Zane’s 2011 Maloo LS3 V8: Tuning Perfection and Performance Restored
- Jan 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 30
When Zane bought his immaculate 2011 Holden Maloo powered by the iconic LS3 V8, he expected top-tier performance and driving pleasure. However, his initial joy was clouded by disappointing fuel economy—just 250km per tank, averaging a jaw-dropping 20-22L per 100km. For a V8 with only 70,000km on the clock and upgraded with an OTR intake and exhaust, this was far from what Zane had imagined.
Seeking answers, Zane tried a retune elsewhere, which slightly improved fuel economy, adding 50km per tank. Yet, his Maloo still struggled with a severe bog-down below 2500 RPM. He was told, “this is normal,” but Zane wasn’t convinced. After hearing glowing reviews about our work at Revhigh, he booked in for a proper assessment just before the Christmas holidays.
What We Found:
The inspection revealed that the two most critical maps for a V8 tune—VVE (Volumetric Efficiency) and MAF (Mass Airflow) tables—were left entirely stock. On top of that, a leaking purge valve had been overlooked, likely causing problems for years. These oversights were holding Zane’s Maloo back from reaching its full potential.
What We Did:
👉 Fixed the purge leak.
👉 Completely rebuilt the VVE and MAF tables for optimal performance.
👉 Gained an additional 40Nm down low and 16kW at the top end.
👉 Eliminated the bog-down issue, making the Maloo more responsive and enjoyable to drive.
👉 Restored fuel economy to a normal level.
The Result:
Zane’s Maloo is now performing like a true LS3 powerhouse. It’s smooth, responsive, and fuel-efficient—the way a finely tuned V8 should be. The driving experience is night and day compared to before, proving the importance of comprehensive tuning.
Why Choose Revhigh?
Tuning a V8 isn’t just about a quick flash. Building and refining maps like VVE and MAF requires hours of Dyno and street logging to dial in the perfect setup. A 20-minute tune won’t cut it, and “flash tunes” can leave critical performance on the table. If you’re in doubt about your current tune, bring your V8 to Revhigh for a professional assessment.
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Or call us at 03 9001 6375
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