Automatic LS3
230–255 rwkWA common indicative range for a standard automatic LS3 in sound mechanical condition.
Oztrack LS Performance Guide
How Much Power Does an LS3 Make Stock?
A healthy factory LS3 commonly produces about 230–265 rear-wheel kilowatts on a chassis or hub dyno, depending on the vehicle, transmission, fuel, temperature and dyno type.
Direct answer
Typical stock LS3 dyno power
Most healthy, standard LS3-powered Holden and HSV vehicles produce approximately 230–265 rwkW. Manual vehicles often record toward the higher end of this range, while automatic vehicles can show greater drivetrain loss.
The result should be judged against the vehicle, transmission, testing method and operating conditions rather than against one fixed number.
Common standard range
230–265 rwkW
Indicative rear-wheel or hub-dyno range for a healthy factory LS3.
Factory output
LS3 engine power versus dyno power
Holden and HSV advertised LS3 output at the engine, rather than at the driven wheels. Factory ratings varied between models and calibrations. Australian LS3 applications included outputs around 304 kW in the VF Series II Commodore SS and higher ratings in some HSV models.
Power measured on a dyno is lower because the engine must drive the gearbox, tailshaft, differential and other rotating components before the power reaches the wheels or dyno hubs.
Manual LS3
240–265 rwkWManual vehicles may record higher due to lower drivetrain losses, although every vehicle must be tested individually.
A stock LS3 producing close to 240 rwkW on a Mainline dyno may be performing normally. The shape and repeatability of the power curve matter as much as the peak figure.
Dyno differences
Why do stock LS3 power figures vary?
Two standard LS3 vehicles can produce different dyno figures without either vehicle having a serious problem. Several factors affect the measured result.
Transmission type
Automatic transmissions generally absorb more power than manual gearboxes.
Dyno type and setup
Hub dynos, roller dynos, correction methods and setup procedures can produce different readings.
Fuel quality
Poor fuel may cause the ECU to remove ignition timing, which can reduce power.
Intake temperature
Higher intake-air temperatures can reduce ignition timing and engine output.
Mechanical condition
Spark plugs, injectors, fuel pressure, compression and exhaust condition can affect the result. Especially common are blocked cats.
Factory calibration
Different models and operating conditions may use different throttle, torque and ignition strategies.
Performance upgrades
How much power can an LS3 make with basic upgrades?
The LS3 usually responds well to intake, exhaust and calibration changes. The final result depends on the exact parts, engine condition, fuel and transmission.
| Typical combination | Indicative result | What affects the result |
|---|---|---|
| Completely standard LS3 | 230–265 rwkW | Transmission, model, fuel, temperature and dyno type |
| OTR intake and custom tune | Often 260-285 rwkW | Airflow, fuel quality and original calibration |
| OTR, headers, exhaust and tune | Often 280–310 rwkW | Header design, exhaust restriction and engine condition |
| Camshaft package and supporting upgrades | Commonly 320–380+ rwkW | Camshaft, heads, compression, exhaust and tuning |
These ranges are guides rather than guaranteed figures. Oztrack assesses each vehicle and develops the calibration around its actual hardware, fuel and logged data.
Understanding the figures
Is rear-wheel power the same as factory engine power?
No. Factory power is measured or rated at the engine before drivetrain losses. Rear-wheel kilowatts are measured after the power passes through the vehicle's drivetrain.
There is no single conversion percentage that accurately converts every rwkW figure into engine kilowatts. Drivetrain losses do not remain as one fixed percentage across every vehicle, transmission, speed and power level.
The best comparison is the same vehicle tested on the same dyno before and after its upgrades.
Real Oztrack information
See LS3 results and tuning services
Common questions
Stock LS3 power FAQs
Is 250 rwkW normal for a stock LS3?
Yes. Around 250 rwkW can be a normal result for a healthy standard LS3. The transmission, dyno type, temperature and vehicle model must also be considered.
Does an automatic LS3 make less engine power?
Not necessarily. Automatic vehicles often show lower measured power because the transmission and drivetrain can absorb more power before it reaches the dyno.
Will a tune increase power on a standard LS3?
A custom tune may improve power, throttle response and drivability, but the result depends on the original calibration, fuel and mechanical condition.
What fuel should a standard LS3 use?
Premium 98 unleaded is generally preferred for performance LS3 applications. Use the fuel specified for the vehicle and the fuel for which its calibration was developed.
Can different dynos show different LS3 power?
Yes. Dyno type, setup, correction method and testing conditions can affect the displayed number. Before-and-after testing on the same dyno provides the clearest comparison.
Want to check or improve your LS3's performance?
Oztrack provides custom LS engine and supported transmission tuning on a Mainline ProHub dyno at its Penrith workshop. Tell us your vehicle, transmission, fuel and complete modification list.
Oztrack Engineering & Tuning · Penrith, Western Sydney
