My VZ Berlina LS1

[John_LS1]

Here is my new ride I picked up last week. Its a VZ Berlina in Vespers Blue. Gave it a good polish and detail as it was a family car so was a bit neglected but it came out great!

Its pretty much stock at the moment. I spent all of yesterday with the help of someLS1 and a slab of beer installing superlows, removing the Haymen Reese towbar, fitting the second hole mod to the airbox and installing a 2.5 inch cat back. it now sounds like a V8!!

I used to have a VY II SS which i sold to go to europe, still miss that car and the sunroof :( but its good to be back in a LS1. old thread here (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=69541)

I Dont have huge plans for this car. some mods i want to do down the track include, Extractors, OTR and tune, maybe a 3.46 or 3.7 diff and some more exterior chrome like the calais to break up all the blue. might get a set of rims but i like the sleeper look of it.

Here is some pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5146.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5145.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5149.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5144.jpg

[someLS1]

Havent seen it all done in the light of day but looks much better detowbared and lower...

Also the exhaust looks way tougher on your with it painted black hahaha the chrome trumpet look was no good...

If it was mine ultra lows and white venetians would be next..

Planned mods sound good just make sure you dont make it faster then mine ok!

[hardaz]

least it came with no spoiler this time lol

[John_LS1]

yeah not a fan of spoilers on the VY-VZ. i dont mind the senator one but thats about it.

if anyone can help me with the traction control issue i have or how to get around it that would be good. thread here (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=118556)

[John_LS1]

Forgot about this thread! car doesnt look the same as above anymore. i've converted nearly everything to Calais and done a few performance mods. here are some up to date specs on it and of course pictures!

Body mods: Full VZ Calais kit and chrome moulds, chrome door handles.

Interior: VZ Calais cream leather, black hood lining and Piano black highlights, Monaro binnacles and Calais cluster

Engine mods: Full Di Filippo system with Ballistic 100cpsi cats, RAMJET OTR, Oz track tune, MSD 10mm leads

Suspension: King spring Superlow front, Ultralow Rears, factory strut brace

Wheels/Tyres: 19x8.5 Speedy Cheetahs (black) Marangoni 245/35/19

Stereo: Pioneer 8450 Deck, Pioneer TS-E splits and 3 ways, Pioneer mono block and 4ch Amp, Full Stinger wiring, Rockford P2's x2

Car has run a 13.6 at heathcote with no Extractors. just tune, cat back and otr.

[John_LS1]

Here are some progress shots starting from the beginning.

First mods were Calais tail lights and window surrounds.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5174.jpg
next came the piano black highlights and binnacles/cluster conversion
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5479.jpg
got some Calais headlights put in and gave it a couple of runs at heathcote
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5570.jpg
bought some white Venetians and custom plates just for kicks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5714.jpg
next cam the cream leather and Calais steering wheel. also installed my stereo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5825.jpg
love these seats!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5824.jpg

[John_LS1]

next came the fitting of a black roof lining with the light up mirrors
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5867.jpg
got the car back from the spray painters with the full Calais body kit fitted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5861.jpg
fitted the chrome door moulds myself
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5862.jpg
fitted the calais badges to complete the look
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/sik3.jpg
needed more chrome so chrome door handles were fitted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4.jpg
old OTR setup which is now in a million peices cause it was crap but did the job for the time being
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_9.jpg

[AllWheelSlide]

Venetians. LMFAO
Why don't you put a bowling hat on the parcel shelf to complete the Street sleeper look.

[John_LS1]

next came the Di filippo extractors
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/FairmontEL/gen346.jpg
all fitted with the 100 cpsi cats
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/FairmontEL/IMG_2923.jpg
last mods ive done is the Ramjet OTR and some speedy cheetah 19x8.5's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5982.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5983.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_5985.jpg

[AllWheelSlide]

Just in case my last comment is taken out of context - Nice looking car, good stuff!

[KPWISHN]

Venetians look awesome. I'm going to get a set for my Berlina drag/grandpa car. ;) Where did you get them from? and how much do they weigh? :lol:

[John_LS1]

haha i know there not to everyones tastes. lucky they are removable hey ;)

ive got a vid of the exhaust but cant get it to work properly :(

KPWISHN, i got them from autocables.com.au there actually quite heavy lol

[VZSSIMPULSE]

:goodjob:looks great and sparkling clean what other modes u thig of next ?was it a hassle to get gauges on and workn cause im considering some for my ss.

[Rub]

Nice ride mate - not a massive fan of the chrome strips on the doors, and the Venetian would look better in black ;)

Interior looks nice mate..

Well done :goodjob:

[John_LS1]

vzss - i try to keep it clean, dirt driveway doesnt help. next mod will mostly likely be a 3.73 LSD. after that either a cam or a manual conversion, see what comes up i guess.

gauges were pretty easy to hook up. need to tap into 5 wires from the instrument cluster. pretty sure there is a guide on here somewhere.

rub - thanks mate, the chrome strips are factory calais so needed them to complete the look. the white venetians are pretty out there but my mate has black ones so sometimes i just borrow his. the interior is my favorite part of the car!

