Holden VZ L98 6.0L Dyno Tune: 35.3 kW Gain from Bolt-On Upgrades
The Holden VZ Commodore is already a great platform for naturally aspirated V8 performance, and this 6.0L L98 shows just how much potential can be unlocked with the right combination of bolt-on upgrades and a custom dyno tune.
This VZ L98 came to Revhigh with a solid selection of breathing and exhaust upgrades, giving the engine a much better foundation for tuning.
The Setup
This Holden VZ 6.0L L98 was equipped with:
K&N intake
Pacemaker headers
High-flow catalytic converters
Cat-back exhaust system
Custom Revhigh dyno tune
The combination is designed to improve airflow into and out of the engine while allowing the ECU calibration to be optimised for the modifications.
Dyno Results
Before making any tuning changes, the VZ produced:
220.0 wheel kW510.6 wheel Nm
After the modifications and custom dyno tune, the results climbed to:
255.3 wheel kW557.4 wheel Nm
That's a gain of:
+35.3 wheel kW
+46.8 wheel Nm
Using the standard conversion of approximately 1 kW = 1.341 mechanical horsepower, the 35.3 kW improvement works out to around 47 wheel HP.
Using an approximate 1.25 drivetrain-loss conversion, that's equivalent to roughly 59 engine HP.
What Made the Difference?
On a naturally aspirated engine, airflow is everything.
The K&N intake helps improve the engine's ability to draw in air, while the Pacemaker headers, high-flow cats and cat-back exhaust help the engine move exhaust gases more efficiently.
But bolt-on parts alone don't necessarily deliver their full potential.
That's where the custom dyno tune comes in.
Once the hardware was upgraded, the engine could be calibrated specifically around the new airflow characteristics. Fuel delivery, ignition timing and other ECU parameters can be optimised while monitoring the vehicle on the dyno.
The result is a combination that works together rather than simply adding individual parts.
A Serious Naturally Aspirated Gain
Going from 220.0 kW to 255.3 kW at the wheels is a substantial improvement for a naturally aspirated 6.0L V8.
The extra 35.3 wheel kW and 46.8 Nm makes for a stronger engine across the rev range and demonstrates what can be achieved from a well-matched intake, exhaust and tuning package.
No forced induction. No boost.
Just 6.0L of naturally aspirated V8 performance, improved airflow and a properly calibrated ECU.
Want More From Your Holden V8?
If you're running a Holden VZ L98 or another LS-based V8, the right combination of hardware and tuning can make a significant difference to performance.
At Revhigh, we can assess your current setup, identify where improvements can be made and tune the vehicle on the dyno to suit its modifications.
More airflow. Better breathing. Smarter calibration. More power.
Dyno Summary
Before | After | Gain | |
Wheel Power | 220.0 kW | 255.3 kW | +35.3 kW |
Wheel Torque | 510.6 Nm | 557.4 Nm | +46.8 Nm |
Approx. Wheel HP Gain | — | — | +47 WHP |
Approx. Engine HP Gain | — | — | +59 HP |
HP conversion uses 1 kW ≈ 1.341 mechanical HP. Engine horsepower estimate uses an approximate 1.25 conversion from wheel horsepower and is intended as an estimate only.
Holden VZ L98 Performance: The Revhigh Difference
This VZ L98 is another example of what can be achieved when quality bolt-on components are combined with a custom dyno tune.
If you're looking to get more performance from your Holden V8, contact Revhigh to discuss your setup and tuning options.
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