2017 Holden V6 LFX 3.6L Wagon: VCM OTR, Full Exhaust & Custom Tune
When it comes to getting more performance from the Holden 3.6L LFX V6, improving airflow and exhaust flow can make a significant difference. Matt’s 2017 Holden V6 LFX 3.6L Wagon is a great example of what can be achieved with the right combination of hardware and tuning.
For this build, the car was fitted with a VCM OTR intake and a full exhaust system, followed by a custom tune to make the most of the upgrades.
The Setup
Matt’s wagon received three key performance upgrades:
VCM OTR intake – improves the engine's airflow and provides a less restrictive intake path.
Full exhaust system – helps the engine move exhaust gases more efficiently.
Custom ECU tune – calibrated to suit the upgraded intake and exhaust combination.
While each modification can provide benefits on its own, tuning the vehicle after the hardware upgrades allows the engine calibration to take advantage of the increased airflow.
Dyno Results
The car was tested on the dyno before and after the modifications and tune.
Before
157.8 wheel kW378.3 Nm
After
205.9 wheel kW422.4 Nm
That represents a gain of:
+48.1 wheel kW
+44.1 Nm
The power increase is equivalent to approximately 64 wheel horsepower, or roughly 81 engine horsepower using an estimated 25% drivetrain-loss calculation.
What Made the Difference?
The combination of the VCM OTR and full exhaust gives the LFX V6 the ability to move air more effectively. However, simply bolting on performance parts doesn't always allow the engine to take full advantage of them.
That's where the custom tune comes in.
The ECU can be recalibrated to suit the changes in airflow and exhaust flow, helping optimise areas such as throttle response, fuelling and ignition timing.
The result is a much stronger power curve and a substantial improvement in peak wheel power.
From 157.8 kW to 205.9 kW
The final result is particularly impressive considering the car started at 157.8 wheel kW and finished at 205.9 wheel kW.
That's more than a 30% increase in peak wheel power.
For a naturally aspirated 3.6L V6, combining intake, exhaust and proper ECU calibration can be an effective way to unlock additional performance without relying on forced induction.
The Result
Matt's 2017 Holden V6 LFX 3.6L Wagon went from:
157.8 kW → 205.9 kW378.3 Nm → 422.4 Nm
+48.1 wheel kW | +44.1 Nm
The takeaway? Good supporting hardware combined with a properly calibrated tune can make a big difference.
If you're running a Holden LFX V6 and looking to improve power, throttle response and overall performance, the right intake, exhaust and tune combination is a great place to start.
Want to see what your Holden V6 can make? Get in touch with Revhigh Tuning Solutions to discuss your setup and tuning options.
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