American tuning company and tire-shredding extraordinaire Callaway teased its modified 2014 Corvette Stingray at the National Corvette Museum in May, but testing has been completed and the official numbers are out.
Using a supercharger kit designed in house, Callaway has massaged the C7’s 6.2-liter V8 to 627 horsepower, soaring over the standard C7’s rating of 455 hp and nearly matching the 650-hp rating of the 2015 Z06.
The C7’s LT1 V8 is pretty impressive to begin with, as Chevrolet added direct fuel injection, continuously variable value timing and advanced engine management to the pushrod unit this year. This helps the supercharged C7 “exhibit flawless transition into and out of positive manifold pressure,” says Callaway.
The third-generation SC627 supercharger system is all new, and it uses an integrated intake manifold for better airflow and throttle response. Each runner is individually sculpted to broaden the torque band and increase top end power, and a triple-element intercooler keeps everything cool under the hood.
Somehow, the gurus at Callaway managed to keep fuel economy “practically unchanged from stock,” although they credit the Corvette’s stock active fuel management for that.
Outside, there isn’t much aesthetic change from the standard C7, but there are a few subtle hints to Callaway’s enhancements. The supercharger housing extends boldy through the hood, but not to the point of looking gaudy. Other than that, there are a few new badges and decorations inside, and that’s about it. To a glancing eye, it’s just a stock (yet still impressive) C7 Corvette.
The sound will probably blow your cover, though: Callaway’s ‘Vette has a low restriction exhaust system with an integrated acoustic chamber. In combination with the supercharger whine, the exhaust should produce a noise that will turn heads from Bowling Green to Baltimore.
As of this writing, production of the supercharged Corvette has commenced, and Callaway will fit the SC627 system to your donor car for just $22,995. Considering the $51,995 base price of a 2014 Stingray, the total price for the boosted ‘Vette sits at around $74,900. Considering the 2015 Z06’s reported sticker price of $76,595, it looks like buyers have a tough choice between the two boosted Corvettes.
Rough life, isn’t it?