[hamm]

Crist!!! That's quite the makeover. It just keeps going. Looks bloody nice though mate, good work. Love that interior too. Good job

[John_LS1]

Crist!!! That's quite the makeover. It just keeps going. Looks bloody nice though mate, good work. Love that interior too. Good job

Thanks mate, I'm pleased with the outcome. some say i should have just bought a real calais tho LOL. Either way I'm happy with it and i enjoy doing everything myself on it.

A pic of it at heathcote the day it ran its 13.6 with a cheap twin 2.5 catback, oztrack mail order tune and ebay special OTR.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/heathcote_090719_310b1.jpg

[someLS1]

Thats a tuff picture!

[Xenon]

Before I start (and get flamed) I should point out that these are very much my opinions, I am not trying to have a go at you or your car.

I know the old rule that goes "If you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything" but, I am not a fan of the mods on this car. Replacing the interior with cream leather its an eyesore to me. I'd so have picked black leather.

White venetians? Dont they go in houses? :jester:

Not a fan of the chrome door handles either. I imagine fingerprints would be a bugger.

The wheels arent my cup-o-tea either, they look like standard bob-jane cheapies. I actually much prefer the stockies.

The number plate I am half-half. Gen presumably stands for...generation? 346 is the number of kw?

Again, I am not trying to have a go at you, or your taste in car fashion. I understand that it takes all sorts to make the world go around, I just find it really interesting that you have picked all the aesthetic mods that I wouldnt have.

On the plus side, I like the ramjet (even tho there are no pics), I want to get one for my ride soon :D

[iloveholden]

The number plate I am half-half. Gen presumably stands for...generation? 346 is the number of kw?



LS1 so 346 cubes.

[Xenon]

Ahh, I thought it would be something like that.

[blu ute]

:goodjob:
great work. Looks great.
Cheers damo

[Mad Dog]

Love the interior leather. How much did that set you back, id imagine a fair bit of coin.

Not too keen on the rims though as kinda ruined the granny/sleeper look.

A very nice car all the same. Good work.

[pmac]

Replacing the interior with cream leather its an eyesore to me. I'd so have picked black leather.

Fair enough you dont like cream interior but in a calais the black interior is extremley dull and boring. :goodjob: John LS1

Just change the peddals to the sports (SS) pedals it will finish off the interior

[John_LS1]

xenon - everyone has opinions mate, doesnt worry me what you say about it. you build/modify a car to your tastes not others. your the first person to tell me that you don't like the interior tho lol. need to clean the bay a bit before i get some RAMJET photos too.

blu ute - thanks :D

Mad Dog - cheers mate, interior wasnt cheap dont really want to post how much i paid. the rims are easily swapped around if i want to change the look. its currently on stockies.

pmac - ive got the SS pedals on there now ;)

[someLS1]

damn i got one of those boring calais with a black interior option... :flipoff:

[John_LS1]

here is a pic of the sports "SS" pedals, hopefully soon to have one added between the brake pedal and foot rest :D gathering all the bits for the conversion at the moment.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_8.jpg

also a pic of the RAMJET which i fitted my self a few months back.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3253.jpg

and couple of pics of it on stockies while it hibernates. barely gets driven these days.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3138.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3133.jpg

[pmac]

damn i got one of those boring calais with a black interior option... :flipoff:

sorry someLS1, i had a the cream interior in my old vz calais so my views and opinion is full of bias

John LS1, how do those venitians not annoy you when you look in the rearview mirror? from the pic it looks like you lose half your vision, and big fan of the stockies look:burnout:

[John_LS1]

you get used to the venetians, people who drive my car with poor vision struggle with it but i dont have a problem. there currently not in there.

[dawkinsdisciple]

mate that is a fantacky effort

love it sans grille + stockies at the drags, very nice!

i was thinking of a VE V8 Berlina when i bought mine for the sleeper aspect but couldn't go past the extra kit and 19's on the SSV for not much more

love it with the steelies too!

[BlackGen3]

Looks great on stockies! Nice n tough.

[someLS1]

What conversion did you get??

I bet it gets driven more then mine i haven't touched mine in over 2 weeks... i almost kinda miss it

[John_LS1]

some parts ive been collecting :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3343.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3342.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3385.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3386.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3395.jpg

[CRA16Y]

ooh i like where this is heading, cant wait to see results

[John_LS1]

yeah, cant wait to get it all in. manual will be a while off tho. got everything except the wiring loom but i want to fix a few things before i put that in.

should have the brakes on soon, just cleaning it all up and i want to replace my shocks at the same time. hopefully all done by next weekend.

[disco364]

best thing you will do is put a manual in, i did it to a vy ss ute, best coin ive ever spent totally different car

[John_LS1]

best thing you will do is put a manual in, i did it to a vy ss ute, best coin ive ever spent totally different car

well im hopeing its worth the outlay, i do prefer to drive manual cars so hopefully its no different with this car.

