This Shop Unlocked 1,200 Horsepower From The C8 Corvette ZR1

HP Tuners has unlocked the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s engine control module (ECM). Despite General Motors attempting to prevent tuning with new cybersecurity measures, the aftermarket company has launched an upgrade for the model that can deliver nearly 1,200 horsepower at the rear wheels.  

A stock ZR1 makes 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque from the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V8 engine. The ECU upgrade, which costs $1,499, creates 1,180 hp and 1,094 lb-ft of torque while maintaining the car’s original factory thermal and component limitations.  

Matt Sanford, of HP Tuners, posted on Facebook that a bigger power increase is possible if you disregard the stock safety parameters. He said the ZR1 could see up to a 25 percent power gain with race fuel.  

He also highlighted the challenges of tuning the Bosch-supplied ECM, which he wrote “isn’t like tuning any other GM product.” You can see his full post below explaining the technicalities of the tune.  

Motor1’s Take: The C8 Corvette debuted with new cybersecurity measures to prevent tuning, but aftermarket shops quickly got to work trying to circumvent them, and they have been successful.