The 8th generation of Chevrolet Corvette is the first mid-engine sports car from Chevrolet, which in its standard trim comes with a small-block 6.2-liter V8 with 490 HP. Although by no means a slouch, the base model Stingray, thanks to its LT2 engine, lends itself perfectly to performance upgrades. With that in mind, Hennessey Performance offers the H700 package, and it completely transforms the C8 Stingray.
The H700 supercharger kit from Hennessey Performance has the potential to transform the C8 Corvette sports car into a much faster track tool. John Hennessey explains in his latest video what it feels like to drive the 708-HP C8 Corvette Stingray H700 and why he thinks it's a better alternative than the mighty C8 Z06.
Hennessey And Corvette Have A Long History
Hennessey Performance has a long history of tuning many generations of Chevrolet Corvette. While the C8 Stingray is the first Chevy to come with a mid-mounted engine, the previous generations became some of the most powerful V8 Corvette cars ever. Tuners like Hennessey only improved upon their performance.
The 1,000 HP Corvette C7 ZR1 from Hennessey is one example - with nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque, it can be as much of a daily driver as a drag strip or racetrack weekend warrior. If the ZR1 is not your favorite Corvette, then Hennessey has an upgrade for the C7 Z06, which pushes the car all the way up to 1,008 HP, yet keeps it compliant and well-mannered.
Supercharged C8 Stingray With 700 HP Is Fully Road Legal
While John Hennessey drives the 708 HP C8 Corvette on the Penzoil Proving Ground at the Hennessey Performance, he explains that the upgraded C8 complies fully with all the current emissions regulations. Despite the car having a seriously loud sports exhaust, it is a cat-back system that is street-legal. Plus the company tunes the OEM ECU to ensure the emissions stay within limits.
He goes on to say that many tuners prefer to add a so-called “piggyback” ECU, which alters the signals sent to the OEM unit. While performance does improve with the piggyback option, Hennessey believes there is a better way. Hennessey Performance takes the more difficult route of reprogramming the original ECU. This way, the company can ensure performance regardless of driving conditions and it can offer a warranty on its upgrades and conversions.
While he admits the C8 Corvette Z06 is an amazing car, he thinks his H700 is a great alternative for base C8 Stingray owners who want the improved speed of a Z06 without paying dealer markups.