[evl.346]

when you do the conversion you will prob want diff gears later on.
i havent changed mine yet but can mange around 90ks in first and at 110 only revs about 1350-1400rpm.
definately the best thing i have done to my car, much more fun to drive

[evl.346]

yeah, cant wait to get it all in. manual will be a while off tho. got everything except the wiring loom



i just used my standard auto loom just had the change one plug and bridge neutral switch but my mate helped me with the conversion and hes an auto elec so he did the harness alterations.

[John_LS1]

Fitted up my HSV 330mm front and 315mm rear discs and calipers the other day. they still feel a bit spongey at the start of the pedal so i will re bleed them but once they start to grip they shit all over the stock brakes. excuse the filth under there ill give it a clean when i fit up some new shocks this weekend.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/FairmontEL/IMG_3168.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/FairmontEL/IMG_3166.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/FairmontEL/IMG_3171.jpg

[surfwagon]

If you fit braided lines to your brakes it will help get rid of the sponginess if bleeding doesn't work.
A lot depends on how old the old rubber lines are.




________________________________________________
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=121025

[John_LS1]

cool, im unsure of the age of the lines as they came with the brakes. will definetly upgrade them if i cant get it to how i want it.

[John_LS1]

fitted up my new shocks yesterday. well overdue but now i can concentrate on more performance parts. ride isn't to bad but i now have less traction due to the stiffer shocks. maybe i should have stuck with the old ones :P

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3403.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3412.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3418.jpg

[surfwagon]

Good to see you getting the suspension and brakes all sorted now.
Those HD springs don't help with traction, probably just that your old shocks allowed a little squat.
Monroe GT Sport and Kings are supposed to match each other.
I found the GT Sports don't go well the STD HSV springs, too soft in the initial bump.
I have read where people have gone back to stock or FE2 springs and stiffer or adjustable shocks for better traction with a little squat at the drags.
Too stiff a rear suspension could also have the rear tramping under power.

[FATASS]

next came the piano black highlights and binnacles/cluster conversion


Car looks tuff, especially on the stockies!
Where did you get the piano black facia & dash piece?

[John_LS1]

not much has changed on the car since the last update but i recently got my 3.9 diff gears delivered to me, just need the trutrac and im all set for a rebuild.

Also bought a new VZ manual engine loom so conversion will hopefully happen at the end of the year.

found the original car sales pics the other day too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/vz1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/vz2.jpg

and what it looks like now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3563.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3513.jpg

[DCV1NU]

Looks good mate, the location in the last pic looks familiar.:)

[brenten88]

love it mate, looks great last photo is a fantastic drivers road......

[bidzr]

Very nice ride mate, +1 for the last pic!

[John_LS1]

cheers guys, it is a great road that i often like to cruise randomly on my own.

[csv rulz]

Mate car looks absolutly mint, i love it.
Once you get the manual box in, in my opinion it will be as close to perfect as you can get. The class and lux of the calais but with a manual.

:goodjob: Im a huge fan

[John_LS1]

Mate car looks absolutly mint, i love it.
Once you get the manual box in, in my opinion it will be as close to perfect as you can get. The class and lux of the calais but with a manual.

:goodjob: Im a huge fan

thanks bud, should be interesting with the manual in it.

[csv rulz]

thanks bud, should be interesting with the manual in it.

I really would have prefered a calais but as they didnt come in manual form unfortunatly i didnt even consider it. Thats y the ss.

[someLS1]

Looks great john... but imagine if it looked like the carsales photos but had all the performance work you are doing and are planning to do!!!

Plus all the money you woulda saved on looks coulda been a 383 stroker by now

[VY5.7LTR]

love it mate, looks great last photo is a fantastic drivers road......

Whereabouts is the road are you talking about, wouldnt mind taking a drive along it? PM me if you dont want to disclose it openly.

Nice looking VZ too sits nice on the road.

[***VX*R8***]

Wow, car looks really good now.
Cream interior looks really nice.

[John_LS1]

thanks guys, cant wait to get my tru trac and 3.9's in :D

[hlucin8]

love your car. exactly what i wanted when i was looking for mine.
i bought what you started with, with a couple of hbd parts thrown on it.

only thing i dont like is the black wheels. saw a vy2 calais with some full chrome rims and with all the chrome that holden put on the car from the factory they looked amazing. im not normally a fan of chrome wheels.

i plan to keep the Berlina bumpers but i want the calais side moulding with the chrome top half.

love it

[VY5.7LTR]

Hey John LS1 Where abouts is the road in your last picture? PM the details if you dont want to name it publically.

[John_LS1]

cheers hlucin8, i didnt really like black wheels to begin with either but it kind of grew on me. next wheels i get will either be charcol or white.

VESS60LTR, i took that pic on yarra bvd in kew. its not a very long road buts its a good view of the city up the top.

[VY5.7LTR]

Cheers for that John LS1, will check it out :goodjob:

[someLS1]

cheers hlucin8, i didnt really like black wheels to begin with either but it kind of grew on me. next wheels i get will either be charcol or white.

VESS60LTR, i took that pic on yarra bvd in kew. its not a very long road buts its a good view of the city up the top.

