We got our first ZR1 in to Mod.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 120
Likes: 20
If you are thinking of buying a ZR1 and modifying it and the engine replacement cost is insurmountable, you should probably step down to the Z06. I'm surprised that there isn't much left to pick up on the tune. With all the turbocharged cars I've had in the past, there is usually huge gains to be had (100whp+) with just a tune over OEM. Maybe GM really squeezed as much out as possible if boost and timing is maxed on 93. That sucks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,423
Likes: 3,912
From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
If you are thinking of buying a ZR1 and modifying it and the engine replacement cost is insurmountable, you should probably step down to the Z06. I'm surprised that there isn't much left to pick up on the tune. With all the turbocharged cars I've had in the past, there is usually huge gains to be had (100whp+) with just a tune over OEM. Maybe GM really squeezed as much out as possible if boost and timing is maxed on 93. That sucks.
As to picking up more with tune, I know we've been saying for years that modern ECMs have gotten so good that there's not many gains to be had, but I think with the C8, especially the Z06/ZR1, we're really getting to the point where it's true. With the modern ECMs, full-time wideband, and all the other in-depth monitoring they've added, it really does seem like doing a tune to pick up any worthwhile gains on a stock car are a thing of the past.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 550
Likes: 533
I'm not sure the engine replacement cost on the LT6 is really that much better than the LT7.
As to picking up more with tune, I know we've been saying for years that modern ECMs have gotten so good that there's not many gains to be had, but I think with the C8, especially the Z06/ZR1, we're really getting to the point where it's true. With the modern ECMs, full-time wideband, and all the other in-depth monitoring they've added, it really does seem like doing a tune to pick up any worthwhile gains on a stock car are a thing of the past.
As to picking up more with tune, I know we've been saying for years that modern ECMs have gotten so good that there's not many gains to be had, but I think with the C8, especially the Z06/ZR1, we're really getting to the point where it's true. With the modern ECMs, full-time wideband, and all the other in-depth monitoring they've added, it really does seem like doing a tune to pick up any worthwhile gains on a stock car are a thing of the past.
But while I’m an old hot rodder and I understand the “too much is just enough mantra”, these new ultra high performance vehicles really do kinda beg the question, why? Street or track, at what point does more juice become unnecessary at best? There’s a reason other than parity why GT3 cars are power-to-weight limited.
