Tuning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 36
From: Spring, Tx
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?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2,689
From: Pacific Northwest
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).
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 1,170
From: C&D 10 Best loop
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.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 3,929
From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
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; Nov 15, 2018 at 11:48 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,312
Likes: 399
From: North Haven, CT
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. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,529
Likes: 1,943
From: Austin Texas
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.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 115
From: Tampa Fl
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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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 61
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,942
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.