Swap ya for charcoal VY GTS rims

[John_LS1]

Update time :D

Finally got around to getting a spare diff rebuilt with all my good bits put into it. took my 3.9 gears, truetrac and harrop cover down to andrew at supatrik and after a chat it was left in his hands for the week to get it all together for me.

picked it up a couple of fridays ago and had somels1 help me fit it all up. I have been trying to rack up as many gentle k's as i can in the past week before i give it a decent drive. its very painfull driving 80kms in 100 zones but as it turns out i was surprised how many people do drive slow on the highway.

so now the ball has started rolling and i hope to have my manual conversion in on the long weekend. the ultimate aim is to have the cam done before easternats but ill see how i go.

pics

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3954.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_3957.jpg

[hsv-direct]

Nice work John, cars looking spotless.

[old_mate]

manual conversion? Decided against the better half's wishes eh? nice.

[someLS1]

There's no "see how i go" the cam WILL be in before easternats :goodjob:

[John_LS1]

yep im just going to put it in. she will just have to deal with it lol.

max, my main problem is time...i could always be a chequebook racer and pay someone to do it but its not my style.

[someLS1]

yep im just going to put it in. she will just have to deal with it lol.

max, my main problem is time...i could always be a chequebook racer and pay someone to do it but its not my style.

Itll be done. Fill out your paperwork this week send it in and it will be done cause if the paperwork is in you'll force yourself to find time...Manual will be done and the cam will be easy now that we have done mine!

[John_LS1]

Picked up a set of 275/40/17 Mickey Thompson ET streets for my Calais wheels. did a trial fit and to my surprise they didn't rub even with the VS SL springs however i only rolled in and out of the garage. i'm sure over the bumps it will hit somewhere. either way i'm glad they will fit easily with my raised 46HD springs.

Also i have finally run in the new diff gears. The true trac works awesome, no more pegging! only negative is at low speeds especially when going from drive to reverse you can hear the little planetary gears clunk.

will make it a nice sleeper on the street once the cam and manual is in. just need to quieten the exhaust as its way to loud at the moment.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4117.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4113.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4107.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4118.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4115.jpg

[John_LS1]

Finally got stuck into the manual conversion on the VZ with the help of somels1.

changed the whole engine loom to the manual one and at the same time ended up re-locating the PCM and also the coil packs. PCM was relativly easy with only a couple of minor modifications, it all fit behind the kick panel on the passeneger side.

Coil packs were a bit harder and im still yet to fix the drivers side and make up some heat sheilds. already looks alot neater under there.

ive fitted up the clutch pedal and master cylinder but im still unsure of how and where to plug the clutch swith into. hopefully by the end of the week it will all be done :D

some progress pics.

modified loom clip
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4131.jpg
trimmed the PIM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4123.jpg
All tucked away
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4136.jpg
looks like factory
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4138.jpg
coil pack relocation
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4137.jpg
clutch pedal in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4144.jpg

[TheProDaniel]

Great work buddy looking forward to more updates. :goodjob:

[walesy]

The number plate I am half-half. Gen presumably stands for...generation? 346 is the number of kw?

PLEASE TELL ME YOU WERE PULLING THE PISS??
how are you even on an ls1 forum with a statement like that?

i think the car looks awesome how it is, as you said you coulda just bought a calais, but hey wheres the fun in that! :goodjob:

[disco364]

i did a conversion in my vy ss ute, what did you do to the peddle cut it down or get a new one? i bought one out of a vz and it was a different bend

[John_LS1]

Great work buddy looking forward to more updates. :goodjob:

Thanks bud, once the manual is done the next update will be cam installation :D


i think the car looks awesome how it is, as you said you coulda just bought a calais, but hey wheres the fun in that! :goodjob:

True, i did learn alot about the car by pulling it apart. i remember when i had a series 2 VY SS in early 07 i was scared to undo anything beyond the stereo and door trims lol. was only a few years old then tho.


i did a conversion in my vy ss ute, what did you do to the peddle cut it down or get a new one? i bought one out of a vz and it was a different bend

i ended up cutting the auto pedal down as i ran out of time to source a manual one and it also looks like a pain in the ass to change over. i know the bends are alot more sharper on the manual brake pedal but i just made sure i trimmed the auto one a good space apart from the clutch pedal.

[BlackGen3]

Mate you have done an awesome job on the berlina - calais conversion, l have a VZ Calais and cant even find a thing different between yours and mine! Beginning to wonder if mine is actually a real Calais... and the manual conversion - bloody awesome.

Good effort on the headlining/carpet/dash etc, l can appreciate the effort there, used to work on the line installing that stuff. Would love to know how you got the headlining in with the doors/windscreen on without creasing it.

Definately keeping an eye on this one.

[someLS1]

Cant wait to pick it up manual goodness! Cam will be easy 2nd time around!... i hope

[John_LS1]

Mate you have done an awesome job on the berlina - calais conversion, l have a VZ Calais and cant even find a thing different between yours and mine! Beginning to wonder if mine is actually a real Calais... and the manual conversion - bloody awesome.

