My first V8 - VY SV8 [Archive] - Australian LS1 and Holden Forums

grandpa spec

12-07-2010, 05:30 PM

Hey all,

I'm sure everyone in the tuning section is sick to death of me by now but I'm one of those people who is extremely picky and must have everything 'just' right before any decision is made.

After owning a Holden VK 202, then going to a Ford Fairmont Ghia, I have finally come back to the party in the form of a Black 03 VY SV8 Manual 6 speed.

I took it for a test drive on the weekend and, at first, wasn't all that impressed... it felt like a normal car, very mundane, well mannered on the road and didn't 'feel' like a performance car.... until I opened up the throttle!

Never have I had the same tingling sensation after driving any other car. I think it must be something to do with being pushed back into my seat, head snapping back as I changed gears, the understated roar drawing attention from the local golfers like a pair of double D cups to a baby.... then as I eased off on the throttle, I was back in a well mannered family car... I had to have it!

So finally, after many many months spent looking, researching and questioning almost everyone I could think of, I'm finally picking it up this Saturday :woohoo:

Many thanks to everyone on LS1.com.au, so many questions answered and some I hadn't even though of. Will have some pics up once I get her nice and shiny ;)

As funds permit, mods will slowly progress, starting with the exhaust, I have currently got some WL statesman international rims to replace the stock SV8 ones... simply because I like them better :P

Once again thanks everyone, look forward to being part of the forums.

Regards,

Grandpa Spec

Little Brad

12-07-2010, 06:32 PM

very good mate, i got a vy sv8 too its good because no one suspects it because it look like an executive but with a v8 in it.

BLACKVE

12-07-2010, 06:37 PM

Go the black SV8, stealthy

RARASV8

12-07-2010, 07:11 PM

not many of them around:rofl:

Garry

csv rulz

13-07-2010, 07:38 AM

:goodjob: - they are an awesome car, but it wont take long at all to get use to the power - you will be screaming for more power soon enough

grandpa spec

13-07-2010, 06:29 PM

csv rulz

13-07-2010, 06:57 PM

Well at this stage I'm hoping to just throw the exhaust on to give it a bit more growl, then from there do the two hole mod everyone is talking about, and build up from there.

Was thinking I might put on a HSV or SS front bar... but now I'm thinking it might be cool to keep it a sleeper ;)

For my SS i put a twin Redback 2.5inch cat back exhaust system, took off the back resignator and put 2 hotdogs on. It sounds awesome and once up to speed its not intrusive and doesnt drone at all. Will get a recording

grandpa spec

13-07-2010, 08:46 PM

BennyMac

13-07-2010, 09:54 PM

Another vote for the SV8 as they are faster than the SS because they are lighter.....:burnout:

VYSHSV8

13-07-2010, 10:49 PM

Go the Black SV8's

mustanger

13-07-2010, 11:01 PM

Go the Black SV8's

:doh:...gee they are everywhere:up2sum: :lol:

Oh , by the way ......Welcome Grandpa :cheers:

dawkinsdisciple

14-07-2010, 05:06 PM

cheers csv_rulz, I've been looking on the net and the x-force seems to give a pretty decent sound, I heard one on a VY SS (friend of the guy im getting the SV8 off) which sounded leathal but it had the cats knocked out :\

2.5inch seems to be the way everyone goes, but will that allow for cams / blowers etc down the line?

heh, i love the feeling, the mundanity falls away pretty quickly when you stab the throttle!!!

i can remember reading an article in scomm once and they pretty much determined that the only real gains going 2.5->3 inch was to be found for turbocharging. which is why i went for one on mine. it doens't sound to loud or droney on a VE and i think the general concensus is 2.5's are fine for light mods (bolt-on, cam etc) and only really to worry about 3 inch for FI. btw, i got the x-force and haven't had any dramas at all. fitted up with very minimal mucking about and got the whole thing sorted for less then 800. a single pipe for a VY should be nice and cheap. i'd recommend the x-force if your trying to bolt it together on a budget.

good luck and chuck up some pics when post count gets up/take delivery

tunnafun

15-07-2010, 02:55 PM

good luck with it mate. Im a fan of the SV8, I wanted a Black SS but ended up with a Silver SlugV8.. As mentioned above. executive look but with a V8 very stealth.

grandpa spec

16-07-2010, 04:25 PM

Well I'm counting down the hours now, can't wait, in under 24 hours I'll finally have the car I longed for.

