Living with a Maloo.......

[notorious_benny]

I posted this on hsvforum.com.au as well but though I should try here as well...

Hey guys. The E series 2/3 Maloo is on my shopping list for my next new vehicle and I have a few questions about day to day life with one. Wanting to get a manual with the 20's

1. Is the vision really that bad??

2. How much life can I expect out of the rear tyres, I don't drop burnouts and drive sedately 80% or more of the time.

3. What sort of economy can I expect in the real world? Ie driving in a suburban/urban environment?

I tow a medium sized (1500kg) ski boat around all summer and am interested in how these utes cope with a bit of weight on the ball?

My current vehicle (FG XR6 Turbo) simply eats the inside of the rear tyres when towing due to rear end sag.

Has anyone put airbag helpers in the rear to reduce rear end sag under load? Are they not necessary?

I am not intending on modifying the ride height of my new ute.

I really want that nice aftermarket exhaust sound.... Coming from a Turbo you need a tune with an exhaust mod.... Do i need a tune if I have a cat back exhaust done? After a bit more sound, not performance.

Similar to above is the bi modal exhaust the solution to my needs?

Thanks for taking the time to read my questions.

[feistl]

Cant help with much, but....




2. How much life can I expect out of the rear tyres, I don't drop burnouts and drive sedately 80% or more of the time.

Depends on the normal variables. But should be pretty good compared to other vehicles, just depends what you do with suspension (see below)

I tow a medium sized (1500kg) ski boat around all summer and am interested in how these utes cope with a bit of weight on the ball?

Physically it should be fine. Make sure its within the weight rate of the tow bar.

My current vehicle (FG XR6 Turbo) simply eats the inside of the rear tyres when towing due to rear end sag.

Thats always going to be an issue. You can run stiffer springs which will help, or might be worth going adjustable. Cant remember exactly what brand they are (Luke from WSP will help out), but basically you just twist the knob on top to stiff up the rear of the car. Literally takes 30 seconds...

I find on soft settings the car rides nice and softly (like a standard shock), but hard they handle really well, and in your case would sag down as much in the rear end. Their not that expensive either (EG under $500 IIRC)

I am not intending on modifying the ride height of my new ute.

I really want that nice aftermarket exhaust sound.... Do i need a tune if I have a cat back exhaust done?

You dont need a tune. A full exhaust (EG including headers/extractors) will give a much nicer sound than a cat back system. But the really good V8 sounds are a result of a cam/exhaust combo. Just be aware before you fork out your cash what its going to sound like. Ive had a few mates dissapointed after spending money on an exhaust for their LS1, only to realise it doesnt sound nearly as good as mine.

[ADAM 26]

iv been towing with my ssv ute, and its bloody great, even with the sssl. im suprised, but bloody happy!

[notorious_benny]

Forgot to add that the saggy rear end is on an FG sedan not the ute......... Surely the utes from either brand are firmer in the springs than their sedan cousins.......

[Wonky]

I gather the sailplanes on the Maloo make visibility from it bad but I have no problems in my SSV ute. My disabilities mean I can't really do head checks but I am constantly checking all three mirrors and have some small aftermarket convex mirrors on each outside mirror to give me wider vision for lane changes to virtually eliminate blindspots. :goodjob: Only about $6 pr.

[sv300 - 75]

i can only comment from driving a ute with tool boxes but the visibility out the back is through the mirrors only. i got a convex mirror on the drivers side mirror and its easy. no problems with lane changing but it takes a little to get used to.

this ute also has a ford 1 tonne rear end so the extra weight of the tools doesnt effect the squatting rear end. yes its only a 6cyl ford but it handles well with that rear end.

[notorious_benny]

I had my suspicions that the rearward visibility wasn't the much of a big deal.

I read a few magazine articles where they gave the maloo a hard time due to the over shoulder visibility.

I have driven plenty of vehicles that have zero rearward visibility such as small pantek trucks, commercial vans ect......... I guess the guys at wheels/motor aren't used to using their mirrors!!

The $6 bubble mirrors sound like a much better solution than the optional blindspot warnings!

[tsute]

On the rear vision on the Maloo.

I have a SSV fitted with the EGR hard lid and a mate of mine has a Maloo and the rear vision from the rear view mirror is better in Maloo that the SSV simply because the SSV has 1 single large hump and the Maloo has 2 single humps.

The rear tyre wear.
I have fitted Tein coil overs and if you lower it to low you will start to see wear from the inside of the tyre but if you are going to keep it standard I wouldn't imagine you would have any issue.

[Irish]

I tow a medium sized (1500kg) ski boat around all summer and am interested in how these utes cope with a bit of weight on the ball?

My current vehicle (FG XR6 Turbo) simply eats the inside of the rear tyres when towing due to rear end sag.
.


Without being able to stiffen springs the maloo will do this also. Almost any car with an IRS rear will suffer from camber changes with added weight. Without modification to suspension, a live axle is the way to go.

[DuaneDibbley]

Without being able to stiffen springs the maloo will do this also. Almost any car with an IRS rear will suffer from camber changes with added weight. Without modification to suspension, a live axle is the way to go.

