Unlocking the Beast: How E85 Fuel Supercharges the C8 Corvette Stingray

If you thought the C8 Corvette Stingray was a powerhouse right out of the factory, wait until you see what Paragon Performance has done with it. The base model of this beautiful beast comes equipped with a 6.2-liter small block engine that churns out an impressive 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the NPP exhaust system, and you’ll get a slight bump to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet. However, General Motors didn't design the C8 Stingray to run on E85 fuel – until Paragon Performance stepped into the arena.

Enter the Transformation: Paragon Performance's E85 Kit

For those unfamiliar, E85 is a high-ethanol blend that has been a popular choice among tuners for its ability to increase power output. Paragon Performance offers a flex-fuel kit for the LT2 engine that includes an HP Tuners custom tune, capable of cracking the heavily encrypted E99 engine control unit. Priced at $4,699.99, this kit features a plug-and-play wiring harness, a genuine GM flex-fuel sensor, and quick-disconnect fuel lines.

What makes this kit really stand out are the two extras it offers – Active Fuel Management (AFM) delete and the Burble Tune. The AFM delete is particularly attractive as it disables the system that turns the robust V8 engine into a more efficient four-cylinder under certain conditions. Meanwhile, the Burble Tune adds more pops and crackles to your exhaust notes, making it a delight for those who live for the soundtrack of their car's engine.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

But let’s get to the meat of the story. A nearly stock Stingray equipped with only a cat-back exhaust and Paragon's E85 kit was put to the test. Running on 93 octane fuel, this setup delivered 440 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque at the wheels. When a 65-percent blend of E85 was introduced, those numbers shot up to 470 horsepower and 466 pound-feet of torque – all at the wheels. These figures are a significant step-up from the factory specs and showcase the untapped potential of the LT2 engine.

More Power, More Torque

According to Paragon Performance, with a higher blend of E85, the numbers can climb even higher. On their website, the maximum power and torque ratings on E85 are listed as 500.25 horsepower and 486.45 pound-feet of torque. In simple terms, you’re getting more power and torque at the wheels than GM’s advertised crankshaft numbers, turning your Stingray into a thoroughbred racer.

Considerations Before Making the Leap

Before you rush to install this wonder kit on your vehicle, it’s important to bear in mind the risk of voiding your warranty. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, an automaker can't void a vehicle's warranty if the owner adds an aftermarket product unless they can prove that the problem was caused by the aftermarket part. So, if you’re not deterred by a potential headache with your warranty, the Paragon E85 kit can turn your Stingray into a track monster.

Beyond the E85 Kit

For those who crave even more power and aren’t limited by budget constraints, twin-turbo or supercharger kits offer even more potential for the C8. For example, BoostDistrict offers a twin-turbo kit for a whopping $21,250, installed and tuned, which can push the capabilities of the LT2 engine far beyond what any stock setting would allow.

Why Wait for the ZR1?

If you haven't locked in your order for a C8 yet, maybe hold off until summer 2024, when the all-new Corvette ZR1 is expected to be announced. This upcoming model promises to be GM's most powerful internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, boasting around 800 horsepower from a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 engine derived from the LT6 of the Z06. Imagine the raw potential when combining it with future tuning options.

The C8 Corvette Stingray is already an engineering marvel, but with Paragon Performance's E85 kit, it's clear that the limits are there to be pushed. Whether you’re a tuning enthusiast or a Stingray owner looking to unlock every bit of potential from your ride, the future looks exceptionally bright and loud.