Tuning the LT5 - Series - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

XfireZ51 · 01-09-2018

As enthusiasts of the C4 ZR-1 and the LT5 motor, many of us are always looking to maintain or enhance the performance of our cars. Some start with basic mods such as exhaust and porting, lighter components etc. Some need to upgrade or replace components like injectors. My "journey" into tuning started w the C4 Crossfire and now tuning of my own ZR-1 for the last 8 years.
Tuning has always been a popular topic, but one not easily discussed in a single post or presentation. So I thought I would offer members of the Forum some of the lessons I have learned after 17 years of creating and modifying calibrations primarily for Speed Density motors like the LT5.
This first article starts at the beginning of understanding datalogging tools for gathering the information necessary to modify calibrations.
I hope to make this an on-going thread and welcome suggestions for tuning topics you all would like to see specific to the LT5.
Look forward to hearing from you.

Dominic
Calibrate Tuning

Ccmano · 01-09-2018

H

lfalzarano · 01-09-2018

Don, may I suggest that you detail your knowledge in “The Heart the Beast”. Trying to follow guidance from the Forum is time consuming and sometimes disconcerting with comments and opinions. Just my 2 cents.

Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

Dynomite · 01-09-2018

You say "tools for gathering the information necessary to modify calibrations".

I am assuming you are talking about a "Custom Chip" as in what Marc Haibeck provides as stock improvements or a Custom Chip for specific modifications? I am further assuming you can modify and or create Custom Chips for the ZR-1?

Marc has established a way to attach his modifications to the stock chip (remove the blue stock chip blue cover and attach Marc's modification).

Moates Memory Adapter

Wherein the older method was to modify a stock chip (send stock chip to Marc and he sends it back modified). The only difference now is the 4 screws in the ECM Chip Cover have to be shortened to not interfere with Marc's attached modifications located under the cover. I think Marc provides new screws for that purpose.

Top Toy · 01-09-2018

Great article Dom! Thanks for sharing! Custom tuning around each engine configuration is clearly the only way to extract maximum performance while maintaining good drivability. The optimum calibrations for two similarly modified engines can be quite different and having good data to work thru the optimization is essential.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

jss06c6 · 01-10-2018

Dominic,

This will be a great resource for many. Thanks for the effort to bring tuning information to the "masses". Even if one doesn't intend to do their own tuning, it will be great for many to understand how the ECM controls the LT-5.

Sent from my XT1585 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

XfireZ51 · 01-10-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by lfalzarano

Don, may I suggest that you detail your knowledge in “The Heart the Beast”. Trying to follow guidance from the Forum is time consuming and sometimes disconcerting with comments and opinions. Just my 2 cents.

Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

The intent was to do that, but the frequency of HOTB makes it difficult to be as responsive to the members of this forum. Some on here are not members of the Registry and so would not receive HOTB.

XfireZ51 · 01-10-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Toy

Great article Dom! Thanks for sharing! Custom tuning around each engine configuration is clearly the only way to extract maximum performance while maintaining good drivability. The optimum calibrations for two similarly modified engines can be quite different and having good data to work thru the optimization is essential.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

Dennis,

Even what seems like an “insignificant” mod can affect how the ECM reacts.

S.hafsmo · 01-10-2018

Looking forward to the next part. Well written and easy to understand.

Appreciate the effort you've put into this.

Top Toy · 01-10-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Dennis,

Even what seems like an “insignificant” mod can affect how the ECM reacts.

Agreed!

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

01-09-2018	#1
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,696	Tuning the LT5 - Series As enthusiasts of the C4 ZR-1 and the LT5 motor, many of us are always looking to maintain or enhance the performance of our cars. Some start with basic mods such as exhaust and porting, lighter components etc. Some need to upgrade or replace components like injectors. My "journey" into tuning started w the C4 Crossfire and now tuning of my own ZR-1 for the last 8 years. Tuning has always been a popular topic, but one not easily discussed in a single post or presentation. So I thought I would offer members of the Forum some of the lessons I have learned after 17 years of creating and modifying calibrations primarily for Speed Density motors like the LT5. This first article starts at the beginning of understanding datalogging tools for gathering the information necessary to modify calibrations. I hope to make this an on-going thread and welcome suggestions for tuning topics you all would like to see specific to the LT5. Look forward to hearing from you. Dominic Calibrate Tuning __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX Last edited by XfireZ51; 03-08-2024 at 02:10 PM.

01-09-2018	#2
Ccmano Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 2,852	Re: Tuning the LT5 - Series H __________________ 90'ZR-1 #1461 Red/Black Ported Intake, Degreed Cams, OBX Headers & Exhaust, Fidanza FW, Secondary Delete, Custom tune, C6 GS Wheels. Sold 08 C6 Z51 Crystal Red Metallic Sold Vararam Intake, Tune, Sold 05 C6 Z51 Red/Black Sold 90'ZR-1 #1723 Black/Gray Sold but not forgotten 91' Z51 L98 White Vert. My First, you always remember your first. Sold.

01-09-2018	#3
lfalzarano Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Clayton, North Carolina Posts: 1,133	Re: Tuning the LT5 - Series Don, may I suggest that you detail your knowledge in “The Heart the Beast”. Trying to follow guidance from the Forum is time consuming and sometimes disconcerting with comments and opinions. Just my 2 cents. Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry __________________ Lou[COLOR="Red"][B][SIZE="4"][/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]

01-09-2018	#4
Dynomite Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Dakota/California Posts: 3,791	Custom or Stock Improvement Chips You say "tools for gathering the information necessary to modify calibrations". I am assuming you are talking about a "Custom Chip" as in what Marc Haibeck provides as stock improvements or a Custom Chip for specific modifications? I am further assuming you can modify and or create Custom Chips for the ZR-1? Marc has established a way to attach his modifications to the stock chip (remove the blue stock chip blue cover and attach Marc's modification). Moates Memory Adapter Wherein the older method was to modify a stock chip (send stock chip to Marc and he sends it back modified). The only difference now is the 4 screws in the ECM Chip Cover have to be shortened to not interfere with Marc's attached modifications located under the cover. I think Marc provides new screws for that purpose. __________________ Left Clickable links -Solutions- LT5 Modifications/Rebuild Tricks Low Mileage ZR-1 Restoration 1990 Corvette (L98) Modifications LT5 Eliminated Systems LT5 Added Systems LT5/ZR-1 Fluids 1995 LT5 SPECIFIC TOP END REBUILD TRICKS Last edited by Dynomite; 01-11-2018 at 11:11 AM.

01-09-2018	#5
Top Toy Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Allentown, PA Posts: 309	Re: Tuning the LT5 - Series Great article Dom! Thanks for sharing! Custom tuning around each engine configuration is clearly the only way to extract maximum performance while maintaining good drivability. The optimum calibrations for two similarly modified engines can be quite different and having good data to work thru the optimization is essential. Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk __________________ '95 ZR-1, aqua/gray, #167 368 LPE/Haibeck, Web cams, Stainless Works headers, B&B Fusion exhaust, 18" Fikse wheels, Alcon brakes, lowered. 491 SAE RWHP.

01-10-2018	#6
jss06c6 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 884	Re: Tuning the LT5 - Series Dominic, This will be a great resource for many. Thanks for the effort to bring tuning information to the "masses". Even if one doesn't intend to do their own tuning, it will be great for many to understand how the ECM controls the LT-5. Sent from my XT1585 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

01-10-2018	#9
S.hafsmo Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Norway Posts: 397	Re: Tuning the LT5 - Series Looking forward to the next part. Well written and easy to understand. Appreciate the effort you've put into this. __________________ - '90 ZR-1