Have to thank the missus for this though, never thought I'd see the day when SHE was the one telling me I should get it! Although the first words out of her mouth were "now you can teach me to drive a manual" haha :eeeeek:

I've got a few photos but the post count thingy won't let me put them up :(

grandpa spec

18-08-2010, 03:27 PM

Bit of an update, I've finally started moding it, managed to pick up a full SS bodykit with genuine SS driving lights.

Have some interior chrome door handles on the way as well as (money permitting) either a cold air intake or cat back exhaust.

Things are finally coming together :)

RABSP

18-08-2010, 03:42 PM

I like the black, but on someone else’s car.

I’ve had a black commodore, never again.

AJ85WA

18-08-2010, 03:42 PM

Get cold air for sure!

grandpa spec

18-08-2010, 04:24 PM

grandpa spec

19-08-2010, 10:49 AM

Well the person who I was buying the body kit off, after arranging pickup and agreeing on price etc, just sent me a txt to tell me he has sold it to someone else. I have a word for people like this, rhymes with Anchor :)

Looks like the funds are going to be directed at the go-fast bits instead!

Timson

21-08-2010, 10:13 PM

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/allpaw/sv8rear.jpg
Some days I really miss the SV8. It was pretty good fun. Maybe missing out on the kit is a blessing in disguise. In my opinion just keep the car looking stock, look at engine mods and getting the stance right. After all it's an SV8, not a SS wannabe.
Cheers, Tim.

Jacko*

22-08-2010, 10:16 AM

Yes I've discovered the "joys" of a black car, having washed it twice in the last 2 weeks, only to have it get dirty the second or third day! But once its all polished up and gleaming, for me at least, it's all worth it :)

I know what you mean I owned a black Jeep that used to drive me nuts trying to keep it clean, but there is that sense of satisfaction after spending the time to detail your car properly only to take it out, show it off & get it dirty again.

grandpa spec

22-10-2010, 09:32 AM

Well after a few financial setbacks the car is finally back on track. Unfortunatly the rego lapsed so I'm currently going through the joys of getting another roadworthy.

It may even be a good thing as I've found the diff has a lead, tappet gaskets are leaking, return power steering hose is leaking and the waterpump is dribbling a little.

Have now bought most of the bits and pieces to fix all this, just need to find the time to actually do it all!

Maybe missing out on the kit is a blessing in disguise. In my opinion just keep the car looking stock, look at engine mods and getting the stance right. After all it's an SV8, not a SS wannabe.
Cheers, Tim.

After being forced to delay my plans I am starting to see the light, especially after how many SS's I've seen being 'picked on'. This has led me down a different path and instead, my goal is now to create a tastefully modified cruiser (I can hear people cringing already at the words 'tasefully modified') that hints there is more to it than meets the eye.

The only thing I'd really like to improve externally is the ride height and exhaust. Have been quoted $750 for an X-Force 2.5" which should hopefully be on just before christmas (taking my time to build her), and while a cheaper exhaust, it has some good reports from the threads I've read.

Suspension I am still undecided on, and after reading many threads relating to coilovers, slaming it, leaving it, right through to "lowered by makita", I am still undecided.

If anyone has any idea's on what makes a great cruiser feel free to add your comments. Any opinions or advice are more than welcome as I'm still new to the v8 game.

VYSHSV8

22-10-2010, 07:14 PM

Just keep it simple a nice set of wheels lowered slightly not to low a good exhaust and extractors, OTR, Tune and a cam later on :))

BLACKVE

22-10-2010, 07:46 PM

Just keep it simple a nice set of wheels lowered slightly not to low a good exhaust and extractors, OTR, Tune and a cam later on :))

Bit like this:rofl:

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/impluseve/SV8/claybar010.jpg

I prefer the sleeper look tosted a FG xr6T the other day:)

Suspension I am still undecided on, and after reading many threads relating to coilovers, slaming it, leaving it, right through to "lowered by makita", I am still undecided.

