Tuning
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Tuning
I spoke to a tuner and he mentioned that one of the tuner forums threads was concerning aftermarket tuning the C8.
Supposedly GM has some extra locks on the the computer. Anyone know anything about this?
Supposedly GM has some extra locks on the the computer. Anyone know anything about this?
#2
Safety Car
The LT5 is still waiting to be “cracked.” GM has been progressing locking down its ECU and more for years, and while skilled tuners got into the LT4, unless done recently, I am not aware of any getting into the LT5 (which has more sophicated anti-hacks).
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ArmchairArchitect (11-15-2018),
ByByBMW (11-21-2018)
#3
Drifting
The encryption on my ATS's TCM required me to send it to HPTuners to have it physically modified before I could have it tuned.
I expect the C8 will be similarly locked down, especially on the twin turbo variants. Imagine GM's losses on warranty repairs if C8 owners will be able to pay internet tuner dudes to jack the boost on their engines for an extra 200 hp. And these will be totally new engine designs for which GM has little real world data.
I wouldn't be surprised if they have the C8 phone home to tell GM whenever a PCM/TCM is flashed or removed from the car.
I expect the C8 will be similarly locked down, especially on the twin turbo variants. Imagine GM's losses on warranty repairs if C8 owners will be able to pay internet tuner dudes to jack the boost on their engines for an extra 200 hp. And these will be totally new engine designs for which GM has little real world data.
I wouldn't be surprised if they have the C8 phone home to tell GM whenever a PCM/TCM is flashed or removed from the car.
#4
Banned Scam/Spammer
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The encryption on my ATS's TCM required me to send it to HPTuners to have it physically modified before I could have it tuned.
I expect the C8 will be similarly locked down, especially on the twin turbo variants. Imagine GM's losses on warranty repairs if C8 owners will be able to pay internet tuner dudes to jack the boost on their engines for an extra 200 hp. And these will be totally new engine designs for which GM has little real world data.
I wouldn't be surprised if they have the C8 phone home to tell GM whenever a PCM/TCM is flashed or removed from the car.
I expect the C8 will be similarly locked down, especially on the twin turbo variants. Imagine GM's losses on warranty repairs if C8 owners will be able to pay internet tuner dudes to jack the boost on their engines for an extra 200 hp. And these will be totally new engine designs for which GM has little real world data.
I wouldn't be surprised if they have the C8 phone home to tell GM whenever a PCM/TCM is flashed or removed from the car.
Either automatically once the car hits a certain age/mileage, or manually at the dealer (or through an over the air software update).
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; 11-15-2018 at 11:48 AM.
#5
Le Mans Master
I've been watching the ZR1 forum closely and it is very discouraging to see how the ECU has yet to be hacked. I currently have a 2015 Z06 and almost bought a ZR1. For the time being I'm playing with my Z06 and waiting to see how the C8 plays out before I decide what to get next. But while many of the owners here on the forum are perfectly happy with a stock car, for me, a good part of my enjoyment comes from modding and tuning my car. Even if the C8 Z06 is an 800hp TT beast, I'll still want to throw on some downpipes and turn up the boost. Is that really dumb? Yes, obviously it is, but buying cars like this isn't about being smart, it's about having fun. So I, for one, will be hoping the aftermarket finds a way to tune these new GM cars. But it isn't looking too promising right now.
#6
Le Mans Master
The encryption on my ATS's TCM required me to send it to HPTuners to have it physically modified before I could have it tuned.
I expect the C8 will be similarly locked down, especially on the twin turbo variants. Imagine GM's losses on warranty repairs if C8 owners will be able to pay internet tuner dudes to jack the boost on their engines for an extra 200 hp. And these will be totally new engine designs for which GM has little real world data.
I wouldn't be surprised if they have the C8 phone home to tell GM whenever a PCM/TCM is flashed or removed from the car.
I expect the C8 will be similarly locked down, especially on the twin turbo variants. Imagine GM's losses on warranty repairs if C8 owners will be able to pay internet tuner dudes to jack the boost on their engines for an extra 200 hp. And these will be totally new engine designs for which GM has little real world data.
I wouldn't be surprised if they have the C8 phone home to tell GM whenever a PCM/TCM is flashed or removed from the car.
#7
Le Mans Master
#8
Former Vendor
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St. Jude Donor '12
Corvette Tuner in Tampa
The aftermarket calibration strategies are getting more complex and the cost for aftermarket calibrating is getting VERY expensive.
C5 and C6 are pretty easy with a skilled calibrator. I have an unlimited HP Tuners interface for those. 2015 and newer, we have to license each vehicle separately, and several modules separately that adds to the cost. C7 slightly more skill needed, but not much harder on the engine side. Transmissions are getting more complex.
2015 Dodge computers need to be removed and encrypted. read this > https://forum.hptuners.com/showthrea...Information%29
The GM Transmissions 8 and 10 speed 2017 and newer need the same process. Read this > https://forum.hptuners.com/showthrea...Now-Supported!
Just give HP Tuners a little more time and they will be a work around to have access to the ZR1 computer.The hardest part of calibrating is staying up with changing technology.
Guys get sticker shock when I give them a price on a 2017 and newer GM vehicle.
C5 and C6 are pretty easy with a skilled calibrator. I have an unlimited HP Tuners interface for those. 2015 and newer, we have to license each vehicle separately, and several modules separately that adds to the cost. C7 slightly more skill needed, but not much harder on the engine side. Transmissions are getting more complex.
2015 Dodge computers need to be removed and encrypted. read this > https://forum.hptuners.com/showthrea...Information%29
The GM Transmissions 8 and 10 speed 2017 and newer need the same process. Read this > https://forum.hptuners.com/showthrea...Now-Supported!
Just give HP Tuners a little more time and they will be a work around to have access to the ZR1 computer.The hardest part of calibrating is staying up with changing technology.
Guys get sticker shock when I give them a price on a 2017 and newer GM vehicle.
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#9
I expect the C8 will be similarly locked down, especially on the twin turbo variants. Imagine GM's losses on warranty repairs if C8 owners will be able to pay internet tuner dudes to jack the boost on their engines for an extra 200 hp. And these will be totally new engine designs for which GM has little real world data.
#11
Hackers will probably always find a way in, but the days of hiding the fingerprints of being there are gone. Thus, any ECM altered from OEM will result in powertrain warranty blockage, and there won't be any warranty costs to the OEM.