Falcon Ute all the way then eh? :jester:

[notorious_benny]

Without being able to stiffen springs the maloo will do this also. Almost any car with an IRS rear will suffer from camber changes with added weight. Without modification to suspension, a live axle is the way to go.

I am well aware that the maloo will suffer a camber change with a heavy load......

But how heavy are the springs in a Maloo compared to say my current FG, the towball weight from the boat is no more than 80kgs (depends on the height of the towball as the trailer is dual axle)

Even this modest weight on the ball will sag the rear end of the FG but I am hoping that the Ute being a ute and also more performance oriented than an XR is stiffer in the springs even though it is still IRS.

[TIR33D]

If your ball weight is only 80kg you will be fine.
6th gear is a waste of time with a trailer, economy with trailer on even running at 15-16 through hills or in traffic 19-21. That is with a 1200kg car on 500kg trailer.

[notorious_benny]

My turbo uses between 15 and 20 l/100 when towing the boat. Can pull 6th even up hills but i tend to use 5th and show some mechanical sympathy.

15 to 16 on even running in 5th sounds like decent economy to me..... I would be happy with that.

[2ajmanvell82]

Hi Mate I am aParaplegic and just sold my VE Maloo, they are an awesome ute!! Great brakes! Perfect for towing, the rear vision isn't the bestbut I had no trouble and I can't swing around everywhere. If u can reverse a trailer u will be fine, if no trailer on reverse park sensors and shows u on the screen in front at same time.
The standard springs are quite firm and would tow fine, I have had it loaded up and doesn't worry it! Tyre wear for towing i don't think u will see too much scrubbing at normal height I even had 550rwhp and had no trouble, I done 20,000km's lowered and supercharged and still had 60% tyres with plenty of power skids. Also supercharged I ran average 13l/100 and 10-11l/100 cruising.
Cat back exhaust will have no drama's, only if change headers n cats set light off. These utes are almost balanced weight distribution wise compared to the VZ and with the Maloo's u get a lower diff to the SS's so I will say u will cruise along towing fine in 6th gear unless your pulling up hill. Unless you've had one it's hard to comment on that, had a manual, had an auto and 2 mates hd manuals, 1 to tow a race car and 1 to tow bikes and wakeboard boat! I think u will be suprised!
A good intake and tune adjustment whether it be your catback or full system wont hurt though and yield u better economy again, my LS2 6ltr was great and I just got a new LS3 clubby and these things are that torquey down low, they are a pleasure to drive.
My Father has VE ss ute with small cam etc and pulls hard down low but the low HSV diffs make the world of differenc!
Goodluck with your choice, look forward to seeing it!

[tezzastreasures]

SBZA. the only letters you need to know on a e3 maloo. all the hsv guys who have driven it with this added say that after an hour or 2 you don,t even bother checking your mirrors(not that i,m saying you shouldn,t). it is an added cost but if you buy a 20th anniv. i think they come standard.:xmas::xmas:

cheers terry

[2ajmanvell82]

SBZA. the only letters you need to know on a e3 maloo. all the hsv guys who have driven it with this added say that after an hour or 2 you don,t even bother checking your mirrors(not that i,m saying you shouldn,t). it is an added cost but if you buy a 20th anniv. i think they come standard.:xmas::xmas:

cheers terry

X2 would definately be a worthy option, u get used to them and I had no troubles but all the new tech coming out in the latest model u couldn't go wrong with.

[255-LS1]

if you want a good exhaust note, forget a cat back - you need a full system. Add a cam upgrade and you will be thinking its christmas.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

my thoughts after owning one from 3/5/08
dive it every day as it is my work vehicle

VISIONIS is BAD but you get used to it
blind spot on the sides when changing lanes is VERY scary all so
so make sure you get the blind spot sensor opt

about 18Lt to the 100km round town STOCK
22 BLOWN

MY TYRES HAVE LASTED 35,000 but i did strip and flip the rears at about 28,000 it usually has about 150kg in the back

i wouldn't pay the extra for the by modal unless you really like the sound and i think it only comes on at 4000 rpm up wards so most of the time it sounds stock :bawl: for big $$$
just but a 3"mild steel cat back on about $750 it will be all you need if you leave stock headers and cats on
if you change (them) it will get LOUD
IM TRYING TO QUINTEN MINE DOWN NOW
cant help with the towing tyre ware but i would think 150kg all the time would be worse then a boat now and again
the side skirts will buckle after a while so will the sail plain (warranty)
other wise i love it :)

[notorious_benny]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Sounds like tyre wear is much better than my turbo......the most k's I have managed on 18's is 22000 and that with rotations front to rear every 5k!!

I know to get the absolute best sound is to do cams and full exhaust...... But I just want a bit more volume than stock..... :)

I will be shopping properly in 3 weeks after I finish exams, we dont have a HSV dealer here in town so i need to travel 2 hours to test drive a maloo.

