CORE ECU OVERVIEW
CORE ECU gives you full control over your engine using a modern, motorsports-focused standalone ECU backed by HP Tuners software and support. Designed for both professional shops and experienced enthusiasts, CORE ECU combines advanced control strategies with a workflow that’s practical, flexible, and familiar.
Whether you’re building a drag car, road race car, drift car, or resto-mod, CORE ECU delivers the precision and consistency required in high-performance applications—while staying approachable enough for real-world use.
Supported Engines
CORE ECU is designed for all levels of LS swaps and high-performance motorsports builds. It currently supports Gen 3 and Gen 4 LS engines with a 24x crank and 1x cam trigger along with 58x crank and 4x cam triggers.
- LS1
- LS6
- Early LS2
- LS3
- LS7
- LS9
- LSA
- LSX
Fueling
- Up to 16 Injector Control
- The ability to have (2) injectors on a single cylinder so you can have all the fuel you need and maintain the drivability of the vehicle
- Sequential Injection
- Individual cylinder compensation based on fueling needs
- Flex Fuel
- Automatic adjustment for ethanol content
- AI Fueling (New!)
- Uses recorded data to automatically generate VE tables or MAF curves in minutes
- Reduces dyno time and increases fueling precision
- Neural Network model blends multiple inputs for more accurate airflow prediction
Up to 8 Coil Packs (Spark)
- Control the spark timing of individual cylinders for complete combustion and smooth power delivery
- Retard or advance ignition spark per your needs
Dual Throttle Body Capability
- Control a 2nd drive-by-wire throttle body without any power supply or controller
- Use alongside any dual throttle body intake manifold for increased airflow and power
(2) Built-in Lambda Controllers
- Set Lambda targets and use to adjust your calibration
- Supports Bosch LSU 4.9 wideband oxygen sensors
- Enhanced lambda sensor control to improve sensor lifespan
(3) CAN Bus Networks
- Greater versatility with 1 HPTNet and 2 traditional CAN Bus networks
- Configure additional analog inputs and switches via CAN Bus
Internal Data Logging Up to 150 Channels at 1kHZ
- Log the required parameters simultaneously at the proper rates so you don’t miss key information needed to improve performance or diagnose an issue
- Store data on the ECU to review later
- Built-in clock for timestamping data logs
- Built-in Trigger Scope for ignition trigger setup and diagnostics
Single-Stage On/Off and Progressive Nitrous Control
- Fully control how nitrous behaves – a quick ramp-up or RPM-based. Get the power when you most need it
- Established strategy with multiple safeties in place
Traction Control & AI Traction Control
- Take full control of your vehicle, no matter the driving surface
- Tailor the wheel slip to your needs for the drag strip or road course
- AI Traction Control (Enhanced)
- Machine-trained logic adapts traction strategies to changing conditions
- Maintains grip and power delivery for drag, road-course, or off-road use
- Requires front and rear wheel speed inputs
Vehicle Integration
- Stay cool with A/C control
- Ability to control alternator voltage output
Boost Control
- Open Loop or Closed Loop (PID Control) Strategies
- Compressed Air/CO2 Boost Control
- Timed Boost Control
- Robust safety checks with soft and hard ignition and injection cuts
Automatic Transmission
- ECU supports automatic transmission – where transmission switches automatically based on engine speed and other parameters
- Currently supporting 4L60e and 4L80e transmissions
- Automatic transmission gear override function
- Additional support coming soon
- TurboLamik TCU Integration (New!)
