The all-new 2020 Corvette continues to stack up well-deserved accolades and a frunk load of awards from top automotive magazines. While most talk about the mid-engine design or the impressive 2.9 second 0-60 time, it could be the electronic architecture that is the real star.
It’s so good it’s turned out to be a roadblock for tuners, and here’s why.
The C8 utilizes GM’s new Global B electronics architecture. This recently developed electrical architecture provides the structure for future enhancements.
On the list are active safety features and GM’s hands-free highway driving system, Super Cruise.
From a performance standpoint, soon, your Corvette could know it’s at Road Atlanta, and through WiFi, adjust your suspension for optimum track performance.
Global B handles roughly five times the data flow as GM cars on the road today. That equates to as much as 4.5 terabytes of data processing power per hour.
All of the processing power needs to be protected by the latest in hardened cybersecurity for obvious reasons. Featuring impressive baked in cybersecurity, Global B is currently a significant obstacle for tuning companies.
The reason is the C8’s ECU can recognize attempts to modify its code. If it does, it may shut down while you’re working on it to save its factory settings.
Let’s say that you do manage to introduce third-party code into the ECU. In that case, the car will reportedly enter a “recovery mode” wherein the vehicle is effectively bricked.
Meaning it won’t start and won’t be tunable with anything other than proprietary GM gear.
Obviously, “No Bueno” from a tuner’s perspective.
FuelTech Is The Solution
Sometimes the solution to your problem is sitting in your own backyard. That was the case when we stopped into Atlanta’s Caffeine & Octane to check out North America’s largest car show.
It was here that we first ran into Anderson Dick, the CEO of FuelTech, and his 2020 Torch Red 750 WHP twin-turbo C8 Corvette coupe.
Two things immediately grabbed our attention. The first was the impressive installation of the twin Garrett turbochargers on top of the 6.2L LT2 V8 engine.
The other was the brilliant adaptation of the FuelTech FT600 engine management system into the driver’s armrest. From there, things got interesting as Anderson explained the intricacies of the Global B electrical architecture.
He went on to outline how FuelTech was able to develop a stand-alone ECU application.
If you follow racing at all, this should not come as a surprise. FuelTech is an international company specialized in developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art performance engine management systems.
They’ve achieved record-breaking track results on a wide variety of racing classes such as Sportsman, Pro Drag, Circuit, Off-Road, Rally, Motorbike, and Marine applications.
It wasn’t long before Anderson graciously invited us to tour his R&D facilities in Ball Ground, GA, and talk further about his powerful twin-turbo solution.
A Clean-Sheet Approach
As Anderson gave us a guided tour of his ultra-clean R&D facilities, their reason for success was crystal clear. Hard work, a metric ton of talent, and gritty determination have driven FuelTech to its well-deserved position atop the high-performance world.
When you spend some time with Anderson and this results-orientated team, you begin to understand why they could solve the C8 Corvette tuner issues. And solve it they did.
They started with a clean-sheet approach to the challenge. FuelTech’s goal was a user-friendly plug-and-play setup for speed shops and enthusiasts.
The first step was to integrate their FT600 engine management system with the factory ECU (PCM) and TCU (Transmission Control Unit).
This pairing created a seamless solution for ultimate control over the twin-turbocharged LT2 engine combination. Best of all, FuelTech doesn’t hack into the factory ECU.
They learned early in the process that Chevrolet’s electrical architecture and ECUs are symbiotic in their relationship and can be modified separately.
FuelTech Delivers
Beyond the FT600, there are several other FuelTech products utilized on the vehicle. Two WB-02 Nanosensors are fitted in the exhaust to monitor air/fuel through a Bosch LSU 4.2 sensor.
These sensors connect the FT600 via a CAN bus connection. Other sensors wired into the FT600 are a back pressure canister and a 150-psi pressure sensor to monitor the port fuel injection.
They added two back pressure sensors for each turbocharger as well as turbocharger speed sensors. The team also included a FuelTech EGT-4, which features individual cylinder EGT monitoring, aiding incomplete data collection and engine safety.
Pro-Line Racing, conveniently located across the parking lot, added a set of Diamond forged pistons. They also added improved connecting rods from Gwatney Performance to handle the higher horsepower.
We could fill up several pages with the details of this ground-breaking 750+ WHP build.
Fortunately, FuelTech has put together a comprehensive video that explains this project below.
Restoring Driver Control
While touring the squeaky-clean FuelTech facilities with Anderson, it’s easy to see why this company has garnered such respect in professional drag racing circles. You see their methodical, results-driven passion played out in every aspect of their business.
Today, every driver input on the C8 Corvette is electronic, from the steering, the brakes, and the throttle – all of it. No doubt, the future will see computers exerting even greater control over our vehicles.
There’s comfort in knowing that FuelTech is developing a plug-n-play system that restores tuning control to you today.
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