The latest mid-engine C8 Corvette is already a force to be reckoned with, but tuners are eager to up the ante even further with a generous heaping of boost. Such is the case with Kansas-based go-faster outfit ProCharger, which recently released some brief footage showing two supercharged C8 Corvettes testing on a local road course.
The video is brief, clocking in at just 1 minute start to finish, giving us a taste of the ProCharged C8 Corvette and what it can do on the race track. In addition to seeing the new Vette attacking the corners, we also get a brief look at the new supercharger unit installed on the C8 Vette’s V8 engine.
As a reminder, C8’s factory spec includes the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2, which produces 495 horsepower at 6,450 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 5,150 rpm when equipped with the factory performance exhaust system. Output is routed tot he rear wheels by way of the M1L eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
By comparison, the ProCharger C8 Corvette tops the LT2 with a new blower, air-to-water intercooler, CNC billet intake manifold, and CNC billet brackets. According to the tuner, the new ProCharger kit adds an extra 175 horsepower to the mix when running at 6 psi. The tuner also offers a Stage II kit that brings boost up to 8 – 9 psi, adding an extra 225 horsepower to the mid-mounted powerplant.
For those owners looking to give the engine an extra dash of customization, ProCharger is offering numerous optional upgrades for the kit, including a polished or Black finish for the supercharger, a black finish for the intake manifold, and a black finish for the manifold cover. There’s also a selection of unspecified carbon fiber upgrades offered.
Pricing for the new C8 Corvette ProCharger kit starts at $11,999 without tuning or fueling, while adding fueling and timing control bumps up the cost to $12,899. Meanwhile, the Stage II Intercooled Tuner Kit (with port injection manifold) starts at $12,499.
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Comments
Interesting sound, not your typical supercharger whine that I’m used to, it sounds like a mix of turbo and charger at the same time. (I like it) I’m curious what the 1/4 mile times are going to be with this kit, also curious if the stock DCT is going to be sufficient to hold the power. I know Emelia Hartford had to upgrade the clutch packs on her twin turbo C8 due to slippage. (granted she’s running over a 1,000 hp to the wheels) Shifts have also been an issue on highly modded C8’s, I wonder how they are tuning this car to make it an all around smooth experience for the customer.
I’m pretty sure most of pro chargers products are centrifugal style chargers, so the will sound a lot like turbos, and struggle a little bit with low end torque. They in theory are cheaper than twin scroll chargers.
Makes sense, I forgot pro chargers were centrifugal vs twin screw. Top end power is where the C8 would benefit the most so it should be a nice setup.
No mention of engine internal upgrades to handle the added stress from higher HP output. How much additional HP can this engine handle, as factory built, without damage or increased wear? Does the addition of this Turbo invalidate the factory warranty?
How much HP is going to be enough? 800-1000? 12K for all this stuff, and you better get new axles and hope the DCT is strong enough to transfer it to the ground. Sorry I just don’t agree with this constant search for more and more HP. I don’t think it’s about boost, but rather boast, at the cars and coffee next weekend.
Once the factory starts releasing the higher horsepower models, we will get some indication as to their appraisal of DCT, clutch packs and axle capabilities. My last C7 had a Centrifugal (Paxton) supercharger plus methanol. Outstanding performance and drivability with M7.