VT Clubsport 5.0L

[Simmo77]

Hi Guys

Great forum! I have been thinking about buying a HSV for some time. I was going to buy a VE, however, with petrol prices the way they are (And the amount of KM's I do) it won't work.

However, there is some good news, I'm thinking about buying a VT Clubsport 5.0L. I know everyone is going to say buy a 5.7 however, this is only going to be a toy for weekends and I can't stretch the budget for the 5.7

How much should I be looking at paying for a good example of a VT 5.0, 96 o97 model. I have looked at a couple but I think they are a little overpriced, considering the 5.7L onwards is really the one to have.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, Cheers.....Josh

[VNV8]

maybe im misunderstanding you here, but dont go for a 304 because of fuel economy. they are equal to, if not worse than, the LS1/2/L76/98. according to Holden there is only a 0.1L/100km difference between the LS1 and L76 (5.7 and 6.0). The technology in these engines is well beyond the old Holden V8, and theyre more efficient (fuel and power) to boot. If the budget is tight id go for an SS, save on insurance and with a few mods youll be well past the HSV in terms of performance. the 304 is a great engine but IMO you'll regret the decision eventually. my two cents.

The VT series 1 clubbys started in late 1997 by the way, most are 1998 models. as for price id say around $18-20K for a clean example.

[RAWKUS]

If you're set on a VT I'd look for a GTS with the 5.7 stroker. Surprisingly good on fuel with the extra appeal.

[grange01]

i agree, the 5.7 is better on fuel, more power blah blah, but the 5l motors sound a hell of a lot nicer with decent exhaust IMO. Ive seen some pretty cheap VT Clubbies with LS1 s though. round 23k i think

[VTR8Clubby]

I agree, if funds are tight go for a VTII SS instaed of a series one Clubby. I have a VTII Clubby and as much as I prefer the HSV over the SS, if funds are tight go for a VTII SS instaed of a series one Clubby. The driveline outweighs all luxuries of the HSV(only just though).

Actually now I've thought about it, it's a pretty tough decision. The SS in the VT is VERY basic as it's based on an exucutive(ie, no electics, 1 window dash etc.), where the Clubsport is based on a Berlina(full electrics, 3 window dash etc.

Definately a case of drive both before you buy.

[CSP]

Being in the HSV club I know a lot of guys with a lot of different HSVs. Seems that a tuned VE LS2 HSV will get the best fuel economy in our club. Nobody in the club has an LS3 yet.

[RAWKUS]

i agree, the 5.7 is better on fuel, more power blah blah, but the 5l motors sound a hell of a lot nicer with decent exhaust IMO. Ive seen some pretty cheap VT Clubbies with LS1 s though. round 23k i think

I was referring to the Holden 5.7 in the Series 1 GTS. 220 kW standard. Last of the Aussie Holden V8's.
You also get the good brakes. VT Clubbies had standard poxy brakes.
Example: http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HSV/GTS/details.aspx?__sid=11ACC53B4B94&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_Price_Decimal%7C0%7C%7CpCar_PrivateSpeci alFlag_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_ImageCount_Int32%7C1&State=All%20States&distance=25&silo=1003&seot=0&__Nne=20&Model=GTS&R=5916283&__N=4294965530%200%20834%20285%20257%204294965529&trecs=70&Make=HSV&state_id=0&sort_type=2

[Simmo77]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the info. What I was meaning in relation to fuel, was I wanted to buy a VE as my daily driver, but am a little scared with petrol prices the way they are.

Following that thought, I decided that I would keep my current daily driver (IS300 which is terrible on fuel) and buy a V8 for a toy to drive on weekend's. I love the LS1 motor, but from research, have found the VT 5.0 to be a bit more affordable (From a toy point of view).

There are a couple of VT's 5.0 in the net for sale for 14-16K (130,000 - 150,000 Km's). Assuming uoi picked them up for 12-14K this would represent good buying I would think?

[johnmekLS1]

mate ive just picked up a vt ss series 2 in fantastic condition for 12,500. a mate of mine picked up same car in manaul for 10 but it wasnt as nice. i also had the chance to buy a vt calais series 2 with leather, exhaust and nice wheels and also in great condition for 10 but got sold from under me. just a thought mate

[VSL67]

If your worried about fuel economy then don't buy a VT 5.0 they'd be the worst thing to get. Even the 5L in the lighter VS drinks like a fish. The Gen 3 Engine in the VT is the v8 motor to get and a manual one would give the best economy if you drive it sedately. A stock standard 5L Vt ain't very fast either. Most v6's will give them a run and if its up against a supercharged 6 then forget it. :nopity: You want a VT Series 2 Clubsport with the Gen 3 trust me !

[Waughy]

If it's just a weekend toy then get what you want, you won't go through fuel fast enough for it to be a concern. Hell, my weekend toy is a 5L VL, gets about 350k's to a tank, which is pretty normal for them. But a tank can last a month or more depending on how often it gets out. If it's a daily and fuel matters, look for something LS1 or later, then get it tuned, everyone reckons a tune will not only give a bit of extra grunt, but in most cases eems to improve economy too. If auto is what you want, a VT/VX calais might be worth the chase, or it'll have to be an SS for manual, maybe even a VTII in the HSV series if you can find one to suit your buying budget. In the end the choice is yours, but for a daily, personally I'd be avoiding the old 304.

[stumps57L]

The 304 wasnt that bad i had a vs ss with extractors and 2.5 exhaust hsv intake k and n filter with standard cat and i regularly got 550-600kms out of a tank and it was an auto.

My vt 6cyl commodore got 500kms-550 per tank

My vx ss ls1 gets 450 catback exhaust and 2 hole mod paper filter

All with similar driving maybe the vs was a freak im not sure.

They can be good on fuel but as for power the ls1 is amazing and would be my recommendation.

I got my vx ss for 14 and it is great condition they are getting cheap now with fuel prices.

Check the internet everyday for new listings and if you have the money available you will snap up a bargain

[98Club]

I traded my VT1 Clubby in late last year, got about $12k for it. I think it went for $20k when the dealer sold it.

It only had about 92,000 km on it, but had GTS seats, good aftermarket stereo and a factory sunroof. It was a ripper of a car, sounded great, went well, and the 5 speed box was a joy to use.

So you should be able to get a very good one for under $20k.

Took a VE SSV to convince me to part with it. Miss the HSV seats though....

[RAWKUS]

Have a look at this one fellas. VT2 R8....cheeeep.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/vt-r8-clubsport_W0QQitemZ320269266501QQihZ011QQcategoryZ 35227QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem