VX Clubsport R8 or GTS?

[A PSYCHO]

hey all,

In a few months time i plan to buy my new car.(around october to be exact). Ive narrowed it down to two cars. The HSV VX Clubsport R8, and the VX GTS.

Basically im after people opinions on what would be the better choice and WHY. Some may just say GTS is without a doubt, but im not so sure. For example i think the R8 is slightly better looking but abit common. The GTS may be alot rarer but also come at a much higher cost. In terms of looks, is the only difference the coloured inserts on the skirts, and the badges?

p.s. im set of the factory colour sting red. :)

http://www.quickhsv.com/image/vx_r8_rear.jpg


http://www.fastlane.com.au/News_HSV/VX_GTS-02.jpg

[SINISTER R8]

plus there is the C4B engine in the GTS, however reading on here there are some problems with the cam and springs i think it is, but if they have been done from what i hear they are a great engine. I went for an R8, as i was and still am planning on doing work that would make the extra cost of the GTS pointless.

[iloveholden]

VX GTS in Sting Red i think is right up there with the best HSV ever made. I remember when these were new and one rocked up to my shop one weekend. I was only about 12 or so but couldn't stop smiling and drooling over it.

Get one and dont look back. If you ever have troubles with the C4B, drop an L98 or LS3 in her :goodjob:

[SS Enforcer]

Don't forget the VT clubbie as nice ones can pop up as well there is a very good one for sale currently in the classifieds.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=135852

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y111/geniiiexec/1-2.jpg


cheers

[SINISTER R8]

or get the R8 and the money saved can go into the engine.

[v8dude78]

Go the R8 with the dollars ya save you can spend on upgrades that would kill the GTS

[GR346]

They are both very nice but I would definately go for the R8 in Sting - HSV look so good dressed in red :bow:

[ebbett21]

I would be steering clear of the GTS purely because of the track record of the C4B engine as theres be so many failures. R8 gets my vote but in phantom black

[Don't need one]

depends what u are planning in the way of mods, cant go wrong with a clubbie imo

[surfwagon]

If you plan on doing any mods then I would go the R8.
Besides if the cam hasn't been changed in a GTS C4B then it needs to be because of the problems these engines had with camshafts so you might as well go the R8 and fit bigger exhaust and cam anyway.
Both have the same brakes and similar if not the same suspension.
Personally I would go the VX2 SV300, basically a senator with the C4B engine.
By the way the VX2 has the better rear suspension with the adjustable toe in arms.

[hamm]

Def the r8, too many problems with the hrs engines. However the ap brakes on them are awesome compaired to the harropa on the r8.
Buy the r8 and send the change on mods

[A PSYCHO]

Thanks for the quick replys guys. I shouldve mentioned originally that i plan to do some extensive engine work down the track. Because of this i have been leaning towards the R8 as it would save wasted cash. As for the VTs i havent really looked at them. Theres something about the VX styling i just love them in the HSV range, especially their ass end haha.

I have never heard of or seen an SV300! could be a serious contender in that one. What would they be more likened too, the R8 or Senator or GTS? Basically in the end im after whats the best platform to build on but dont want to just get a standard SS ect.

p.s. Do the R8 come with a specific build number like the GTS? Like "Build #xxx"

[GMHVNSS]

Not knowing your gearbox preference keep in mind that VX GTS is manual only.

[A PSYCHO]

yeah i noticed they are all manual in the GTS. Are they a strong box at all? Depending what standard box will withhold more power might also be a big factor in my decision.

[surfwagon]

I have never heard of or seen an SV300! could be a serious contender in that one. What would they be more likened too, the R8 or Senator or GTS? Basically in the end im after whats the best platform to build on but dont want to just get a standard SS ect.

p.s. Do the R8 come with a specific build number like the GTS? Like "Build #xxx"

All HSV's have specific build numbers for each model but they may not always run in sequence.
When I was looking at VZ senators I found one with a late 05 build that had a lower build number than a early05 I looked at previously.
The SV300 was a limted run of VX2's using the GTS running gear in a Senator body and interior and only 300 were made all manuals of course.
Here is a brochure on ebay for the SV300
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/01-HOLDEN-SPECIAL-VEHICLES-HSV-VX2-SV300-Press-Release-/360264419951?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Clothing_Merchandise_Media&hash=item53e16eca6f

[macca33]

I see a fair few SV300s / Senator 300s up for sale at present on Carsales.

FWIW, if it was me and I had to choose between GTS and R8, it'd be the GTS hands-down - they are a more special car and less are on the road.

