How A YouTuber Used ChatGPT To Fix A Troubled Corvette
Finding a reliable mechanic can be a challenge, which is why Florida-based YouTuber Samcrac sought advice from an unconventional source to fix his project car: ChatGPT. He was struggling to get his recently purchased, salvage-title C6 Corvette Z06 running properly, and the AI proved to be a surprisingly helpful assistant.
A Salvage Find Full of Problems
Sam acquired the Corvette for a bargain price of just $16,000, planning to rebuild its engine with new components. Despite his efforts, the car was a mess. It would frequently stall, gave off a strong fuel odor, and needed a heavy foot on the throttle just to get moving. His initial investigation pointed to a bad cam position sensor, but that was only the beginning.
A deeper dive into the engine uncovered a host of other issues, including plastic shavings in the oil, a dangerously loose crank bolt, and damaged oil pump gears. Adding to the mystery, he even discovered a hidden AirTag, leaving him to wonder about the car's troubled history.
Turning to an AI for Tuning Help
Even after addressing the mechanical problems, the Corvette's performance was far from perfect. Stumped and looking for a new approach, Sam decided to consult ChatGPT for help. His goal was to use the AI's guidance to diagnose and tune the car using the popular HP Tuners software.
The AI quickly provided a clear, step-by-step process. ChatGPT instructed him on how to review the car's fuel and airflow tables, make precise adjustments to the idle and fuel enrichment settings, and then create and flash a new, revised tune file to the car's computer.
Dramatic Improvements and Future Plans
The results were immediate and impressive. Sam reported that the very first AI-assisted tune made a dramatic difference in the Corvette's drivability. The clutch engagement was smoother, the overpowering fuel smell was gone, and the throttle response was significantly better. While he tested later revisions suggested by the AI, the initial tune provided the most substantial improvements.
This experience highlights a new frontier in DIY car repair. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it's no surprise that enthusiasts are finding creative ways to use it. ChatGPT turned Sam's barely drivable project into a car he could confidently take on the road. His next step is to take the AI-generated baseline tune to a professional for final refinement, proving that man and machine—or in this case, AI—can work together to solve complex problems.
You can watch the full process in his video here: YouTube Video
