We will publish the final numbers as soon as we are done with validation.



We had another productive weekend at the track. The problem is not making more power. In fact, we often have to bring the boost back to a level that will be within the design parameters for the rest of the components. We are seeing more horsepower at less manifold pressure and at less charge air temperature rise than anything we have done to date. All this with a fabulous intake note and an exactly right exhaust signature through the Double-D exhaust.



We are currently in the process of validating the performance numbers on a set of new vehicles to have more samples and data points allowing us to speak to real-world numbers. Just as we have said all along: The torque generated by a 6.2 liter LT2 engine with positive manifold pressure is hugely satisfying.



Our development team is wicked impressed, as they say, up the road in Boston. When was the last time you drove an authentic 10-second street car…?



As soon as testing the group of development cars is completed, we will publish their real-world performance numbers."

 

I was hoping for some real information too. It's been almost 9 months since they announced the supercharger.

I'm getting a little bit concerned since probably in July GM is shipping my car directly from BG to Callaway in CA.

 

Yeah, I don't know what to make of it all, but this was a whole lot of nothing.

 

The update says it is a 10 second car, which may or may not be impressive depending on if it is 10.2 or 10.9, plus trap speed (as the stock car is 11.2). It is encouraging that they are are "seeing more horsepower at less manifold pressure and at less charge air temperature rise than anything we have done to date." I'm in no hurry and am more interested in it being fully tested and having the tune perfect. Also, Reeves gushes about the intake and blower sounds, but I would really like to hear those as I tend to prefer throaty engine and exhaust sounds instead of vacuum and whine. I looked at their new wide body kit with some interest but am not sold on it as it looks a little to "tacked on" for my taste. Without shifting the thread, I can say my 2020 Supra feels so much more responsive than my C8. (It has a Pure 800 turbo.)

 

I don't blame anyone for waiting, and I might if I didn't already have an 800+ HP ZL1 build under my belt with Lingenfelter. The lack of transparency is my biggest problem - I never had this issue when dealing with Lingenfelter. If anything, they over-communicated with me. I just prefer not to deal with Callaway anymore and am going to go to LFE (they already have a 10.5 1/4 proof on their package) and find someone to upgrade me to Dodson clutches.
I wish everyone good luck and will let the forum know if my experience with LFE is any better.

 

thank you for letting us know how Lingenfelter option works out

 

I feel like posting a video of me typing this message. Letter for letter and nothing more.

 

I wish that they would have at least posted a teaser video either in car or on a dyno.

 

There is a new video with the message from Reeves Callaway after his first drive of the car. He’s pretty pleased.

Regarding power vs release, reminds me of the SC680 Package for the Z06 of the sixth Gen era. Initially, the car was released with an early number of 680 horsepower. The power was officially released after the first few cars, delivering 652 hours and 620 lb-ft of torque - a bit less peak hp, but more torque. It made the car really enjoyable to drive, as you FELT that bump in torque

@JABCAT has one of those cars in the production spec. He posts about his car a lot, so can give firsthand experience on how that drives.

As with my other posts, I hope this perspective is helpful for matter at hand. Good luck with whatever you guys all decide.

 

thank you for your info . Where can we get info on jabcat.. all I see is his Callaway z06 info … would be great to have news from tge iwners if the test C8’s that gave the Callaway testing being done .

 

@JABCAT has a Callaway C6 Z06 with production spec. I think 2 or 3 early cars got the SC680 spec vs. the SC652 spec - less torque than SC652, and with the final spec came better drivability.

The analogy I was making on that was how things can and do evolve. I don't think Callaway would put out a spec early, especially if it benefits the buyers. It's tough though to wait on the sidelines while development continues, and I've been there. I said that in an earlier post about the wheels which I waited and waited for, only to change out to painted silver from black chrome, once my wife's Supercharged Callaway came off the truck. That was on me for the change, but Callaway accommodated.

I've had other performance cars over the years from one of the companies mentioned in this thread, including buying one done, and having another one built. Both were crude and temperamental. The love wore off quickly. The Callaways (I've had 5 of them) have been flawless. I still have a couple.

Hope this is helpful.

 

I had a conversation with a Callaway representative several months ago. When I inquired about target performance specs/numbers, he said that they will NOT try to compete with or beat other Supercharger solutions, but will focus on delivering a smooth and stable increase in performance. And, of course, upgrade options will be available and 50 state emissions will be part of the package. Plus, the long time Callaway relationship with GM and a supplemental Warranty is a big bonus.
Finally, because they have so many deposits from Florida, it might make sense for them to have a third installation location (to be added to CT and CA)?
Callaway has a lot of ***** in the air with the C8, and I'm not surprised it's taking them so long. They have a great reputation of stable rollouts of their "Callaway Cars" and don't want to tarnish it by coming out before they are ready to ensure a successful rollout. No doubt, their communication could/should be better.

So, their basic pitch is: We are not a Tuner. We deliver a high quality and worry free improvement in performance with many additional options available to make your car drive, sound, and look great.
Clearly, when you start adding on options like the Double D exhaust, etc. the costs will quickly add up.
I guess it's really a question of "What do you want to Optimize?" Performance? Exhaust Note? Appearance? Stability? Time to installation? Other?

I've personally decided to go the TwinTurbo route (I've chosen Performance) - to be installed shortly after my C8 is delivered and then broken in (TPW = 6/5). I'll be potentially trading away some reliability and definitely Warranty, for a significant increase in performance.

"Life is a Game - Play it"

 

I guess, while we're waiting, we are free to speculate -- for $30K price, what kind of power/performance are we wanting/expecting? 650 hp as a starting point? 1/4 mile time and trap speed?

 

I am guessing that it will have an advertised 700 hp, maybe 720 and will put down 640 or 650 rwhp.