So what to do now? VYII SS Wagon auto 220rwkw [Archive]

FrangaFry

02-01-2012, 06:24 PM

Howdy all, I have recently had a bit of a tickle up on my VYII SS Wagon by Chev's in Carrum (and I am VERY happy with it...... ) Chev and the crew have been nice enough to do the following for me:

Dus OTR CAI
Pacemaker Tri-Y's (Staineless)
2.5" Cat back (Stainless)
3.7.3 Diff change
Tune
Auto Tranny cooler
Various bushes replaced (steering arms, Diff cradle etc)

The outcome was a respectable 220 rwkw, a nicer driver and a bloody lovely noise coming out of the arse end........ ;-)

Since getting the above done, I have spent nearly every night of the last 3 or 4 weeks trawling forums and web sites 'dreaming' of future mods............... Yes, it has come to pass that (as prophesied by other members) I WANT SOME MORE!!!

So, I am now looking (read as dreaming....) at doing the following: I have told the wife I want a project and she didn't "sh1t can" the idea so.......

1. Brake upgrade - I have been looking around and I don't think I need to spend (actually I couldn't spend) 4 or 5k on brakes as I won't be doing any track work. So I am thinking PBR2's with 330/315 slotted rotors (or a second hand set of HSV brakes?) - plus I am not sure I want to spend extra bucks on bigger wheels and new tyres to fit over huge brakes....... but I really don;t know what my options are at the moment.... still learning..... some guidence would be appreciated....

2. Suspension change - I don 't want my car lowered but would like some shockers/springs and possibly sway bar upgrade(s)/added (Pedders can do a 'package' for about $1,800 to $2,000) but not sure what you guys would recommend as (once again) I really don't know what to look out for here. End of the day it won't see the track but I do live in the hills and do quite alot of hill driving and would like to get rid of that 'boat' feeling....

3. Cam and possibly head work - With my initial mods, I have 220rwkw and would like to push this up to 250 or 260rwkw without messing too much with the 'pig' factor. A little lump would be nice with a big dash of torque and i'm not that interested in top end power (but obviously still want that 'over taking' power available for those long country/highway drives).

4. Tranny 'toughen up' - My tranny is the standard VYII SS 4 spd Auto (with an added tranny cooler) and I have noticed that even with only 220rwkw, that it gets a big thump when going from 1st to 2nd and although I have been told that it should handle up to 300rwkw, I would love to know your thoughts (what can be done to this tranny to toughen it up and would it be worth it?) any ideas/experiences here would be appreciated....) I have also been told that I would need a stall converter fitted but this is totally foreign to me and I don't really understand why I need one and what the benefits/downside would be (I do tow with this car, not heaps, but I do throw the odd trailer on and the odd camper van)

At the end of the day I still don't want a fire breathing, petrol eating, lumpy bad boy, but rather some more 'shooozzzzzzsh' of the mark (read as 'torque......'), a nice driver (as it will still be my daily for some time to come....) with a bit more balls, that is tighter all round but with some stopping power and a tranny that will stand up to the odd thrash........

So sorry for the long winded questions. I will be talking to Chev about all of the above at some stage, but just wanted to find out some info first before I start sounding like d1ck.......

What do you think I would be looking at to achieve all of the above (cost wise) and labour will need to be a factor as I don't have the brains, skills, mates or tools to do any of the above myself.

I would very much appreciate any info/thoughts that you could share with me so that I can start to word the wife up......... ;-)

Thanks to all,

Wonky

02-01-2012, 06:56 PM

From memory the VZ Monaro and SSZs had slightly better brakes than standard that would probably do for what you want with some better pads and not be very dear secondhand.

For suspension I’d definitely contact the guys at Protek (Bridgestone) in Oakleigh. The owner (Black Diamond) and most of the guys who work there are on this forum and will give you absolutely no BS advice and do great prices, especially if you mention you are on the forum. BD doesn't get on here much now, so best to ring them. (03) 9569 0834

Head/cam is something to talk to Chev about – can’t really help you there but FWIW Chev is offering 15% discount on cam work over $3k for subscribers to his website if commenced before the end of March, so good time to be looking!

