Manoli Katakis 
News of a “tuned” twin-turbo C8 Corvette is making waves, but it’s not entirely what you think. Indeed, Extreme Turbo Systems has created a twin-turbo 2020 Corvette Stingray, and has even put it on the dyno to validate its power. To which, is an incredibly powerful 736 hp to the wheels. However, there’s a catch.
As is the case with Hennessey, the twin-turbo package is good for a dyno video, but that’s about the extent of it for now. As it stands, Extreme Turbo Solutions admits that there’s a lot more development that needs to happen before their twin-turbo C8 Corvette is at all fit for sale. ETS owner JR Perrot told MC&T how the company managed to extract 736 horsepower to the wheels with their boosted C8, with just 7.5 psi. A video of the new twin-turbo C8 Corvette in action is provided below.
“The car is tuned via a prototype piggyback computer and auxiliary fuel system,” said Perrot. Keyword here being prototype.
A “piggyback” is a controller that intercepts signals to and from the factory ECU, and is able to modify them to achieve a desired tuning result. It’s a solution with limited capability, but a solution nonetheless when dealing such robust levels of encryption and cybersecurity found in the 2020 Corvette. The base process of a piggyback module is the same as a chip or a flash tune, but the data needs to go through many more steps to reach the same goal.
An off-the-shelf example of a piggyback controller is a Burger JB4 system, which isn’t street legal, and is meant only for track and motorsport use. Ultimately, what this means is that 1) the encrypted ECU remains locked – as we originally reported would be a major hurdle over a year ago, and 2) the Tremec 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is also under lock and key as a result. The latter has presented a problem, even in the dyno video.
“Currently the car over powers the clutches and is why we dyno in 4th gear, as 5th gear is too long and the clutches slip,” mentioned Perrot. That said, the R&D conducted by Extreme Turbo Systems has managed to overcome several obstacles.
“Currently, the kit in development plugs into the Coils, MAS, MAP, and O2 sensors. This system keeps the stock ecu happy while allowing us to run in boost with controlled ignition. The additional fuel comes via auxiliary ethanol injection. Street manners and driveability remain stock, but now the car has much more power,” the ETS owner continued.
To state the obvious, Extreme Turbo Systems currently does not offer a twin-turbo C8 Corvette upgrade for sale. However, should that day come, it will likely be one of the most vetted and complete aftermarket solutions available.
