How To Increase Horsepower on C7 Corvette Engines
This list covers how to increase horsepower on C7 Corvettes
C7 Corvette Stingray, Grand Sport, Z06 Years 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.
|
How to Learn More Click on the "Text Links" or the Button to shop and compare product features and details with our affiliate partners. |
C7 Z06 Performance Upgrades | By Chris Trautman
Sponsored: C7 Z06 Performance Upgrades
Table of Contents (Click to Skip to that Section):
- Cooling Upgrades
- Exhaust Upgrades
- Intake Upgrades
- Electronic Upgrades
- C7 Corvette Performance Upgrade Q&A Comments
How To Increase Horsepower on C7Corvette | LT1/LT4 Performance Upgrades for Cooling
LT4 Performance Upgrades Upgrades for CoolingSo, 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.
How To Increase Horsepower on C7 Corvette | Performance Upgrades for Exhaust
C7 LT1/LT4 Performance Exhaust UpgradesWondering how to increase horsepower on C7 Corvette look no further than the exhaust. Always ensure you select proper application and use for all exhaust system upgrades.
1. LT1/LT4 aFe PFADT Series Header and X-Pipe........
X-pipes are maybe not the best way on how to increase horsepower on C7 Corvette, but installing free flowing exhaust will upgrade your performance and sound for your Corvette. Install this to check off one more item on our C7 Performance Upgrades list.
2. LT1/LT4 Exhaust Cat Back Upgrade........
Turn your Corvette sound to a unique orchestra which will make you distinct! Stand apart from other C7 Corvettes. If your about assertive, head turning sound for your Corvette this is the exhaust for you.
3. LT1/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. LT1/LT4 Performance Corvette X-Pipe Exhaust Upgrade........
This C7 LT1/LT4 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.
How to Increase Horsepower On C7 Corvette LT1 | Supercharge Your Supercharger | LT4 Performance Upgrades For Induction Systems
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. LT1/LT4 C7 Corvette Cold Air Intakes
- LT1 aFe Performance Cold Air Intake System Outflows the factory intake by up to 42%. Produces an additional 18 horsepower and 22 lbs. x ft. torque max gains
- LT4 aFe Performance Cold Air 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 LT4 equipped Z06 Corvettes.
The innovative design increases airflow through proprietary means to unleash the power that was robbed by the restrictive stock unit. Kind of makes you wonder why your not already upgraded.
So is the C7 corvette cold air intake worth it? Heck Yeah!
The aFe cold air intake for c7 corvettes is our number one LT1/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 instant 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. A new hood liner will be required to compete this upgrade.
4. LT1/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.
The Best of The Best | LT1/LT4 Electronic Performance Upgrades
How to increase horsepower on C7 Corvette LT1/LT4 Performance Upgrades for Electronics
1. The Best LT1/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. LT1/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!
How to Increase Horsepower on C7 Corvette with Performance Upgrades Q&A
Not sure how to increase the horsepower or performance in your C7 Corvette? Ask or search our database in this Q&A Section.
Do you have a question or great information to share, ask it here!
You might like these
Best Battery for C7 Corvette | Most Reliable | Longest Lasting | Top 3
Best Battery for C7 Corvette that wont die and leave you stuck without your Corvette
C7 Z06 Suspension Upgrade | Performance Upgrade | Top 1% of Corvettes
C7 Z06 Suspension Upgrade | Top 1% of Corvettes of best handling Corvette have these parts for handling | Find the setup to corner like your on rails!
C7 Z06 Coilovers | Best of the Best | Comparisons | Parts to Delete
C7 Z06 Coilovers | Best of the Best | Product Comparisons and required parts to delete magnetic ride system
Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019About Us: Corvette Web Central | Owner Bio: Chris Trautman
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.
C7 Corvette Morimoto Tail Light
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.
You might like these
Best Battery for C7 Corvette | Most Reliable | Longest Lasting | Top 3
Best Battery for C7 Corvette that wont die and leave you stuck without your Corvette
C7 Z06 Suspension Upgrade | Performance Upgrade | Top 1% of Corvettes
C7 Z06 Suspension Upgrade | Top 1% of Corvettes of best handling Corvette have these parts for handling | Find the setup to corner like your on rails!
C7 Z06 Coilovers | Best of the Best | Comparisons | Parts to Delete
C7 Z06 Coilovers | Best of the Best | Product Comparisons and required parts to delete magnetic ride system