Late Model Racecraft Transforms Corvette Z06 into Twin-Turbo Powerhouse
A custom automotive shop, Late Model Racecraft (LMR), has dramatically enhanced a 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, pushing its performance far beyond factory specifications. While the standard Z06 features a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 delivering 670 horsepower, LMR's modifications have propelled the vehicle's output to an impressive 810 rear-wheel horsepower, making it a true marvel of engineering for its owner.
The transformation involved integrating twin-turbochargers and meticulously recalibrating the car's engine and transmission control units. This extensive overhaul by the Houston-based specialists allows the Z06 to operate efficiently on standard 93-octane gasoline, a notable shift from its previous E85 fuel setup. This upgrade not only increases power but also improves the car's practicality for regular use.
Prior to arriving at LMR, the Corvette had already received several bolt-on modifications, with its baseline power recorded at approximately 597 rear-wheel horsepower. LMR's owner, Steven Fereday, highlighted the careful selection of Precision mirror-image ball-bearing turbochargers. These components are specifically chosen for their air-to-water cooling system, which eliminates the frequent maintenance associated with grease-lubricated turbos, thus simplifying ownership and reducing upkeep hassles.
To manage the significant heat generated by the new turbo system, LMR implemented an advanced air-to-water intercooling system. This setup features a heat exchanger that circulates coolant to both sides of the engine bay, ensuring optimal operating temperatures under intense performance. Additionally, the installation includes a deliberately short exhaust system connected to the downpipes, which Fereday notes helps preserve the distinctive snarl of the flat-plane-crank V8, even with the added forced induction.
Crucial to the performance enhancement is the custom electronic control module (ECM) and transmission control module (TCM) tuning. LMR’s adjustments to clutch pressure and shift behavior are designed to enable the C8 Corvette’s dual-clutch transmission to effectively manage the substantial increase in torque. Fereday emphasizes that the transmission's capacity is often the primary limiting factor in achieving such high-horsepower builds. The tuning options offered by LMR are versatile, ranging from aggressive, popping deceleration tunes to more refined, factory-like engine behavior, catering to individual owner preferences.
Dynamometer tests revealed that the modified Z06 produces 810 rear-wheel horsepower and 588 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane gasoline. This represents a gain of roughly 213 rear-wheel horsepower over its pre-turbo, E85-fueled state. While the estimated crank output is around 1,000 horsepower, the confirmed and measured figure is the 810 rear-wheel horsepower validated by LMR's equipment.
Despite its formidable power, Fereday assures that the vehicle retains the drivability of a stock Z06 in Touring mode. Turbocharger noise is noticeable in specific acoustic environments, such as underpasses, but the car remains composed during normal cruising speeds. For owners intending to exploit the car's full acceleration potential in lower gears, Fereday advises upgrading to stickier rear tires, as the factory rubber may struggle to cope with the immense torque output.
LMR's expertise extends beyond twin-turbo packages, as they are renowned for generating substantial power from GM's small-block engines through various methods. This project aligns with a growing trend in high-performance automotive tuning, where shops strive to achieve extreme output levels without relying on specialized fuels. For Corvette Z06 owners considering such an upgrade, LMR offers a compelling proposition: a high-performance vehicle that delivers a thousand horsepower, can be daily driven, and requires no extraordinary maintenance between spirited drives.