Good effort on the headlining/carpet/dash etc, l can appreciate the effort there, used to work on the line installing that stuff. Would love to know how you got the headlining in with the doors/windscreen on without creasing it.

Definately keeping an eye on this one.

Thanks mate, it was a bit tricky to get the headlining in. just persisted with it and it went in without any damage. manual has been on the cards for a long time so I'm hoping ill be happy with it.


Cant wait to pick it up manual goodness! Cam will be easy 2nd time around!... i hope

i heard if you throw the cam hard enough at the engine it installs itself. can we practice on the wagon with your old cam?

[John_LS1]

Gearbox has been in for about a week now and i absolutely love it! so much more fun to drive and the exhaust note sounds so much sweeter. definitely worth the effort :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4148.jpg

[BlackGen3]

Yeah that looks sweet, should have been a factory option.

Bet its much better to drive as a manual.

What gauges do you have on the top of dash, they just slip in to the box up there?

[surfwagon]

Great work, the conversion from Berlina to Calais was first class and now the manual is the icing on the cake.

[John_LS1]

got the monaro guages on top. the clip in if you have the monaro centre facia otherwise you have to modify the old storage compartment mountings.

thanks sw, next will be cam :D its not an everyday car so why not :P

[John_LS1]

went to calder last night, ran the car for the first time as a manual. I only did 2 runs and ran a PB of 13.1 @ 109 MPH. i can still improve on my launch as i was still bogging down at the start and with some lighter wheels it should go high 12's. ran it with no spare and no jack but these don't weigh much as i have a monaro space saver as a spare. also had 3/4 tank of fuel. still i'm happy with the time :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/Calderpark.jpg

[VZWPN]

love the manual conversion! :goodjob: definately got a 12 there as is, mine went 12.91 @ 108mph

[John_LS1]

thanks mate, yeah its definitely got the MPH for it. just need to work on the launch's.

[bluedivide]

Here is my new ride I picked up last week. Its a VZ Berlina in Vespers Blue. Gave it a good polish and detail as it was a family car so was a bit neglected but it came out great!

Its pretty much stock at the moment. I spent all of yesterday with the help of someLS1 and a slab of beer installing superlows, removing the Haymen Reese towbar, fitting the second hole mod to the airbox and installing a 2.5 inch cat back. it now sounds like a V8!!

I used to have a VY II SS which i sold to go to europe, still miss that car and the sunroof :( but its good to be back in a LS1. old thread

I Dont have huge plans for this car. some mods i want to do down the track include, Extractors, OTR and tune, maybe a 3.46 or 3.7 diff and some more exterior chrome like the calais to break up all the blue. might get a set of rims but i like the sleeper look of it.



JohnLS1 just read this whole thread and I love what you've done with the car... had to laugh at your comment you didn't plan on doing much with it!

Top effort and and a beautiful car.

[someLS1]

hahaha good call i just read the first post and pissed myself... yer you havent done much to it at all man!!

[John_LS1]

thanks bluedivide, how quickly i forgot about that comment lol. love your senator to mate ;)

[private9]

Loving the progress mate!

Figured out a way to keep the piano black clean? Mine's dusty within a day, drives me crazy!

[John_LS1]

Thanks Justin, i usually keep a microfibre in the seat pocket and randomly wipe it lol.

[John_LS1]

Cam swap is in progress :D So far it has all gone pretty smoothly. somels1 and I did a fair bit on sunday night, got it all disassembled and installed the cam and valve springs. Then on Monday I modified the edelbrock split timing cover as they never fit properly from new and also had to make a blanking plate for the cam sensor as they sent me one to suit an LS2. nothing but headaches those covers! Im also changing the radiator and heater hoses while I'm there.

some progress pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4158.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4159.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4162.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4164.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4167.jpg

[John_LS1]

Finished the rest off last night and fired it up this afternoon. idled well the first time round then every time i started it after that it went real lumpy then dies, needs a tune badly. I've got a vid if the first start ill up load soon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4169.jpg

[surfwagon]

The Edelbrock cover looks good and I know you had some troubles with it.
So are they worth it and what is the reason for using the split cover?



__________________________________________________ ________
my senator http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=121025
289rwkw http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=137278

[John_LS1]

It will be worth it if i change the cam again as i wont have to remove the balancer which is a pain in the arse job to remove and refit. as good as it looks you don't see any of it once the engine is back together.

[someLS1]

It will be worth it if i change the cam again as i wont have to remove the balancer which is a pain in the arse job to remove and refit. as good as it looks you don't see any of it once the engine is back together.


Yerp very glad we did it on mine too cause now when i go manual i can get a bigger cam more to suit manual and itll be done in an afternoon!

[John_LS1]

Couple of vids.

First start after the install.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/th_MVI_4170.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/?action=view&current=MVI_4170.mp4)

Ready for a tow to GM Motorsport for a tune.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/th_MVI_4172.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/?action=view&current=MVI_4172.mp4)

[John_LS1]

Called up GM Motorsport today and the car is ready to be picked up which i will do at some stage tomorrow. car made 292 RWKW, will be an intersting drive now :D

[macca33]

Sounds like a strong result - be sure to post up your dyno graph.

