As a dedicated Corvette enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to enhance performance. Recently, I took my 2015 C7 Z51 Stingray to the next level by installing a Z06 supercharger. This wasn’t just about chasing horsepower; it was about achieving a factory-integrated look with a significant power boost. Let me share my experience of adding an LT4 supercharger to my Z51, transforming it into a true beast on the road.
My journey began with sourcing a used, but in excellent condition, LT4 supercharger “complete kit.” This kit, acquired from a fellow Corvette forum member, included the essential components: the supercharger itself, heat exchanger and water pump, LT1 to LT4 adapter plates, a Z06 balancer, and Z06 tensioners. The blower originated from a 2016 Z06 with a mere 900 miles, ensuring it was practically new.
For the installation, I entrusted the expertise of Weapon X Motorsports in Cincinnati, OH. Their reputation within the C7 Corvette community and their extensive work with LS engines made them the obvious choice. From start to finish, the experience with Weapon X Motorsports was exceptional, reinforcing my decision to choose professionals for this upgrade.
The visual aspect was crucial for me. I aimed for a supercharger installation that appeared as if it came directly from the factory. Opting for the Z06 supercharger route, instead of aftermarket options like Procharger or Edelbrock, was primarily driven by this desire for a seamless, OEM-like integration. And as you can see from the photos, the result is exactly what I envisioned.
LT4 supercharger kit components including blower, heat exchanger, water pump, and adapter plates.
Close-up during the Z06 supercharger installation process on the Z51 Stingray engine.
Engine bay of the Z51 Stingray showing the supercharger being fitted during the upgrade at Weapon X Motorsports.
Technician working on the Corvette Z51 engine during the LT4 supercharger installation, highlighting the complexity of the process.
Beyond the core components included in the “complete kit”, a successful LT4 supercharger installation on a Z51 Stingray requires several additional parts. For anyone considering this upgrade, here’s a comprehensive list of extra items that were necessary for my install:
- Z06 air intake (I opted for a Halltech intake for improved airflow)
- New Brisk spark plugs, crucial for handling the increased combustion pressure
- LT4 MAP sensor, essential for accurate boost readings
- Custom LT1 to LT4 MAP and IAT sensor adapter harness for sensor compatibility
- Gates supercharger drive belt, ensuring reliable power delivery
- Various fittings and bolts for secure and leak-free connections
- Coolant specifically for the heat exchanger system
- Rubber hoses to adapt to the new PCV system configuration
- Custom 12V relay and wiring harness to power the Z06 intercooler pump effectively
- Supercharger oil for optimal blower performance and longevity
- Modified LT4 valley plate to accommodate the supercharger
Finished Z06 supercharger installation on the C7 Z51 Stingray, showcasing the factory-like appearance.
Side view of the supercharged Z51 Stingray engine, emphasizing the clean and integrated look of the LT4 upgrade.
To personalize the supercharger’s appearance further, I replaced the “LT4 Corvette” wording on top with custom cover plates from Emblempros.com. This small detail elevated the factory look and added a unique touch to my Z51 Stingray.
Custom emblem on the Z06 supercharger, replacing the stock text for a personalized engine bay aesthetic.
Furthermore, to ensure optimal performance with the added power, upgrading the fuel system was necessary. The stock fuel system of the Z51 isn’t designed for supercharged applications, leading to the installation of:
- Z06 fuel injectors, providing a higher flow rate to meet increased fuel demand
- Z06 high-pressure fuel pump, maintaining consistent fuel pressure under boost
The results on the dyno were truly remarkable. Before the supercharger, my Z51 Stingray performed as expected. After the installation and tuning by Weapon X Motorsports, the numbers spoke for themselves.
Dyno graph showing before and after results of the Z06 supercharger installation on the Z51 Stingray.
The dyno revealed an impressive 610 lb-ft of torque and 570 horsepower at the wheels. This translates to approximately 732 lb-ft of torque and 684 horsepower at the crank. The transformation in driving experience is night and day. The car now boasts incredible low-end power and pulls ferociously throughout the rev range. It truly feels like a completely different machine, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
Interestingly, the total cost of this Z06 supercharger conversion was comparable to installing an aftermarket Edelbrock Eforce supercharger kit. However, the Z06 route delivers significantly more power and retains that sought-after factory appearance.
In conclusion, upgrading my Z51 Stingray with a Z06 supercharger has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The team at Weapon X Motorsports, especially Ben, Blake, and Jeremy, were fantastic throughout the process. I highly recommend this upgrade for any Z51 owner seeking substantial power gains with a factory-integrated aesthetic. I’m already contemplating future upgrades with Weapon X Motorsports – the pursuit of Corvette performance is never truly over!
