HP Tuners Becomes First to Offer C8 Corvette Factory ECM Tuning
HP Tuners Becomes First to Offer C8 Corvette Factory ECM Tuning
After years of waiting, owners finally have a C8 Corvette factory ECM tuning solution thanks to the efforts of HP Tuning.
It’s been some time since the C8 Corvette launched back in 2019, a momentous occasion that had many of us dreaming of 1,000 horsepower cars running around thanks to the wonders of the aftermarket and what we’ve come to expect from it. Unfortunately, that hasn’t really been the case, as the C8 has proven to be one tough cookie to crack, or at least tune, thanks to the car’s Fort Knox-like E99 Global B Engine Control Module (ECM). However, we figured that someone would eventually crack that code and begin offering customers a C8 Corvette factory ECM tuning solution, and now, HP Tuners has done precisely that.
The simple fact that HP Tuners was able to figure out how to circumvent this “hack-proof” system without any assistance from GM is obviously fantastic news not only for Corvette owners – but also any enthusiast that wants to modify their newer vehicle in the future, as most automakers are following suit by beefing up security in this regard. It gives us hope as vehicles get more and more complex, necessitating measures such as this from automakers to prevent them from being hacked in a malicious manner.
In any event, HP Tuners now offers the very first comprehensive diagnostics and customizable calibration solution for all GM vehicles utilizing the GM Global B E99 ECM, which includes the following at this time —
- 2020-2023 Chevrolet Corvette 6.2L (LT2) (non-Z06)
- 2022-2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing 6.2L (LT4)
- 2020-2023 Cadillac CT5-V 3.0L TT (LGY)
- 2022-2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing 3.6L TT (LF4)
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V 6.2L
How It Works / What You Can Do
This new C8 Corvette factory ECM tuning solution is controlled by HP Tuners’ MPVI3 interface via the vehicle’s OBD-II port, making for a rather easy upgrade. Customers will have access to HP’s full VCM Suite, which enables them to run diagnostics, data log, and alter everything from boost to air/fuel ratio, camshaft timing, injector timing, and transmission settings.
Unfortunately, while there’s also a T93 TCM service available for GM’s 10-speed-automatic transmission, there’s no news on when/if there will be access to the C8 Corvette’s (also-unhackable) 8-Speed DCT.
How to Get Started
At this time, HP Tuners will only sell its GM Global B E99 ECM service to “select HP Tuners authorized resellers.” Sorry, DIYers. However, here’s the process at present to get folks tuning C8 Corvettes —
- Purchase an HP Tuner MPVI3 OBD-II interface (MPBVI2+ or older won’t work)
- Place an order with HP tuners for an E99 ECM service (Global B)
- Ship your C8 Corvette’s ECM to HP Tuners (ATT: GM E99 ECM Service [Global B]), 700 Eastwood Ln, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 along with a complete shipping form inside the packaging, and your order number on the outside. Shipping is not included.
After HP Tuners completes the E99 ECM service, it will ship the ECM back to you and you simply
- Install the ECM back in your C8 Corvette
- License the upgraded E99 ECM by purchasing 8 Universal HP Tuners credits
- Make sure you have the latest VCM Scanner and VCM Suite BETA
- Read/clear ant DTCs
- Begin tuning with the MPVI3 OBD-II interface
Costs
According to HP Tuners, there are three major costs involved with tuning the C8 Corvette’s GM Global B E99 ECM (rounded up for simplicity) —
- $1,500 to unlock your ECM
- $400 for the MPVI3 OBD-II interface
- $400 for 8 Universal HP Tuners credits ($50 each)
To show just what’s possible in that regard, Vengeance Racing has been working with HP to develop its own twin-turbo C8 that’s been tuned with this new offering, which resulted in a healthy 650 wheel horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque on the dyno on just six pounds of boost. Now that factory tuning is readily available, this is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting few months and years for C8 owners, however.
For more information or to get started, please head over HERE to HPTuners.com!
Photos: HP Tuners, Vengeance Racing