Chev can also adjust your trans so it no longer thumps into 2nd. Apart from that I’d leave it if/until it starts playing up and then look at a strengthening rebuild.

Tryhard

02-01-2012, 07:10 PM

Sounds like you have a good plan there,pbr do a pretty good break kit,I just have the twin piston with the slotted rotors and couldn't be happier with it and they still clear my 18" rims.,not sure on the 6 piston though. As for head and cam work,a cam is your best bang for buck mod,I really don't think you"ll need head work though to be honest,you will make small gains out of it but not much. At the end of the day it's up to you,speak to chev as he's doing the work and just tell him what you want and expect. My stock tranny was holding up to cammed and blown vy ss making 490 hp at the rears,that was pushing it to the limits though,it should be fine with just a cam,comes down to the tune but that's just my experience,speak to chev again and don't just take my word for it. Always speak to your engine builder/tuner to be on the safe side,good luck and don't catch the power monster.

FrangaFry

03-01-2012, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the info guys,

I have spoken to Protek today and a quick chat about options has revealed that a simple shocker change will most likely sort me out (if I am still unhappy then I can look at Whiteline sway bar replacement front and rear - sounds like a good price too - approx $650 installed). The suggestion for shocks was for Munro GT sports all round. I have since spoken to another mob and I can get the same shocks installed for $550. I also spoke to peders who suggested GSR replacements, but this would require springs to be replaced as well (which would lower the car 25mm as these don't support standard height in wagons - which I don't really want to do, especially given my exhaust hangs a little lower now......). So what are your thoughts on Munro GT sports all round? Any experience with these shocks?

Brakes:
- This is a real stumper, as my options seem VERY limited if I stick with 17" wheels.......... The general consensus I am getting from suppliers is that the PBR2's would not achieve the braking upgrade that I am after (as they are only 'marginally' better than the standard brakes?????); I have also looked into the Harrop 4 pot (Performance package - 343 rotters, 4 piston etc) but I am getting the same feedback from everyone I speak to - these were taken off the market due to 'squeel' which could not be resolved???? As a result, my options are growing slimer........ any suggestions, I am looking around for second hand HSV but good god these seem to go quick,,.,,,

Any advice???

Chee5rs,

FrangaFry

04-01-2012, 08:30 PM

Ok, after some 'deep thought', quite a few discussions with various re sellers, installers, work mates (and after a good hard talking to from the 'banker') I have decided that BIGGER is not necessarily better (sounds like sour grapes huh........... and seeing as I don't have the funds, you'd be right!)........ so to get me in the right direction without the wife leaving me, I have been convinced that the following will handle my daily (non track, average spirited hill driving) needs.

Koni Specials (standard height) to keep the ride height as standard.
DBA slotted Brake Disks (full set)
Bendix SRT Pads

I'm also considering braided brake hose(s) but not sure if this is overkill given the upgrade path I am taking (any advice/experience would be appreciated).

So, any thoughts on the above? (Plus, this also leaves me with some 'negotiating' room with the boss, when it comes time to talk cam upgrade .............. *cough*, I mean engine strengthening in the near future).

As always, thanks for your thoughts and replies, for a noob like me, they are invaluable......

;-)

xmas

04-01-2012, 08:48 PM

My 2c is your wasting your money on any brake work. Wait for bits to wear out replace what you have with something a bit better when the time comes. Ie. pads or rotors.

Your first post basically says you want a bit of everything....you don't track the car

In a few years sell that car and buy one with the work done and money lost by someone else.....

FrangaFry

05-01-2012, 08:02 AM

G'day xmas, I have spent the night thinking about what you have said above (as it is very valid), but a couple of things have driven me down this path (but I do understand what you are saying).