If anyone has any idea's on what makes a great cruiser feel free to add your comments. Any opinions or advice are more than welcome as I'm still new to the v8 game.

Suspension maybe just some lowered springs not to low, the 2 1/2 catback will be nice to cruise with out being to loud etc. I'd get a ripshifter makes driving mine every day a joy compared to crap stock shifter

VYSHSV8

22-10-2010, 07:57 PM

Yep just like that Paul but ya need bigger Tyres :):)

grandpa spec

23-10-2010, 02:18 PM

That's pretty much the look I'm going for BLACKVE, however I've also been toying with the idea to powercoat the WL rims in a gloss black.

Don't know if this would be too much black, however I was going to get some crome pinstriping where the little crevas in the doors is, and perhaps a chrome bit for the rear of the boot where the numberplate is, just to break up all of the black. Has anyone tried this? Pics?

As my post count hasn't hit 20 yet, just copy and paste the links, taking out the space at the start.

Here is how she currently stands:

h ttp://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/SV8EditMedium.jpg

h ttp://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/Picture429Medium.jpg

h ttp://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/Picture094Medium.jpg

Edit: In regards to the manual shifter, is it normally fairly stiff? While I can cope with it, I have to be a tad firm when changing gears. My main concern is the other half having to drive it around town as she doesn't normally drive a manual.

BLACKVE

23-10-2010, 08:25 PM

Here's ya pics

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/SV8EditMedium.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/Picture429Medium.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/Picture094Medium.jpg

Re the shifter thats one of holdens real downfalls some were ok some crap, mine was really vague used to miss shift a lot rip shifter fixed that.

grandpa spec

24-10-2010, 12:04 AM

Thank you for putting up the pics BLACKVE :)

I've noticed that with the shifter, especially with reverse as it seems to go in, but the next thing you know there is a very unpleasent sound from below the car telling me she isn't in right.

Any particular brand to go for? Does it stress the gearbox more? Appoligies if this seems a dumb question, I understand it shortens the throw between gears and make the 2nd to 3rd shift a lot easier, but does that have any detrimental effect?

BennyMac

24-10-2010, 12:15 AM

1. RipShift Street
2. Nope

:)

VYSHSV8

24-10-2010, 12:19 AM

A rip shifter won't have any detrimental effects on the gearbox:):)
Gotta love the sv8's and I have noticed yours is the series 1 with an exhaust change and tune and a diff ratio change you will love it even more:):)
Here is a pic of another black sv8
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/VYSHSV8/29.jpg

BennyMac

24-10-2010, 02:12 AM

Gotta love the sv8's and I have noticed yours is the series 1 with an exhaust change and tune and a diff ratio change you will love it even more:):)

+1 :burnout::driving:

silvervyss

24-10-2010, 02:31 AM

Congrats on the new car. I just installed a rip shifter, and i must say it was well worth it. Nick @ NJC installed it last week in Melbourne, and i must say it has made driving more fun; also purchased a hsv gear knob from ebay ($75). Only problem i have at the moment, my clutch is a little high (nothing to do with the rip shift), so i will be adjusting it lower for quicker shifts.

With the rest of your mods, if i can give you one piece of advice : do it once and do it properly. My last car (vy ss), i did the 2nd hole mode, hsv extractors and di fillipo cat back. What i should have done was, OTR and decent headers and high flow cats. This time around, i have done all my mods properly, so when/if i decide to go cam/FI, i dont have to re-do anything. I also de-badged the car, and installed single 3" tips for more of a sleeper look.

