Corvette and Camaro Performance Calibrations Programming

New performance calibrations are available from Chevrolet Performance for 2014-2018 Corvettes and 2017-2019 Camaros that deliver greater handling on the track as well as during daily driving. The calibrations have been developed through continuous on-track and street development to enable enhanced performance from the outstanding capabilities of the Corvette and Camaro models.

The Corvette Magnetorheological (MR) Performance Damper Calibrations are available for several C7 Corvette models equipped with the MR damper system. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1

For Camaros, the Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) Performance Calibration is available for SS 1LE models. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2

Before programming the MR Suspension Control Module on Corvette models or the Chassis Control Module on Camaro models, contact the Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) for programming requirements and a Vehicle Configuration Index (VCI). The VCI is valid only for the specific VIN provided by the technician.

 

Corvette MR Performance Damper Calibrations

The performance calibrations for MR-equipped Corvettes allow for precise control under a wide variety of situations to fine tune the vehicle’s response. The calibrations:

  • Are independently tuned for the respective chassis
  • Update Tour, Sport, and Track modes that impact isolation and integration as well as balance ride motions at all speeds
  • Include independent compression and rebound calibration for front and rear dampers

During GM testing with a 2016 Corvette Z06 and 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, the new calibrations contributed to a one second improvement in lap times around the GM 2.9-mile (4.7 km) Milford Road Course.

Each driving mode on the Corvette — Tour, Sport, and Track — receive specific algorithms and tuning strategies with the new performance calibrations. In Tour and Sport modes, the calibrations provide improved structural feel on rough surfaces and greater compliance at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h) along with a more precise response to steering inputs. Sport mode also will exhibit significantly more body motion control than Tour mode. In Track mode, the response to driver inputs will be more linear near the limit of adhesion, with enhanced precision at initial turn-in and better capability to sustain the car’s heading under throttle application, delivering more fluid maneuverability while cornering for enhanced driver confidence.

Not all models can be upgraded. Applications for the performance calibrations include the following Corvette models. Each calibration includes updates for all three driving modes, except the calibration for 2014-2018 Z51, which includes updates to the Tour and Sport modes only.

 

Model Year Trim Level Tour Sport Track
2015-2018 Z06 with Z07 x x x
2015-2018 Z06 without Z07 x x x
2017-2018 Grand Sport with Z07 x x x
2017-2018 Grand Sport without Z07 x x x
2016-2018 Base x x x
2014-2018 Z51 x x

 

To install the calibrations, reprogram the MR Suspension Control Module using the Service Programming System (SPS). Reprogramming for 2014-2015 models also includes MR Suspension Control Module software and utility file updates along with the calibration files. Refer to Service Document ID 4873206 for more information.

During the control module setup process a rear ride height measurement will be requested, which is measured from the wheel center to the fender directly above the wheel center.

IMPORTANT: In order to the get the maximum performance and consistency out of the updated calibration, allow the vehicle to sit for 8 to 10 hours after the update. The MRC damper system has a built-in temperature offset correction as part of the calibration. Allowing the vehicle to sit will allow the damper temperatures to normalize and the temperature offset in the calibration to accurately reset. The vehicle is still functional without this process. However, the temperature offset correction will be less accurate, resulting in a less optimized operation until the damper temperatures are allowed to normalize.

 

Camaro eLSD Performance Calibration

The performance calibration for the eLSD on Camaros enables faster turn-in and faster power application on turn-exit. The calibration decouples the differential at a faster rate based on accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle to enable faster yaw rotation at corner entry. Upon corner exit, the eLSD will couple faster than normal rates to enable power to be delivered sooner to both rear wheels.

The updated calibration is only enabled when traction control and electronic stability control (ESC) is disabled. Drivers can turn off traction control and ESC by pressing and holding the traction control button for five seconds.

To install the calibrations, reprogram the Chassis Control Module using the Service Programming System (SPS). Module software and utility files are updated along with the calibration files. Clear any DTCs that set during reprogramming. Refer to Service Document ID 5068565 for more information.

Updating the applicable models with these performance calibrations from Chevrolet Performance maintains the vehicle’s warranty.

 

– Thanks to Kara Brotebeck and Adrienne Peters

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