Well done.

cheers

[John_LS1]

Thanks macca, definitely very happy with it. needs a set of heads to finish it off.

here's the graph.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/DynoGraph.jpg

[John_LS1]

On loan from some ls1 for easternats.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/john3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/john7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/john6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/john5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/john2.jpg

[OZY67]

nice colour blue and the rims are nice aswell ...

oz

[old_mate]

FR18 or 19s? They look awesome.

[Mega76]

Holy hell that looks amazing mate :drool:

FRs are just the bomb. Can't beat Simmons :goodjob:

Now make sure the car/wheels never leave your sight :)

[RRR888]

Well done mate, fantastic work.

How is she to drive with the cam now?

[BlackGen3]

That car has turned out so sweet, far cry from what you started with.

Its the perfect package, youve done well mate!:bow: The wheels and ride height - perfect. That power output with the manual combo - shit yeah.

How do you find the maxxis? Just put a full set on mine - albeit on stock 17s. They pretty soft compared to the original bridgies that were on it.

[someLS1]

That car has turned out so sweet, far cry from what you started with.

Its the perfect package, youve done well mate!:bow: The wheels and ride height - perfect. That power output with the manual combo - shit yeah.

How do you find the maxxis? Just put a full set on mine - albeit on stock 17s. They pretty soft compared to the original bridgies that were on it.

For the price i paid they grip great! as good as the maragonis that cost me twice as much up front

[John_LS1]

ozy67 - thanks bud, its a nice colour when clean.

oldmate - there 19's. 8 inch front 9 inch rear.

mega76 - yeah they are awesome wheels, wish i could afford my own set tho.

RRR888 - cheers, loving the cam gets to speed pretty quick. the shake and noise at idle confuses people at the lights. they probably think the car is broken lol.

Blackgen3 - thanks man, im happy with how its turned out. but like i said if only i could keep the wheels :(

[hlucin8]

absolutely stunning with those wheels!!!

settlement goes through tomorrow for the house we just bought so i doubt anything will be getting done to mine for quite some time. but wheels is next on the list and they are gorgeous!

[surfwagon]

Rims look absolutely awesome, love them.
Just need to dress them up a bit with some decent looking brakes instead of the std 6 pack brakes.

[John_LS1]

cheers guys, i would love to get the AP brakes but ive spent enough cash on it for a while.

I dressed up the engine bay a bit for easternats, here is the end result. ill have some pics of the event soon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4177.jpg

[XBT1SS]

car looks stunning with the FR's

[Justin_wh]

Can i ask why you went away from the ramjet? For the looks of the alloy or another reason?

[someLS1]

he didnt thats my OTR! but it was for looks for the pics while mines off the road

[John_LS1]

Car is now sitting dormant on stands with no transmission...don't know when it will be back together.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4180.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4184.jpg

[old_mate]

Did you break it?

[John_LS1]

just a change of plan. going to do a few things to it while its off the road.

[old_mate]

big stall + auto perhaps?

[John_LS1]

thats the plan, ,missus hated the manual. hopefully she likes stallys lol.

[surfwagon]

thats the plan, ,missus hated the manual. hopefully she likes stallys lol.

I know your pain, mine steadfastdly refuses to drive a manual.
Jeez, the things we do for love or is that just peace and quiet.




__________________________________________________ ___
senator http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=121025
289rwkw http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=137278229
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p266/surfwagon/senatorbarbadosblue.jpg

[BlackGen3]

Any plans with the manual conversion? Looking to sell it? Or have l missed that...

[John_LS1]

swaped it for a built auto and stally. all ive got left is the full vz engine wiring loom to suit manual 5.7 if your interested? its basicly brand new got it from holden not long ago.

[ashvyss]

car looks great man, bet that cam sounds real nice!

[John_LS1]

thanks bud, cam sounds great. it could be a bit lumpier at idle but its enough to know you've got a cam.

so got a craigs built auto and 3500 stally. im going to send the stally back to allfast torque converters in WA to get the stall speed bumped up. not sure what RPM yet. i still want it to be streetable. also picked up some LS2 heads that im going to get either cnc'd by higgins or hand port and polished. not sure on that either. lifters will also be done but again not sure which ones. i need to do some research on it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4182.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4186.jpg

[John_LS1]

been over a month now and ive slowly been pulling it further apart. ive removed the engine wiring loom, intake and the heads. i should be getting my ported 243's back this week but i still need head gaskets and some link bar lifters before i start re-assembly. I just want the thing running again as i miss driving it plus i'm keen to see what it will run down the 1/4 now. hopefully its worth all the effort!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0051.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0054.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0055.jpg

[John_LS1]

Pulled the engine out last week and stripped the motor ready for a freshen up. all looked in good condition apart from a few leaks and some worn oil rings. while its out i will fit up some ARP rod bolts, dial in the cam, change all the rings bearings etc and get it all balanced up. depending on price i might go for a 383 stroker kit but i got a feeling it wont be cheap :( will find out monday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4231.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4234.jpg

[mailly]

Very nice car john!