I love my wagon, and I have just made the decision to keep it for a few more years. The brakes that are on there now, are on their last machine (as they will be under tolerance when the next machine is due and would need to be replaced anyway). I honestly believe I need to do 'something' to my brakes, as I have already had a moment or 2 since the tune has been done (stepped too hard on the gas and when needed the brakes and suspension didn't pull me up as quick as I would have liked ........... I had to make the 'face' (you know the one, the oh-my-god face as you stamp on the brakes and they don't do what you hoped they would .......) so the suggested 'basic' brake and suspension mods should help this situation out (without the wife leaving me or me having to sell all my fishing gear to pay for it.....) - and YES I know, I probably shouldn't be going hard on the road (I don't do it very often, but it is nice to hear the roar and feel the grunt..... that is why we all do this yes?).

I know what you are saying about buying a car that has already been modded, but I have been down this path before (I was the proud recipient of the Peter Starr 'Starr Performance' VT GTS some years back and it was GREAT). I loved owning and driving this car (it had ALL the bells and whistles for it's day) but, I didn't do the mods or have any input into them, so it was sort of hollow. I also fell into the old 'it's too nice a car to drive and park where d1ckh...ds can damage it" trap and as such in the 5 years that I owned it, I only put about 25,000km on the clock (and most of this was interstate driving).......

So here I am, a few years down the track, I have a stock SS Wagon (which I adore) and I Just want to give it a little TLC and revive the driving love I had for it when I first got the car. The mods I want to do are not over the top, and yes all up, it will cost me a few grand but I think the car deserves it.

Appreciate your thoughts though buddy, as they DID make me re think what I am doing. But, on reflection, I am very comfortable outlaying a bit of coin to get back that 'want to go for a drive' feeling and also to give me a bit of piece of mind when I have the family in the car.

Sooooo, any thoughts on the braided brake line folks? Does this make an actual difference, or is this just pedal 'feel'.

Thanks again to all for comments and thoughts, they are ALL good.

;-)

dgp

05-01-2012, 06:18 PM

FrangaFry,
I have just removed the 330/315 HSV performance brakes from my VZ Clubsport and upgraded to the R8 spec AP's. I have not advertised them yet but send me a PM if you want any more info. I'm not sure if they will fit under 17's though.

surfwagon

05-01-2012, 06:51 PM

Re your suspension mods.
If you are staying with std FE2 springs then Monroe Gt sports will be too soft and you will find your front "diving" when coming off speed humps etc.
GT sports are designed to help make heavy duty lowered (lower than FE2) springs have a softer ride.
Monroe GT Gas are better suited to softer springs like FE2.
I tired GT Sports with my Senator but kept grounding the front spoiler coming off speed humps if I was travelling at anything more than a crawl.
I have Koni Yellow sports adjustables all round with the HSV springs now and I can negotiate most speed humps at close to normal speed like std cars.
I have also fitted 30mm and 18mm whiteline swaybars (up from HSV 28 + 14mm) and combined with the Koni's give me all the handling I need.
IMHO I would still upgrade your brakes to at least the HSV 330/315 setup like "dgp" is selling and couple thses with braided lines will give your wagon some nice brakes.

__________________________________________________ ____________
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

FrangaFry

05-01-2012, 07:17 PM

xmas

05-01-2012, 08:37 PM

I changed to pbr m series kit which is amazing..... Car stops twice as fast as it goes.... But to use their potential on the street is rare

The original 300mm 2 piston fronts and smaller 1 piston rears still worked fine with slotted rotors

Done suspension mods too and would recommend that ahead of brakes.

My car had a cam already plus bolt ons.....and I get to show off the hp on the street more than suspension and brakes lol, track is a different story

dgp

05-01-2012, 08:53 PM

PM sent buddy,

Just sent you an email (4MB) with pics and info.

Mick1

05-01-2012, 09:30 PM

surfwagon

06-01-2012, 10:13 AM

Both the early VT-VY HSV's brake upgrades, performance 330/315 and Harrops 343/315 fit under "HSV" VT-VY 17's but not all aftermarket 17's.

