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How to get the most out of your OTR intake with the right car mods
So, you’ve fitted an OTR intake, or you’re thinking about it. Good move. OTR intakes are one of the most popular car mods for Holden and LS engine owners, and for good reason. Better airflow, cooler intake temps, more power… all in one neat package.
But here’s the thing: an OTR intake does its best work when it’s teamed up with other car mods. If you want to get the most out of it, and really wake up your engine, there are a few other upgrades that work perfectly alongside it.
At GenTech Automotive workshop, we’ve fitted a lot of these combos. So let’s go through the best car mods to pair with your OTR intake for power, response, and all-around fun.
1. ECU tune (a.k.a. getting the brain up to speed)
This is the number one mod to go with your OTR intake.
Why? Because your car’s computer (ECU) controls how the engine runs: how much air, how much fuel, and when it all happens. If you increase airflow with an OTR intake, the ECU doesn’t always know what to do with it straight away. A custom tune makes sure everything works together properly.
A tune is one of the most effective car mods, especially when done with intake and exhaust upgrades. You’ll get:
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More power
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Better throttle response
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Improved fuel economy (in some cases)
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Smoother driving
At GenTech, we offer in-house tuning for LS engines and other performance cars, and we can make the most of your OTR intake and other mods.
2. Exhaust system (let the air out)
You’ve opened up the front end with your OTR intake, so it makes sense to do the same at the back.
A full exhaust system – headers, high-flow cats, and cat-back – helps your engine breathe out just as well as it breathes in. That means more power and a much nicer engine note. Plus, it makes your other car mods more effective.
We often do OTR intake + exhaust + tune as a package, and the gains are solid. You’ll feel it from the driver’s seat, not just see it on a dyno chart.
3. High-flow fuel injectors (feed the beast)
If you’re planning to chase serious power, or already running a cam, forced induction, or E85, you might need to look at your fuel system.
Your stock injectors can only flow so much fuel. Add in other car mods like your OTR intake, and they might hit their limit. Upgrading to high-flow fuel injectors makes sure your engine doesn’t lean out when you put your foot down.
They’re especially useful if you’re planning to tune for ethanol (E85) or add a blower or turbo down the line.
4. Upgraded camshaft (for the sound and the surge)
Looking for a deeper idle and a stronger mid-range punch? A performance camshaft might be next on your list.
This is one of the bigger car mods, but it works amazingly well with an OTR intake. More air in (thanks to the intake), more valve lift and duration (thanks to the cam), and a solid tune to bring it all together.
You’ll see real gains, especially in mid and top-end power. And yes, you’ll get that choppy cam idle a lot of people love.
5. Mafless tune and intake pipe
If your OTR intake setup supports it, switching to a MAF-less tune (removing the mass air flow sensor) can smooth out the airflow and help with throttle response.
You’ll need the right intake pipe and tune to do it properly – but it’s a popular combo with OTR intakes and one of those car mods that just makes the whole system a bit snappier.
6. Thermostat and cooling upgrades
With extra power comes extra heat. If you’re stacking a few car mods together; OTR intake, cam, tune, exhaust; it’s smart to think about cooling.
An upgraded thermostat can bring engine temps down a bit, and a bigger radiator or fans can help on hot days or track runs. It’s not the most exciting mod, but it helps protect your investment.
7. Catch can
Oil vapour can build up in your intake and mess with your air-fuel ratios, especially in modded cars. A catch can helps stop that gunk from getting into your intake manifold.
While it doesn’t add power, it helps keep everything running clean and smooth. It’s a cheap add-on and goes well with other car mods like the OTR intake.
8. Throttle body upgrade (for bigger breaths)
If you want to take your airflow game even further, you can go for a larger throttle body. It’s not always necessary, but in big-power builds or with serious cams, it can help.
Pairing it with your OTR intake gives you a smoother, more direct path for air, and one more step in your overall setup.
9. Diff gears (get that power to the ground)
Okay, this one’s not about airflow or fuel, but if your car’s making more power and you want to feel it more often, changing your diff gears can help.
Shorter gears = quicker acceleration. Great for street driving, and one of those car mods that transforms how the car feels off the line.
What’s the best combo?
Here’s a popular setup we do all the time at GenTech:
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OTR Intake
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Full Exhaust System
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Custom Dyno Tune
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Mafless Pipe
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Optional: Injectors or Cam
It’s a killer mix for any LS-powered Holden. It brings out the sound, the response, and a heap more grunt, without going overboard.
Why do it at GenTech?
We know car mods inside and out. Whether it’s your first OTR intake or you’re doing a full cammed build, we’ll help you pick the right parts and get them fitted properly.
Our team has over 100 years of combined experience working on Holdens and high-performance cars. We don’t just throw parts at a car, we build setups that work, that drive well, and that put a smile on your face every time you hit the throttle.
An OTR intake is a great first mod. But it really shines when you back it up with other smart car mods, like an exhaust, tune, injectors, or cam. If you’re serious about power, response, and fun behind the wheel, the right combo of car mods can take your build to the next level.