Has motivated me to start my own ride thread, and get things moving with my own plans! Seems like she's been in parts for a while now going by how old the last post on this thread was?

Top ride, good choice of mods. Very much my style, more so with the FR's ;)

Tommy.

[John_LS1]

Very nice car john!

Has motivated me to start my own ride thread, and get things moving with my own plans! Seems like she's been in parts for a while now going by how old the last post on this thread was?

Top ride, good choice of mods. Very much my style, more so with the FR's ;)

Tommy.

Cheers Tommy, It has been off the road for a while but like i was telling you I've bought my wife her own car so she cant complain anymore :D and if only i those FR's were mine...

I have made a fair bit of progression lately. Since i last posted on here I did end up going for a 383 setup, so this is why its all taking a bit longer.

I went with a Callies Compstar Forged Crank and H beam rods, CP Forged pistons and Clevite H series Bearings.

I got my heads back from being ported, fully recoed and some Lunati Dual Valve springs fitted and i also got my block back last week. I have just started to do my dummy assembly to check clearances and relieve the block etc. I haven't had it surfaced yet because i want to check how far the pistons are out of the bore so i know how much i need to remove to achieve 11:1 I may skim the heads a bit more too.

Some pics:

The 243's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0588.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0586.jpg

Cleaned the Engine Bay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0594.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0575.jpg

CP Forged Pistons
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0668.jpg

Callies Compstar Crank and H beam Rods
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0669.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0670.jpg

Freshly Honed Block
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0821.jpg

[someLS1]

looking good mate!! i just cant wait to drive it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and see how it goes

[WPN-383]

Loving the build mate you will not be disappointed with the 383 I have the same kit in my car and its goes great, you have better heads than mine so will be interesting to see what power it makes.. Keep the updates coming

[John_LS1]

Its all happening very slowly at the moment. My Summit order has finally arrived in melbourne so ill pick it up on monday when im back home from work. I Also have a list of parts i need to order from Justin at Tuff Car Parts so i can finish this build off.

[John_LS1]

Early Christmas presents! I've still got one more shipment coming in from the states then all i need to buy is some gaskets to finish off the engine.
a few things missing from the picture include a VCM alloy OTR, Comp cam degree kit and ARP bolts for the cam and water pump.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4375.jpg

[04VYR8]

keep them coming looking good mate cant wait to see the finished product

[John_LS1]

thanks man, slow progress but things are getting done.

[John_LS1]

UPDATE:

ordered some new plates as the old ones don't really apply anymore. pretty self explanatory plates lol. Purchased some 15x4 interceptor front runners too for when it's time to take it to the track.

Got a few things delivered to me including a melling select oil pump, few fittings and a Cobalt Autometer trans temp gauge. I still need to get a oil pressure gauge and a A/F gauge which i may attach to the bonnet in some chrome cups purely for wank factor lol. I do need to figure out a way to mount them so i don't destroy the bonnet with holes for when i want to take them off.

I had also dropped off all the rotating parts to get balanced last week. picked it all up so now its almost ready to be bolted together. I still need to deck the block as well as do all the ring gaps. after that it will have a good wash and start to be bolted together.

Still a few more things i need to buy including 42lb injectors, 1.7 roller rockers, few odd gaskets and O rings then the engine will be complete!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0978.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0969.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_0966.jpg

[John_LS1]

Picked up some new bosch 42lb injectors and fitted them up to my freshly cleaned manifold and painted fuel rail. looks like new :) I also fitted a whiteline adjustable 30mm front sway bar while i have plenty of room.

Engine is still being dummy assembled, gapped the rings a couple of days ago. will be checking how far out the pistons stick out of the deck then machining it to the specs i need. after that ill dial in the cam and get it ready for assembly, its getting close now. I still need to buy a set of 1 7/8 di filippo's so if anyone knows of a set let me know ;)

Ive also been busy working out how im going to mount the trans and power steering cooler. I'm thinking of making up new lines for the power steering and having the entry/exit point on the opposite side. that way i can have them close together and not have lines getting in the way of each other. ill see how i go.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4401.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4405.jpg

[surfwagon]

I also fitted a whiteline adjustable 30mm front sway bar while i have plenty of room.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4405.jpg

You won't be dissapointed, one of the best suspension mods I did for my senator.


__________________________________________________ ____________
senator http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=121025
dyno http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=137278
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p266/surfwagon/senatorbarbadosblue.jpg

[John_LS1]

Hopefully in a couple of months I can find out what it's like to drive with this sway bar. I've set it to the softest setting at the moment.

[cjf]

Nice job so far, you are using a lot of the same as as my build so keen to see the final results.
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?154749-The-02-VX-SS-project/page2

[John_LS1]

thanks man, its been off the road for a long time so I cant wait till its finished. I'm entering Easternats so I've sort of forced a deadline on myself.

I checked out your ride and it looks like you picked it up for a steal and nearly finished the engine, good stuff!