__________________________________________________ ____________
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

andrewslr

06-01-2012, 12:25 PM

Regarding suspension mods I had a VZ LS1 Berlina wagon (yep, a rarity) that I had the following suspension work done. On the front I had a set of TEIN coilovers fitted (height adjustable only) and superpro bushes. On the rear went a set of BOGE short body shocks and King low springs. The transformation was day and night and the car drove and rode beautifully and handled a dream, very flat when cornering and a very controlled feeling.

All the work was done by Nathan at Advantage Suspension in Moorabin. Parts, labour and alignment were well under $1900 at the time.

FrangaFry

15-01-2012, 10:27 PM

Thanks for all the good advice folks,

So, I am now the proud owner of a set of PBR2 330/315 HSV performance brakes (they are in bloody good nick too, thanks dgp ......... :dance: ) and they get fitted tomorrow along with a set of Koni yellows all round!! I am now thinking that a set of whiteline sway bars will be next (but will see what the Koni's are like first............. I hope I haven't gone too stiff ............ but we will see).

Next port of call will hopefully be a cam (and possibly head) package ............. nothing too aggressive, as I don't want to end up with a fuel spilling pig, but still want to get a few more herbs (with the emphasis on torque....). Hopefully all this will see me with a decent return of HP/Torque and a nice handling car with that extra bit of stopping power............ I still have my concerns about my tranny (standard A4) and have been looking around at 'options'... can I get your thoughts on something like this (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250969590658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649).

I know it will be over kill, but would something like this be tough enough to take a flogging for a few years (as more mods may be on the cards over the next year or so).

As always, thanks for your help and advice it has been extremely helpful!!!

V8BEER

17-01-2012, 03:43 AM

(as more mods may be on the cards over the next year or so).

sounds like someone has been biten power bug, say good bye to the bank account : )

FrangaFry

17-01-2012, 07:46 AM

sounds like someone has been biten power bug, say good bye to the bank account : )

Yep, I was warned about this by a few members .................. and the usual, "nah, all I want is a little bit extra out of the o'l girl........" was my reply (Ooooops). The minister of finance is 'Not Happy Jan".

zorro

17-01-2012, 08:44 AM

Upgrade brakes, swaybars and ASE T-800 turbo kit with fuel system. Get it tuned for low boost and when you ready push it a bit higher. Win win

surfwagon

17-01-2012, 08:51 AM

You won't go wrong fitting bigger swaybars with that combination you already fitted, very similar to my combo.
Don't go to big with your cam unless you want to change other things like diff ratios and stall converters as well, something around 215-220inlet/218-223outlet would work fine with all the std gear.

__________________________________________________ __________
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

FrangaFry

17-01-2012, 12:58 PM

You won't go wrong fitting bigger swaybars with that combination you already fitted, very similar to my combo

Great minds must think alike :wave: ......... I have already organized to get a 30mm Whiteline installed on the front and an 18mm Whiteline installed at the back at the same time as my brakes and shockers are being done (should get it back by Thursday) .... having said that, I think handling is now DONE and DUSTED..... Now my Michelin PS3's will be nicely complemented ........ (I love my Michelin's :driving: )

Now, just need to move a few things on E-bay to get me some more folding (at least the wife won't be too un happy with that!!!) :cool:

dgp

17-01-2012, 06:15 PM

FrangaFry

27-01-2012, 01:10 PM

Ok, so i'm a very happy camper!!!!

Have not had a chance to post for a bit, as I have been on a short break with the wife and ruggy. Have just had the following added to my ongoing project and boy has it made a difference (and looks pretty damn sweet too):

- HSV PBR2 (330/315) Brake upgrade - and it's sooooo sweet! (Again, many thanks DGP, you ARE the man buddy!)
- 30mm Whiteline Swaybar (front)
- 18mm Whiteline Swaybar (rear)
- Koni adjustable 'Yellow' shocks (front and rear)

The above was all fitted by Dean from Motorspot Esentials in Mulgrave and he has done a great job, this little huckleberry is VERY happy with the results so far.......

So, next step is to do some more research and then head back to see Chev about where to go next........... amaizingly enough the wife is being VERY good about this whole 'mid life' crisis of mine and I am yet to be served divorce papers ............... Loving every minute though, and my car is a pure pleasure to drive once again.....

