We have assembled the Best TL4 Performance Upgrades List on the planet!
This list covers all C7 Z06 Corvettes 2015-2019.
Starting at the top, we guide you to prioritize your first upgrades to be on the cooling system. Especially if you have 2015-16 models.
Why you ask?
Corvette engineers admit to missing the mark for the cooling needs on early Z06 Corvettes. They claim that adding performance upgrades compounded the issue of inadequate cooling, so we suggest cooling upgrades first.
C7 Z06 Performance Upgrades | By Chris Trautman
Table of Contents (Click to Skip to that Section):
So, a little info you may or may not know, some C7 Z06 Corvettes with the LT4 engine have cooling issues when used in high power demand applications. Most owners will not experience this unless the car's cooling system gets massively heat soaked with hot weather and track-based high-speed/load events.
The C7 Z06 was engineered with a "pro driver @ 86 degrees" design standard for all performance development. The philosophy had proven to work well for GM for many years. After a few years, GM realized that owners on tracks in southern warmer climates had issues overheating and cars going into reduced power modes.
The first generation of Z06 Corvettes (2015-2016) had the majority of the issues. 2017+ GM solved the cooling problems, and many companies have come to the rescue with Cooling Upgrades for the Corvettes without the extra cooling or those that require additional upgrades.
We cover the details of all the fixes below..........
1. LT4 Radiator Performance Upgrade..........
The number one thing GM had to do to fix the cooling issue was to increase the size of the radiator on later generations of the C7 Z06 Corvette. More volume equals better cooling efficiency. For the rest of us, early Z06 owners (our selves included) require us to upgrade on our own. The first radiator in this section has a higher price point and may work better in extreme situations.
2. LT4 LG Motorsports Radiator Upgrade........
LG Motorsports makes some of the best performance parts you will find for your C7 Corvette and they were one of the first to offer cooling upgrades for the C7 Z06.
3. LT4 Intercooler Radiator Upgrade..........
This little radiator cools the coolant in the Supercharger air to water intercooler system. For maximum performance we suggest upgrading to increase the cooling capacity of your intercooler and thus decreasing the intake air temperature which increases the air density and thus increases the horsepower potential of what your engine can produce.
Always ensure you select proper application and use for all exhaust system upgrades.
1. LT4 aFe PFADT Series Header and X-Pipe........
Install that free flowing upgraded performance sound for your next Corvette. Install this to check off one more item on our C7 Z06 Performance Upgrades list.
2. LT4 Exhaust Cat Back Upgrade........
Turn your Corvette sound to a unique orchestra distinct to you! Stand apart from other C7 Corvettes. If your about assertive, head turning sound for your Corvette this is the exhaust for you.
3. LT4 Exhaust Cat Back Upgrade Entry Level Price Point
Don't have the budget for the full Borla system this is your next best option.
4. LT4 Performance Corvette X-Pipe Exhaust Upgrade........
This C7 Z06 X Pipe Upgrades the sound to your Corvette without breaking the bank or your ear drums. Installing just this X-pipe in combination with the stock NPP exhaust feature and stock system cat back exhaust creates the ultimate sound for the best of both worlds. Sound for around town and silence for the highway. For the ultimate in sound switch on demand with this cool setup!
Note: Links are part of our affiliate program and provide a small portion of proceeds to fund the administrative costs and to fund more product reviews. We are not paid to perform the reviews or given any products for free.
The Best LT4 Performance Upgrades Corvette Cold Air Intake combined with these other Top performance upgrades can take your Corvette to almost 1000 horsepower!
1. LT4 Performance aFe Performance Intake System price comparison on this link: aFe Performance Intake System
The best Best LT4 Performance Upgrades cold air intake for c7 z06 is also the best dollar per horsepower upgrade. The AFE Momentum Pro 5R intake system unleashes an extra 37 horsepower and 33 lbs. ft. of torque on our Z06 Corvettes.
The innovative design increases airflow through proprietary means to unleash the power that was robbed by the restrictive stock unit. Kinda makes you wonder why you shouldn't upgrade now.
So is the C7 corvette cold air intake worth it? Heck Yeah!
The aFe cold air intake c7 corvette is our number one LT4 Performance upgrades suggestion!
2. LT4 Performance Supercharger Nitrous Oxide Upgrade Kit.....
Not satisfied with 650 hp? How about 950, is that enough? We thought so! This easy to install system will get you install results.
3. LT4 Performance Supercharger Lid Upgrade 2015-2016.......
In 2017 GM upgraded the Supercharger lid design to reduce heat soak inside the intercooler of the Supercharger. This new lid is taller and modifies the design of the top visible portion of the engine supercharger.
Some owners have seen 10 hp gains with just the lid change to 2017+ design. A new hood liner will be required to compete this upgrade. More info on the differences.
4. LT4 Performance PCV Oil Catch Can and Hardware with Check Valve & Clamps
Clean up your Crank case vapors with this upgraded catch can and coalescing system. Return that oil back to the oil pan and not the intake track.
LT4 Performance Upgrades for Electronics
1. The Best LT4 AFM Active Fuel Management Range Disabler.......
Shudder in annoyance no more! This eliminates the fuel management shudder in your Corvette. We also recommend changing to the Gates Green Serpentine belt to help with this known issue. GM even has a TSB for the belt, it's that bad.
2. LT4 Power Programmer........
Get your tune on with the level one C7 Z06 Performance Upgrade to your ECU. This unit plugs into your corvette computer and provides simple horsepower gains with minor re-calibrations that are not permanent or detectable.
3. LT4 Performance Plug Wires........
Pretty simply the best, low cost, easy to install upgrade that ensures a powerful spark that starts the combustion process like a bomb instead of a firecracker!
Do you have a question or great information to share, ask it here!
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to C7 Corvette Performance Upgrades...
Whats the best LT4 upgrade? Not rated yet
What is the best LT4 upgrade. I don't live where its hot and I don't track the car.
Answer
We recommend a Cold Air Intake such as aFe Power 52-74202-1 …
Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally.
"This website is a passion of mine, just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris. He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow.
He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.
Note: Some links on this page are part of our affiliate program and provide a small portion of proceeds to fund the administrative costs and to fund more product reviews. We are not paid to perform the reviews or are we given any products for free.