No matter who it is, people LOVE seeing a GTS, they have presence, were the top of the range HSV and they turn plenty of heads - they are, after all, almost as good as a Senator...:hide:

cheers

[mikek73xu1]

I was in your exact position a couple of years ago.
Decision for me was easy in the end:

1.The GTS was/is the hero model and will always be more sort after - hence the dearer initial cost but over time they will hold their value better so this offsets the price factor.
2.I was aware before purchase of the C4B problems but that was negated by the fact that which ever model i went with i was going to cam etc anyway.
3.The GTS had the rear suspension toe-in mod that came std in VX11's.

I was lucky i had just sold my 73 GTR-Xu1 so i was cashed up - initial purchase price wasn't a huge factor.
If you go with the R8 you will still end up with a superb ride.
Cheers Mike

[bush_basha]

The gts and clubsports look excatly alike, except of course the badges. The gearboxs are the same t56 which IMO is a pretty damn strong box. I'd go the gts if I could, I have a clubby and I saw a gts the other day and I couldn't stop staring at it, considering we both look the same, it just has that presence about it. But in saying the I saw a sv300 yesterday and it was very nice, worth a look at. Good luck with your decision you picked the best model to choose between

[255-LS1]

they are both awesome cars, buy the one in best condition you can find for your budget.

[A PSYCHO]

I liked the fact the GTS is a more stand out and popular model, but i was worried that doing any serious engine and driveline work might tarnish that un-molested condition that would help it hold its value.

[chunky_bit]

If you plan on doing any mods then I would go the R8.
Besides if the cam hasn't been changed in a GTS C4B then it needs to be because of the problems these engines had with camshafts so you might as well go the R8 and fit bigger exhaust and cam anyway.
Both have the same brakes and similar if not the same suspension.
Personally I would go the VX2 SV300, basically a senator with the C4B engine.
By the way the VX2 has the better rear suspension with the adjustable toe in arms.

That's why I got mine. I knew full well about the valve spring/camshaft problem, I bought it knowing I was going to change the camshaft anyway. It's actually getting the camshaft swapped out right now. I picked up mine with pretty low kms and in excellent condition and it wasn't much more expensive than an R8.

[mikek73xu1]

I liked the fact the GTS is a more stand out and popular model, but i was worried that doing any serious engine and driveline work might tarnish that un-molested condition that would help it hold its value.

Depends what you do and how you do it.A cam package etc wont detract from its value and most other mods can be easily reversed anyway.
Mines about 300RWKW but lift the bonnet and apart from a pod filter and strut brace it looks bog stock.
I also put Tein's in but kept all the stock stuff - that's the trick if you are worried about selling it later - keep the std bits so you can return it back top std if you want too.

[mikek73xu1]

That's why I got mine. I knew full well about the valve spring/camshaft problem, I bought it knowing I was going to change the camshaft anyway. It's actually getting the camshaft swapped out right now. I picked up mine with pretty low kms and in excellent condition and it wasn't much more expensive than an R8.

Exactly.Alot of people go off on a tangent about the C4B and its history but at the end of the day its only the Callaway spec valvetrain that causes drama's and is easily fixed - other than slightly massaged std 241 heads the things are stock LS1.And most enthusiasts end up putting in after market valve train's in their LS1'1 anyway......

[macca_779]

I see a fair few SV300s / Senator 300s up for sale at present on Carsales.

FWIW, if it was me and I had to choose between GTS and R8, it'd be the GTS hands-down - they are a more special car and less are on the road.

No matter who it is, people LOVE seeing a GTS, they have presence, were the top of the range HSV and they turn plenty of heads - they are, after all, almost as good as a Senator...:hide:

cheers

Of Course I agree. And Senator FTW also.

[bush_basha]

That's why I got mine. I knew full well about the valve spring/camshaft problem, I bought it knowing I was going to change the camshaft anyway. It's actually getting the camshaft swapped out right now. I picked up mine with pretty low kms and in excellent condition and it wasn't much more expensive than an R8.

Hmmm this could have been the one i seen yesterday, where was the work done, russo's? if so thats the one that caught my eye, very nice indeed, made good power too

[OMR346]

I liked the fact the GTS is a more stand out and popular model, but i was worried that doing any serious engine and driveline work might tarnish that un-molested condition that would help it hold its value.

Matt, with the mods you are planning to do, this comment makes no sence what so ever. You are going to molester (in more ways then one :p) what ever car you get.

Just get the R8, and then come see me for some go fast bits ;)

Or go one step better, and get a VZ R8 :D

[A PSYCHO]

Matt, with the mods you are planning to do, this comment makes no sence what so ever. You are going to molester (in more ways then one :p) what ever car you get.

Just get the R8, and then come see me for some go fast bits ;)

Or go one step better, and get a VZ R8 :D

I know that, hence why im hesitant to get the GTS. But at the same time, a GTS will still be a GTS no matter what i do to it. I dont see how a powerhouse motor an everything else on the car left untouched lowers the value of a collectable, but somehow it does.