Good luck with your mods

Cheers

John

bortous

24-10-2010, 03:51 AM

Hi. I actually have a second hand difilippo exhaust system up for sale. It's 2.5 inch, full stainless steel and comes with the difilippo high flow cats as well as nice larger factory looking tips. Basically the whole system except the extractors. It is the best bolt on system you can buy, sounds awesome and flows well. Of you or anyone are interested let me know. It's on eBay as well under "genuine difilippo" as part of the heading. Cheers

bortous

24-10-2010, 03:57 AM

For suspension and ride height I know a package that will work really well. I have a vz clubsport r8 with full modified suspension and unmask everything and because the combo is right it rides better than stock, handles better than a ve, and has near zero roll. All depends on how far you want to go.

grandpa spec

29-10-2010, 02:33 PM

Small update, I managed to get a hose from Holden to fix the power steeing issue, it no longer leaks red everywhere :)

Taking off the hose was a challenge, and me being a complete ning nong didn't drain the reservoir... leaving my floor looking like the car had just had it's period :S

After a comment from another member on here regarding the clutch being annoying, I checked the clutch fluid in the engine bay. I've never seen anything more green/black/disgusting in my life... thinking this might be an issue....

grandpa spec

20-11-2010, 12:58 AM

Just went for my maiden run, it's 12:51am and I am officially on my open licence :)

Straight after I got it rego'd and put the plates on I took the rear badges off so only the lions and the v8 on the sides remain, hopefully this will scare some of the less observant when I open it up a little :rofl:

I'm starting small and doing a full service etc to make sure she's running smooth, and I've also found an x-force 2.5" I can fit myself for $285.

It's had a full clay, polish and seal thanks to Car Care Products (forums sponsor) however it's evident she needs a respray in the forseeable future.

Thanks everyone for the advice so far :)

grandpa spec

21-11-2010, 11:38 PM

old_mate

22-11-2010, 02:21 AM

maybe the slave cylinder is on its way out, weird it got better with a bleed.

grandpa spec

23-11-2010, 11:53 PM

Well after a couple of days driving it appears to have solved the issue, the fluid came out black to start with so it was buggered for sure.

We get our christmas bonus soon and I was wondering if anyone has a Redback 2.5" (h ttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/REDBACK-TWIN-2-5-CAT-BACK-EXHAUST-VT-VX-VY-VZ-HOLDEN-/200531553519?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2eb09cacef)

If they are good I might grab one as the stock exhaust, even after just the weekend, is too quiet for me.

Sure it's good for scaring P platers and people who think their Suzuki Swift is the Delorian on steroids, but it sound choked at WOT.

grandpa spec

24-11-2010, 11:36 PM

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

In preparation for removing the spoiler, I got a strip of SMD LED's from Jaycar today as well as some resistors to even out any spikes in voltage.

I nabbed one of the 30 SMD LED strips and have used 6 strips (3 LED's per strip for a total of 18) for the brake light to be housed inside the car at the top of the rear windscreen.

The great part about these is that no matter where you mount them, unless you are 180 degrees parallel to them you can view them from anywhere, and talk about bright!

The other 4 strips are going to be mounted between the bottom of each door and the body, which should have just enough clearence to squeeze between the two.

I haven't figured out how I am going to protect them from the elements yet, however I was thinking of just putting them inside some clear shrink wrap as they do not generate a great quantity of heat.

I was hoping to wire these back to the door switch or maybe the interior light but if there is another way I'm all ears.

Next step after that is to get some more stips for the drivers and passengers footwell's, and maybe even mount some under the seats (but I'm thinking this is a little overkill :P )

Shall post up pics once it has been completed.

peter b

25-11-2010, 12:27 AM

Small problem today, the clutch pedal went straight to the floor and I couldn't get it out of second.

I've done a full bleed of the clutch after this happened and it seems to have sorted itself out, is there anything else I need to keep on eye on? I had a holden mechanic test drive it and he said the syncro is fine but it might be the friction plate? (no idea what that is, I drove auto's up until now)

Any advice?

This usually happens due to the clutch fluid. A flush and bleed will fix it. What happens is the clutch fluid actually cooks and becomes airated hence loss of pedal. Being a hydraulic system the presence of air prevents it from compressing the fluid.

grandpa spec

25-11-2010, 10:13 AM

Ah that makes sense, but how does it get in there in the first place? Does it just happen over time?

