Now that Chevrolet has launched the C8 Corvette Z06, everyone's attention is focused on the future variants set to arrive in the upcoming years. One of the most awaited versions is of course the ZR1 - a model that promises no less than 850 horsepower or 180 horses more than the Z06. Still, the official ZR1’s debut is still years away. At the same time, the C7 Corvette ZR1 has been out of production for a very long time now. It also "only" delivers 755 horsepower. So, what do you do if you want a more powerful ZR1, but don't want to wait until 2025? Well, head to Hennessey as it has the perfect solution for you. The tuner can take your old C7 ZR1 and upgrade it to produce an impressive 1,000 horsepower!
Hennessey’s 245-Horsepower Upgrade For the C7 Corvette ZR1
From the factory, the C7 Corvette ZR1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that cranks out a whopping 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque – which is still 85 horsepower more than the current Z06. Since rumors suggest the C8 ZR1 will deliver at least 850 horsepower, Hennessey wanted to equal these performance figures with its latest updates.
The tuner is actually offering two different levels of upgrades for the ZR1. The most powerful one, the HPE1000 takes the V-8’s output up to a total of 1,000 horsepower and 966 pound-feet of torque. In order to obtain the extra power, the V-8 has undergone lots of changes. The valve springs and retainers, the intake valves and exhaust valves, and the lifters and pushrods were all upgraded. A high-flow air induction system was also installed. Changes continued with a Hennessey lower pulley upgrade, long-tube stainless steel headers, custom HPE camshaft, ported cylinder heads, stainless steel midpipes, and high-flow catalytic converters. The ECU was also modified.
If all these changes are too much for you, Hennessey is also offering a HPE800 package with 850 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. Changes included in this package are not as drastic. They only include a high-flow air induction system, long-tube stainless steel headers, stainless steel midpipes, and high-flow catalytic converters. Like usual, the ECU also needed to be modified.
The package does not offer any exterior or interior upgrades, but it is not like the ZR1 needs any. There are a few Hennessey badges placed here and there to remind you this is not your ordinary ZR1. The engine upgrades are offered with a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty.