- Now compatible with the TurboLamik Transmission Control Unit (ZF 8HP)
- Enables seamless communication between CORE ECU and TurboLamik for smoother shifts
2-Stage Launch Control
- Set limits to optimize traction off the line for even greater performance
Map Switching
- Easily switch between calibrated maps
- Supports multiple modes such as:
- Endurance, Normal and Sport
- Low, Medium, and High Boost
Specifications
- IP66 Rated
- Configurable CAN
- (3) Separate CAN Channels
- (2) Traditional CAN
- (1) HPTNet
- PC Connection via Ethernet
- Logging Memory – 2 GB
- Laptop Datalogging via VCM Live
- On-board Data Logging – up to 150 channels at 1Khz
- On-board Wideband – 2 Built-in Channels
Inputs
- User Defined Capabilities (Configure Analog Input to digital [on/off] or analog reading)
- Digital Inputs
- Analog Inputs
- Temperature Inputs
- Configure additional inputs such as analog inputs, switches, and lambda feedback via CAN Bus based Lambda Controllers
Outputs
- Low-Side Injector Control
- Ignition
- User Configurable
- Digital Outputs
- Low-Side Output
- High-Side Output
- Half-Bridge Output
Strategy Functions
- Nitrous Control
- Boost Control
- Automatic Transmission Control for 4L60e and 4L80e
- Drive By Wire
- Secondary Fuel injectors
- Flex Fuel Input
- Closed Loop O2 Control
- Including Short Term Fuel Trims
- Knock Control
- Engine Protection
- Map Switching
- Launch Control
- Traction Control
- Oil Pressure and Fuel Pressure Protection
Gen III Terminated Harness (Drive-by-Cable)
Intended for early (Gen III) LS Engines, this main harness has several unique features that make it perfect for routing on cable-driven applications. Highlights include:
- For Drive-By- Cable (DBC) Throttle Body Application
- Cam Sensor Located on Rear of Engine
- Dual Bosch 4.9 LSU Sensor Connectors
- MAP Sensor Can Be Routed to Front or Rear of Engine
- 20 Pin Input/Output Expansion Connector (For Use with Sub Harnesses Listed Below)
- Knock Sensors Routed to Engine Valley
- EV6 Injector Connectors (EV6 to EV1 Adapters Sold Separately)
- Pre-Terminated CAN Connectors
- Can Be Paired w/ Optional GM Transmission Harness (Part of The Above Uses for Expansion Connector)
GM IV Terminated Harness (Drive-by-Wire)
Intended for late (Gen IV) LS Engines, this main harness has several unique features that make it perfect for routing on drive-by-wire applications. Highlights include:
- For Drive-By-Wire (DBW) Throttle Body Application
- Cam Sensor Located on Front of Engine
- Dual Bosch 4.9 LSU Sensor Connectors
- MAP Sensor can be routed to front or rear of engine.
- Knock Sensors on the side of the engine block.
- 20 Pin Input/Output Expansion Connector (For Use with Sub Harnesses Listed Below)
- EV6 Injector Connectors (EV6 to EV1 Adapters Sold Separately)
- Pre-Terminated CAN Connectors
- Can Be Paired w/ Optional GM Transmission Harness (Part of The Above Uses for Expansion Connector)
Flying Lead Harness
Intended for customers who want a completely custom harness, this kit includes four (4) ECU connectors and several section of wiring (15-ft. length). Highlights include:
- Four AMP ECU Connectors w/ Included Cavity Plugs
- Wiring – Color Coded 15-ft. Lengths
- Instructions w/ Connector Diagrams (Written for Experienced Users)
NOTE: Tech Support will be limited on Flying-Lead Harness Applications, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that best wiring practices are followed. Purchases are sold as-is. Connector diagram/instructions are written for users with wiring experience.
GM 4L60E / 4L80E Transmission Sub Harness
This harness provides a single harness for GM 4L60E and 4L80E Transmissions. No wiring changes or pin relocation required. Easily upgrade to a four-speed automatic transmission with this plug & play solution.
Input/Output (IO) Expansion Sub Harness
This harness provides a flying lead solution to customers who want to add additional I/O to their install. Easily wire-in extra sensors, cooling fans, electric pumps, and more.
Need more technical details? Find all the resources you need, including setup guides, wiring diagrams, and installation manuals.
- CORE ECU Installation Guide
- CORE ECU Parameter Guide
- VCM Live Software Download
- VCM Live Help Documentation
Emissions Statement
CORE ECU is intended for use in exempt vehicles such as pre-emissions motor vehicles and documented competition vehicles that are exclusively for track use and not driven on public roads. HP Tuners does not condone the misuse of its products. All users are required to register their CORE ECU and identify the vehicle application before installation and use. Misuse of the CORE ECU will void the warranty.
Compliance Information
Coming soon!
Learn How to Install & Use CORE ECU
We’ve created an entire playlist on all things CORE ECU, including tutorials for initial installation, navigating VCM Live, and more.
Visit our YouTube channel to watch these videos.
Additional information
| Weight | 3.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 × 9 × 3.75 in |
Terminated Gen3 Drive-By-Cable LSX Harness
| Harness Type |
Terminated Gen3 Drive-By-Cable LSX Harness |
|---|
Terminated Gen4 Drive-by-Wire LSX Harness
| Harness Type |
Terminated Gen4 Drive-by-Wire LSX Harness |
|---|
Unterminated 15′ Flying Lead Harness
| Harness Type |
Unterminated 15' Flying Lead Harness |
|---|
4l60/4l80 Transmission Control Harness
| Harness Type |
4l60/4l80 Transmission Control Harness |
|---|
I/O Harness (for non-computer-controlled transmission)
| Harness Type |
I/O Harness (for non-computer-controlled transmission) |
|---|
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