J_VZUTE

25-11-2010, 05:56 PM

Nice SV8 dude.. bet your enjoying it

grandpa spec

26-11-2010, 10:21 AM

Yeah I'm loving the sv8, so much more power than anything I've owned before.

Scared myself half to death yesterday when I put it into 1st trying to get the jump on the traffic at the lights. She chirped the wheels and shot ahead of the pack like a rocket, slightly different to my automatic AU falcon hehe.

J_VZUTE

26-11-2010, 10:34 AM

grandpa spec

26-11-2010, 11:00 AM

be careful in the wet mate..

did the VY SV8s come with an LSD?

Yeah I've already discovered the wet is a cruel mistress. Took traction control off at a set of lights just to see how it would handle... then saw the traffic in my rear view mirror backing off QUICK as it stepped out sideways... pretty sure she does have an LSD (3.46 ratio?)

It had a little yellow tag on the diff so I assume this is LSD.

berroca

26-11-2010, 01:48 PM

Yeah I've already discovered the wet is a cruel mistress. Took traction control off at a set of lights just to see how it would handle... then saw the traffic in my rear view mirror backing off QUICK as it stepped out sideways... pretty sure she does have an LSD (3.46 ratio?)

It had a little yellow tag on the diff so I assume this is LSD.

it will have a tag on the diff that says LSD....unless of course it has been removed or lost. and yes they are 3.46 ratio standard.

easy way to find out though :burnout:

grandpa spec

26-11-2010, 09:06 PM

Turns out she does have an LSD, double checked and the little tag says so :)

Just installed the rear brake light and it's a weapon of a unit for a little home job. Shall throw some links up soon if someone wants to repost them :)

Also, my bonnet is now a mess of creases at the front thanks to the bonnet latch deciding to loosen itself, and me being impatient and slamming it... now it needs bogging :(

grandpa spec

29-11-2010, 05:10 PM

Just went and saw the lads at Fat Pipes here in Brisbane, car is all booked in for a 2.5" catback exhaust that they are making themselves.

Got given a demo of one with extractors on a VX and was quite happy with the sound so I'm going for it :)

grandpa spec

03-12-2010, 03:59 PM

Little update, I picked up some pedders springs for the front, these were on a VX commodore for about 2 days and it sat about a finger above the wheel, managed to score them for $50.

What rear springs should I be looking for if I want it sitting just above the tyre?

I would go lower however I want some sort of ride comfort and the lowest point (exhaust) needs to clear the legal limit etc.

seb20det

05-12-2010, 03:16 PM

king spring lows, you could try whole sale suspentions web site they show lots of diferent heights.

i love your user name BTW

grandpa spec

24-01-2011, 11:47 PM

Quick Update:

After a lot of farting around I've finally sold my other car (thank GOD!) and have a little cash for my other love... fortunatly my other half doesn't read this forum, so she can't get jealous :rofl:

I've been quoted about $1200 for a new clutch and slave cyl. fully fitted, just the standard bit of kit which will hopefully go in sometime next week, I believe it is just a single mass flywheel from what I was told, this apparently meaning I won't have to stuff around next time and can just buy a clutch.

As I busted the clutch late last year and had to cancel my exhaust, I've decided to do it properly and have got a quote for the following from Fat Pipes (who have been very understanding):

Hurricane Tri-Y headers: $800
100CPSI Hi-Flow Cats: $500
2.5" Catback exhaust: $650

This includes an x-pipe for the cross over.

Total was: $1950

I am yet to hear this combo, however it will hopefully go well, and (finances permitting) will be on by the end of Feb. Seems like a dream finally (albiet slowly) coming true, as the LS1 was supposed to be barking last year, that's life I guess.

Ausfitter

07-03-2011, 02:06 PM

Hi mate, ive read the thread from start to finish and sounds like a good clean car, apart from your mishaps lol. How is the car going now? Did you get the clutch and exhaust done?

grandpa spec

08-06-2011, 12:16 AM

It's been a while since an update, been through a fair bit in the last 6 months but I'm not here to have a sook, things just got delayed.

