E85 Tuned C8 Corvette Makes an Easy 500 Wheel HP on the Dyno

Watch Paragon Performance make a case for this E85 tuned C8 Corvette with a few bolt-ons and an unlocked ECM.

It took roughly three years to accomplish, but now that tuners have access to the C8 Corvette’s ECM, we’re already starting to reap the benefits. While a tune alone doesn’t add a ton of power to the C8 – which is pretty darn close to optimized from the factory – it does open up a world of possibilities when one also includes performance parts and power adders in the mix. This E85 tuned C8 Corvette built by Paragon Performance is a great example of that, as it’s rocking nothing more than basic bolt-ons, yet recently made impressive power on the dyno.

After scoring an unlocked ECM from HP Tuners, Paragon set out to perfect it for this particular E85 tuned C8 Corvette, which is also equipped with a few go-fast goodies such as Paragon headers and a cat-back exhaust, an Eventuri intake, a Lingenfelter PTR manifold, a 95mm throttle body, and an Eventuri to Lingenfelter manifold coupler. This particular car has been running 91-93 octane fuel to date, but Paragon was curious to see just how much power they could add with E85 now that tuning is available.

With 91 in the tank, this C8 laid down 437 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque, but after tweaking some things to prevent knock, the end result was 451 hp and 439 lb-ft. Those that have access to 93 octane get even more, as this car made an even better 465 hp and 453 lb-ft with better gas. However, E85 was the real star of the show, making just a smidge over 500 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, which is seriously impressive.

This is possible thanks to the fact that the ECM is unlocked, because – as our host points out – while the C8’s full-time closed loop fuel control system is capable of using fuel trims to adjust for the presence of ethanol, it isn’t anywhere near as ideal as having the ability to specifically tune a car to run on something like E30 or E85. By doing so, we’re ensuring that the ignition timing, fuel trims, ignition angle, and everything else is optimized, meaning that the car is going to run smoothly, safely, and make consistent power.

This is precisely what makes HP Tuner’s ECM so appealing – while it isn’t going to net you a ton of power on its own – especially when you factor in the $1,500 cost and around $400 to tune it – those that want to install even bolt-ons will find it appealing simply because the C8 is going to run as it should with no knock or other issues. It obviously isn’t necessary, but particularly for those that want to track their cars or lean on them frequently, it’s certainly worth the investment.

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