I know this is a Holden based forum but the other vehicles on my shopping list are an F6 sedan or new 5.0 GT.... I don't like the look of the FPV utes and I am not a huge fan of the look of the HSV sedans!!

The maloo seems to be the best bang for buck V8 but the F6 is cheap and effin fast!! Looking at prices it's between the F6 and the maloo..... the GT looks like it will be out of my price range........ I really want a V8 this time around so the maloo has its nose in front at the moment.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Sounds like tyre wear is much better than my turbo......the most k's I have managed on 18's is 22000 and that with rotations front to rear every 5k!!

I know to get the absolute best sound is to do cams and full exhaust...... But I just want a bit more volume than stock..... :)

I will be shopping properly in 3 weeks after I finish exams, we dont have a HSV dealer here in town so i need to travel 2 hours to test drive a maloo.

I know this is a Holden based forum but the other vehicles on my shopping list are an F6 sedan or new 5.0 GT.... I don't like the look of the FPV utes and I am not a huge fan of the look of the HSV sedans!!

The maloo seems to be the best bang for buck V8 but the F6 is cheap and effin fast!! Looking at prices it's between the F6 and the maloo..... the GT looks like it will be out of my price range........ I really want a V8 this time around so the maloo has its nose in front at the moment.

MATE IF YOU ARE LOOKING THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK BY THE GXP ute all the maloo gear except for the hard lid /side skirts/sailplain/ and maloo tail gate
so you have better visionand better clearance with the maloo front and guards engine gear box seats and dash $48k:)

[notorious_benny]

Nah the GXP looks a bit too povvo for me...... my limit is 70k driveaway, should be able to achieve that.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

no worries
but i have allways recioned that the maloo is a bit boofey from the cabin back sort of half panalvan half ute
but thats just me
what color are thinking ?

[notorious_benny]

Herron White or the Black ... .whatever the black its called are my favs.....

Coming from an Octane Orange car.... I like loud colours..... but I reckon the Maloo R8 is loud enough in any colour.

Will probably just hunt down something thats in stock ...

[dawkinsdisciple]

for the money, hard to go past the GXP unless your really keen on the E3 bits mentioned

sorry to hijack NB but i finally get to say this! I saw your car heading home from work on sunday at the kenny st/ray jones roundabout atomic, looks and sounds great mate! if you saw a guy gawking at you from a red SSV, that was me!

[2ajmanvell82]

Maloo's have the best looking toughness and unique look straight off the floor, the GXP is great for the dolars as far as running gear and being HSV but just doesn't have the same appeal as the full thing, looks like missing that something! And u want the brakes, trust me!! I had a supercharged black(phantom) one and loved it and miss it!!! But had to get sedan and have new white clubby and love both colours!! Black was awesome while I could wash it but white is crisp and easy to maintain now!
For 70k driveaway u should def be able to find a good D/Away deal!!
Exhaust wise I had full system cam supercharger on ute and they are so good for cabin noise the utes with right exhaust.
Catback is enough to not sound like reving shit out of engine and have a little note but.

If looking E2 u will prob find some good run out deals at the minute!
Goodluck with it!!

[notorious_benny]

for the money, hard to go past the GXP unless your really keen on the E3 bits mentioned

sorry to hijack NB but i finally get to say this! I saw your car heading home from work on sunday at the kenny st/ray jones roundabout atomic, looks and sounds great mate! if you saw a guy gawking at you from a red SSV, that was me!

My car ??:confused:

[dawkinsdisciple]

My car ??:confused:

no sorry mate, atomic's green maloo; have a look for it in the forum, its a very nice car!

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

no sorry mate, atomic's green maloo; have a look for it in the forum, its a very nice car!


cheers for that mate
i do recall a red SS the other day when we were coming home from work (rusty's markets) and it was raining so i was keeping an eye on the road :)
how loud is the maloo from the out side ?
sounds loud when you are driving with the windows down
cheers

[notorious_benny]

I didnt think you were talking about my car :)

[dawkinsdisciple]

no it was sunday arvo firing straight through the kenny st/ray jones drive roundabout on the north end of the road - you have 450 something plates don't you? figured theres not to many atomic maloos with a combination that sounded pretty close to yours...
it was a pretty awesome combination of cam, big exhaust and supercharger whine - even without the plates the old head would have snapped round. not too loud though, someone in the know'd know its definately no stocker!

to the OP, as nice as the new supercharged 5 litre in the falcon looks (despite the utes being pretty f*ck ugly), and i'd take it for a drive especially with the live axle being possibly better for towing, the maloos a pretty cohesive and unique thing. + on the other side of the coin, you get the IRS which sounds fine for towing from what people have said and when your not i'd imagine it'd be a damn sight more comfortable...

both have good points. personally, i'd cut the cash saved on a maloo, grab a GXP (the basics are all there) and pop a cam, tune and exhaust on it. then it'd REALLY sound like an 8 and go much better then it would stock... each to their own!

[notorious_benny]

Just dragging up this old thread .... looks like I have found a brand spanker E2 with leather, bi-modal and 20's !! Pretty stoked!!