Tim’s 3.0L V6 — Bolt-On Brilliance & Dyno Domination
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Tim’s 3.0L V6 transformation is a stellar example of how thoughtful bolt-ons and expert tuning can unlock real-world power. From intake to exhaust and everything in between, here’s how the build came together—and what it delivered on the dyno.
🔧 What’s Been Installed
VCM Over‑the‑Radiator (OTR) Intake – Enhances airflow with better engine breathing and throttle response.
Revhigh Downpipe with Resonator – Improves exhaust flow while maintaining a refined tone.
Custom Dyno Tune – Optimized fuel, timing, and boost curves to extract the full potential of the hardware.
GM Timing Chain Kit Installed – Ensures long-term reliability, especially under increased load.
New Brakes – Upgraded to handle the added speed and maintain confidence stopping.
Spark Plugs & Water Pump – Preventative maintenance to support consistent, high-performance operation.
📈 Dyno Graph Highlights
Here’s a snapshot of the results:
Metric | Before Modifications | After Mods & Tune |
Torque | 287.6 Nm @ 144 kW | 326.1 Nm @ 100 kW |
Power | 128.5 kW @ 198 Nm | 155.1 kW @ 222 Nm |
Peak torque jumped by nearly 40 Nm, translating to a much punchier, engaging throttle response.
Peak power surged from about 128 kW (≈172 hp) to 155 kW (≈208 hp) — a solid +27 kW (~36 hp) gain.
Significant torque gains across the mid-range ensure sharper acceleration and better driveability.
🏁 Why These Results Matter
Hardware synergy — The intake/downpipe pair allowed the engine to breathe more freely, while the dyno tune tailored the calibration to maximize those gains.
Smart maintenance — Timing chain refresh, brake upgrade, and new plug/water pump stock support reliability alongside performance.
Balance of gains and usability — Results aren’t just numbers — the enhanced mid-range torque and power curve translate directly into a more thrilling, dependable driving experience.
🔚 The Bottom Line
Tim’s build achieved an impressive ~20% increase in peak power and delivers even stronger performance gains across the mid-range. This wasn’t just about top-end numbers—the combination of parts delivered a tangible, everyday driving improvement.
If you’re considering a similar setup, Tim’s build shows the high payoff of combining intake, exhaust, and expert tuning—backed by thoughtful maintenance.
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