Anywho, since last time she now has the following:

2.5" Catback Exhaust from Scotts Rods
Excedy Heavy Duty clutch with single mass flywheel + new slave cyl and spigot bearing
Hi-Flow K&N + 2hole mod
SL front and SSL rears

She's going in for a tune hopefully this coming Saturday however we shall see what happens. As I'm only looking for street performance I've steered away from cam and other expensive items, and if she needs a re-tune later the fellow we know is a legend so it won't be a whole lot more.

Photos before she was lowered:

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/_MG_6578Medium.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/_MG_6575rearbeforeMedium.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/_MG_6574frontbeforeMedium.jpg

Springs:
http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/_MG_6583rearspringdiffMedium.jpg

After:
http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/_MG_6584Medium.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/_MG_6586Medium.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv84/grandpa_spec_au/_MG_6585Medium.jpg

Comments and constructive criticism welcomed :)

Jesterarts

08-06-2011, 08:21 AM

Sits nice at the back. Low so it doesn't look like a 4wd any more but not retarded.

I'm planning on putting some SLHD's in the clubby soon and that's exactly how I want it to sit.

Nice one.

grandpa spec

08-06-2011, 08:48 AM

Cheers mate, the front is still settling in at the moment, they are pedders ryder springs apparently, and a friend of mine who works for a parts company found they were roughly the equivilant to an SSL in kings, however they sit at SL height, weird but hey it means I don't scrape on every friggin speed bump I come to.

Another big plus is that it doesn't handle like (as my friends put it) the "H.M.A.S Commodore" anymore, and is starting to feel like a V8 should, a glorified go-cart! :)

grandpa spec

17-09-2011, 07:49 AM

Minor update:

Doing a major service on her this weekend, next week she's getting a ripshift (finally) and a diff service.

I'm having issues with the exhaust rubbing on the tailshaft when going right around corners. Previously had the exhaust shop raise it as I got done for the cats sitting at 80mm, however I wouldn't have thought this would be an issue?

Ausfitter

25-10-2011, 08:03 PM

Its funny you got done for your cats being low. A mate of mine is a Qld cop, and he was telling a few of us that aslong as 90% of your car is at or above 100mm, they cant actually do anything. But on the other hand, cant hurt to get the cats raised, saves scraping on stuff lol

Gmfan

25-10-2011, 08:17 PM

Now that you can post pics no excuse for not showing us pics of these led strips you have for brake lights now :hide:.

grandpa spec

28-10-2011, 12:18 AM

Ausfitter, I had them raised as I'd rather be safe than sorry, has reduced the scraping a lot too, will need hiflows soon as the stock ones are on their last legs.

Gmfan, Ill grab a pic tomorrow provided its not raining cats and dogs as is forecast :)

I've been lazy but the remaining strips are being turned into footwell lights.

blow thru

28-10-2011, 08:10 PM

Now that you can post pics no excuse for not showing us pics of these led strips you have for brake lights now :hide:.

x2:thumbsup:

grandpa spec

29-10-2011, 09:12 PM

As promised guys, the rear brake light.

I removed the rear parcel shelf and cut the plug that would have been used for the rear window brake light if I didn't have the wing.

These strips are available from Jaycar for ~$30 or if you can wait, ~$5 - 15 off ebay depending on where you look.

They are multicoloured and have R, G, B connections so you can simply run a single wire to get a single colour, or mix and match the wires to get multiple colours i.e. connecting all three gets you a brilliant white light with a tinge of magenta.

The strips can be cut and have 3 SMD's to a bank.

From the inside:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6290874835_73e005eed7_z.jpg

From outside:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6291394362_8428b749ee_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6291394388_cfb5a97bca_z.jpg

Up Close:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6290874981_6568794622_z.jpg

From a distance:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6290874957_f9049232a3_z.jpg

Hope that helps :)

Also, I think Narva do a brake light for about $30 or $40 that sticks onto the rear window and has a housing around it so you don't get glare on the rear window.