A high Ks VZ R8 will cost more than a mint VX GTS, so ever more wasted cash if thats the main concern.

[Rub]

VX GTS without a shadow of a doubt.

[185iboy]

GTS all the way

[dawkinsdisciple]

my brothers got a VX 300 and apart from the fact it responds very very well to basic tune + OTR, look shit hot with the timeless 19's on it, has better brakes and suspension and if its series 1 clubsport, has the toe-links in the rear end as well, i'd go for it v the r8 unless your going to go and stack $5k of mods on it straight away

the price difference isn't that big is it? $5k or so? you'll definately keep that in re-sale too if thats your thing...

both good cars though, can't go wrong either way really, both have their benefits!

don't forget the senators as people have mentioned, i'd go them over a clubbie!!!

[Alex81]

I'd go this one http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8544536&__sid=128D0B8E6C60&__Qpb=true&Cr=3&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Price_Decim al%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Model_S tring%7c0&keywords=&__N=834%201216%201247%201282%201252%201246%2042949 65530%204294956264&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=4&silo=1011 as all the work is done and is a SV300, but to answer your queston the GTS hands down

[C4B]

If you can afford the extra, go for the GTS. Yes the engine's did have valvetrain issues, but at the end of the day you could pump $50k into an R8 and it may be quicker than a Veyron at the end of it, but it still won't be a GTS.

[A PSYCHO]

As for price difference, an average K's R8 is around $20K and the same condition and K's GTS is about $28K - $30K.

I looked at that green SV300. Abit out of my price range for an initial purchase, also asking alot considering it doesnt mention a single mod or power figure.

[OMR346]

Here is abit of a hint on that green SV300, Matt


HIGHEST HP SUPERCHARGED V8 OVER 400ci WA AME 2005 815rwhp
That could be why the big asking price. And it only has 26,000km lol.

[Alex81]

As for price difference, an average K's R8 is around $20K and the same condition and K's GTS is about $28K - $30K.

I looked at that green SV300. Abit out of my price range for an initial purchase, also asking alot considering it doesnt mention a single mod or power figure.

The ad has changedby the looks of it as it had all the mods listed, it's a V7 YSI blown 406

[Pickles]

What is your price limit, & does it have to have 4 doors?
Cheers, Pickles.

[chunky_bit]

Hmmm this could have been the one i seen yesterday, where was the work done, russo's? if so thats the one that caught my eye, very nice indeed, made good power too

Yeah, that's my one. Just picked it up last night, didn't have much opportunity to give it a squirt last night (damp roads). I gave it a little bit and I am very pleased with it thus far.

[A PSYCHO]

The ad has changedby the looks of it as it had all the mods listed, it's a V7 YSI blown 406

It must've changed becuase when i looked at it, only said the Ks and lots of work done. No power figure or mod list. If i had $50K straight up i would be VERY seriously considering that one. But alas, i dont. :(


What is your price limit, & does it have to have 4 doors?
Cheers, Pickles.

For initial purchase price i was hoping to keep it under $30K. Reason being i still have to account for rego, stamp duty, service and detail and insurance. Being only 20 and already have a suspension against my name the insurance is going to be a real bitch too.

why what did you have in mind.

[redvxr8clubby]

I've had my R8 for 4 years now, and I wouldn't spend another $8 or 10K on a GTS given the problems with them. Some will go for the GTS with it's 19" rims, personally I think the champagne colured rims on the R8 look great on the red Clubby. I think the R8 looks better than the GTS. On the other hand given they are at least 8 years old now, most GTS's would have their valve train problems sorted by now. 4 years down the track from getting from my car I would probably aim for a series II. Mainly because the series II has black interior, instead of grey in the series I. I also have a series II VX Calais and the black dash and door trim etc. does look better. I think the VX is the best looking Clubby of all, and red is the pick for sure, and a manual R8 or GTS with their Coulson seats are awesome. Go the red R8 manual.

[A PSYCHO]

I have to agree on the looks side of things. A sting red Clubsport R8 with the champagne rims is the hottest factory HSV ive ever seen. My mind changed daily on what im going to do haha.

[A PSYCHO]

Ive fallen in love with this GTS. looks sooo good, im just staring at the pics.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=7648141&__Qpb=true&Cr=7&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294965530% 204294965529%204294965730&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=14&__sid=12662DDF5D7E

[redvxr8clubby]

That looks great, the leather trim looks good. Lot of money for a VX, but it does look good. Low K's.

[HDT-EFI]

[quote=GTRwilson;1733360]Ive fallen in love with this GTS. looks sooo good, im just staring at the pics.



not bad for its age....very low kms???