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Holden

Commodore VY — Stage 2 ECU & TCU Tune

2003 LS1 5.7 98 RON RWD Stage 2
kW
118 176
+58
HP
158 236
+78
Nm
296 322
+26
Holden
Commodore · 2003
Photo withheld for client privacy
Dyno Chart — digitised from report
Vehicle
Make
Holden
Model
Commodore
Year
2003
Series
VY
Engine
LS1 5.7
Drive
RWD
ECU
Factory
Tune
ECU & TCU Tune
Fuel & Boost
Fuel Type
98 RON
Modifications
OTR intake extractors high-flow catalytic converters comprehensive exhaust system cam upgrade
Improvements
  • 49% increase in power output
  • 9% increase in torque delivery
  • Improved fuel efficiency
  • Enhanced engine responsiveness
  • Optimized fuel injection mapping
VY LS1 breathing properly with cam and exhaust work

The VY Commodore's factory LS1 responds well once you address the usual intake and exhaust restrictions. This one arrived with an OTR intake, extractors, high-flow cats, full exhaust, and a cam upgrade — all the foundation work done properly.

Calibration targeted fuel and timing through the cam's new lift and duration profile, then revised the TCU to hold gears longer and firm up shift pressure under load. Result was 176 kW at the wheels, up from 118 kW, with torque climbing from 296 Nm to 322 Nm on 98 RON.

The cam gives it a different idle character, but drivability stayed predictable and the transmission behaviour suits the wider powerband. A solid street package that still works in everyday traffic.

Common questions
Why the big power gain but smaller torque increase?

The cam and exhaust work freed up top-end flow considerably, which is where the LS1 picks up power. Torque still climbed 26 Nm, but the bigger story is where it's now made — higher in the rev range and sustained longer.

Does the TCU tune make much difference here?

Yes. With the cam shifting the torque curve, factory shift points were mistimed. The TCU tune holds gears to make use of the new powerband and firms up shifts to handle the extra load without slip.

Will this setup still run on 95 RON if needed?

The file is calibrated for 98 RON. Running 95 will pull timing and cost power, but it won't damage anything — the ECU has knock protection. Stick with 98 for the result shown.

Workshop & Dealer Access

Protunes supplies ECU calibration files exclusively to approved workshops, tuners, and dealers throughout Australia. Platform: Factory.

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