[John_LS1]

pic of the swaybar fitted up. i had to wait for the correct brackets from whiteline as the original brackets don't fit with the heavy duty bushes that i bought for it. they were nice enough to send out a pair for free :D Ive also mounted my trans and power steering cooler. i managed to use the exsisting brackets plus an extra one and just relocate them. only had to re-drill 2 holes for one of the brackets so was happy with that. I might also mount a fan to assist with cooling as alot of it will be covered by the front bar reo. Still need to sort out hose/tube to plumb it all up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4428.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4425.jpg

[surfwagon]

Sway bar and coolers look good, have same swaybar and large auto cooler on my senator.
Still using the std pwr steer cooler at the moment but have considered using the smaller auto cooler instead like you did.
Used the large and small coolers for auto and pwr steer on my old supercharged VS

[John_LS1]

did you end up just using rubber hose or did you make up some hard lines for it? im wanting to eliminate hose clamps from the system and just have screw fitting for it.

[jboy21]

do you have any info of the brackets you used on the swaybar, part number or something? I put mine in with the original brackets, maybe i shouldnt have...

[John_LS1]

on the whiteline website its lists 2 bushs for the 30mm sway bar. one looks like it suits the original bracket and the other is the type i have. when i bought them i thought it came as a kit with the brackets i needed but it doesn't. so when i called and asked them what i needed for the bushes i bought they ended up sending them for free.

for the brackets and bush i have installed this is the part numbers i used.
bushes: KSK099-30
Bracket for above bush: KS30

hope that helps.

[jboy21]

ah i see, i probably just have the regular ones. thanks, i wonder if it makes any difference...

[surfwagon]

I have the original shape front swaybar bushes in std brackets and it works ok but I was told that over time with the 30mm bush being so thin it can squash on the edge and the bracket can or might come into contact with the bar under heavy cornering which explains the extra thickness of the white line bush and bracket.
At least unlike the bar the brackets and bushes are relatively easy to replace.
btw when I fitted the smaller auto cooler as my pwr steer cooler in the VS I only used rubber hose as I used the earlier version cooler for the pwr steer,it didn't have the screw fittings.

__________________________________________________ __________
Dyno http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=137278
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p266/surfwagon/senatorbarbadosblue.jpg

[John_LS1]

Yeah the power steering cooler doesn't have screw in fittings. Ill use hose clamps on that one. I got told the same thing about the bushes hence the reason I went the thicker ones.

[John_LS1]

Update:

Block has been decked and relieved, rings have been gaped and bought all the remaining gaskets and O rings as well as some ARP head and main studs. my roller rockers are in the mail too. Engine building will start next week :D

I've also installed a whiteline strut brace purely for looks, got some tyres for my front runners and cleaned up around the "V8" badge as it was looking rather filthy around it. probably not something people notice but i was bored lol.

Lastly I purchased a Surge Tank setup that is running a single 044 and using the standard pump as a lift pump. the only thing i'm unsure of is the wiring side. my thoughts are to piggy back the trigger wires from the standard pump relay to a new relay which has a new fused power wire direct from the battery going into the relay then the output to the pump and finally earthing the negative on the new pump to the chassis with a good connection. thoughts?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4473.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4523.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4484.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4525.jpg

[John_LS1]

Engine Has been completed and Ready for Install :D I had a few dramas in relation to the double row chain and spacing out the Oil pump but its all been sorted out. I still need to relieve the rocker covers slightly as they are touching the rockers by a bees dick. I will hopefully bolt up the transmission and wiring tomorrow as well as finish off the relay wiring for the fuel pump and with any luck maybe bolt it in.

Here are the specs of the engine as well as some build pics:

Callies Compstar 4 inch Crank
Callies Compstar H Beam Rods
CP Bullet Series Pistons
Bottem End Balanced
Ported 243's flowing 285cfm intake and 215 cfm exhaust @ .600"
Around 11.2 C/R
Comp 238/240 @ 112 .605" intake .609" exhaust
Morel Link Bar Lifters
Comp 7.400 Hardened Pushrods
Lunati Voodoo Roller Rockers (same as yella terra Ultralites)
Lunati Double Valvesprings
Roll Master Gold Series Double Row Chain
Mellings Select 10296 Oil Pump with Blue Spring Installed
Clevite H Series main and big end Bearings
Durabond one peice cam bearings
ARP Main Studs and Head Studs
ARP Cam, Balancer, Water Pump and Flywheel Bolts
Powerbond 25% Underdrive Balancer
New GM Waterpump
All New GM Gaskets
TCI Flexplate
Elite Catch can
Harrop Rocker Covers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4549-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4562.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4569.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4568.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_1241.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_1243.jpg

[John_LS1]

Long Time no update! well to cut a long story short the 383 in the above pic is now dead. got no more than 1000kms on it before being parted out with a failed reluctor wheel. here is the only vid of it running. i've got a new setup underway which is nearing completion so ill post that up soon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/th_MVI_1527.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/?action=view&current=MVI_1527.mp4)

and the problem!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/john_xr6/VZ/IMG_4649.jpg