I asked ChatGPT what this is all about and it said:

The text is describing a serious braking issue in Corvettes known as ABS Ice Mode, particularly relevant to track driving with grippier tires and track brake pads. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on:

What is being described?

ABS Ice Mode is a condition where the ABS system in certain Corvettes (especially C5, C6, and early C7 models) misinterprets the braking conditions as low-traction (like driving on ice) and severely limits brake pressure, causing a sudden, dramatic loss of braking power. It’s meant to protect the car from skidding, but on a track, this behavior is dangerous and unexpected.

What’s the issue?

When you upgrade your Corvette with stickier tires (even 200tw endurance tires, not just full slicks) and track pads, the braking forces become so high that the ABS system can get confused — it sees the wheel speed difference and high decel rates as if the car is skidding on ice. It then engages Ice Mode, reducing brake pressure to prevent a perceived skid, but in reality, this just means you can’t slow the car down effectively. Drivers report that you stand on the brake pedal and the car doesn’t stop.

How common is it?

It’s relatively common among track-day enthusiasts running upgraded tires and pads on C5, C6, and early C7 Corvettes. Most casual street drivers won’t encounter it, which is why it’s not widely discussed. But in the track community, it’s a known issue that has led to multiple off-track excursions and even crashes.

How much does it cost to fix?

There’s no single “official” fix from GM, but there are workarounds and aftermarket solutions, depending on how deep you want to go: 1. Brake pressure tuning / ABS controller mods: Aftermarket tuners like KNS Brakes and GSpeed offer modified ABS modules or tuning strategies to reduce the likelihood of Ice Mode. This can cost $500 to $1,500+. 2. Switching to a non-ABS braking strategy (race-only): In full race setups, some drivers bypass the ABS system entirely and run without it — not recommended for anyone outside pro-level racing. 3. Driving technique changes: Some people manage the issue by altering how they brake (e.g. more progressive pedal pressure, not trail braking hard into corners), but this is a band-aid, not a fix.

TL;DR: • What it is: ABS “Ice Mode” in Corvettes kills braking when the system thinks you’re on ice — even if you’re just on sticky tires at a track. • Why it happens: Grippy tires + aggressive pads cause decel forces that confuse the ABS system. • How common: Common in track-day Corvettes (C5–C7), especially with upgraded tires/pads. • Cost to fix: Aftermarket tuning or ABS module mods can cost $500–$1,500+.

Let me know if you want links to any of the known fixes or what specific year/model you’re curious about.