Hope to have more updates in the near future.

Thanks to all so far with the abundance of great advice and help.

FrangaFry

01-02-2012, 10:28 PM

Howdy all, your probably all sick to death of me rabbiting on (but none of my mates are interested the boring old farts .... :eeeeek: ...... so I am going to waffle on here a bit more).

I popped down to Chevs the other day to get my Auto changes tweaked (thanks for the advice Wonky...) and while I was there I thought I would chat to Chev about some Cam/Head changes that I was ready to pull the trigger on, (as I really want a bit more torque out of my LS1...... yep, I am well and truly bitten, so please don't re read the start of this thread.... :diddy: as I was quite obviously delusional...) as usual Chev was a bloody wealth of information and given the fact I didn't want to go down the High Stall option as well, he pretty much talked me out of any Cam work (big bucks for not what I want to achieve at the end of the day - really don't want a pig to drive).

Got home that night, feeling 'pleased' with myself..... god knows why (indulgent bastard that I am...) and set about 'thinking' about the discussion I had that arvo down at Chev's :yup:

The wife gets home and I blurt out ..... "I have worked out what I want to do with my car babe..." - PAUSE.................

"Oh god what now?" was the response, and throwing caution to the wind, I babble out ..... "Super Charge my car" ......... BANG off goes the ranga :bash: (I DO love my wife) ............. I wait a little for her to calm down (actually it was more than a little, but no pain, no gain...) and we then proceed to politely discuss the matter over dinner and the rest of the night............... (although for a spell there, my little girl really thought she was getting new dad.......).

So here I am, a couple of days later, ready to drop a largish deposit off to Chev for a new Harrop HTV1900 kit (+ new fuel pump and springs)................... OMFG am I just a little bit touched...... I am 44 years old and looking forward to 'instant throw back in the seat throttle response....... out of my old girl" (the wagon, not the wife....... although........)

Now, this makes me think of a thread I recently read on here where a young fella is agonizing over a House Deposit vs Blower decision............... someone on there (much wiser than me) siad something similar to: "get the house under your belt first and THEN you can have all the toys you want......" - Well, I can attest to the fact, that is bloody good advise .... I am not a rich man by any means, be we don't owe a bloody cent to anyone and as such, I can do stuff just like this and still sleep at night (although ask me that again once my Auto blows second gear and I am having to explain to the wife that when I said "this is it babe, its the last thing I want to do...", well what I really meant was.......)

This forum is a VERY dangerous place .............. it was only just before Christmas that all I wanted was a "little tickle up....."

Loving every minute...................

Thanks to all and sorry for the long babble ....................

FrangaFry

03-02-2012, 08:32 PM

Plonked the deposit down today and will be dropping my car off to Chev on Monday (you little beauty!!!). :yahoo:

By Thursday next week, I should have my torque monster back.......... I seriously hope my A4 tranny (with tranny cooler - and NOTHING else) holds up for a least a couple of months :hide: ............ fingers crossed!!!

v8dude78

09-03-2012, 10:22 PM

Mate nice to meet you tonight :driving::nyuk:

Awesome looking wagon and sounds very nice :drool: that blower wine is unbelievable :drool:

Wonky

09-03-2012, 10:45 PM

What does it make now with blower? Assume the A4 has been strengthened now? :confused:

VTLS1BOI

10-03-2012, 12:24 AM

Awesome thread and a great read!!! Love your work Buddie

V8BEER

10-03-2012, 01:27 AM

glad to hear your enjoying yourself, wish i could get a blower for my wagon - maybe one day

FrangaFry

12-03-2012, 09:07 PM

Mate nice to meet you tonight :driving::nyuk:

Awesome looking wagon and sounds very nice :drool: that blower wine is unbelievable :drool:

G'day V8dude78 (G - man), yeah it was a blast catching up, really nice to meet you and the missus bud. "Ditto" about your ride mate, looks sweet and sounds great!!! Sorry haven't managed to reply back, just got home from a weekend away (when we caught up the other night, I was actually heading home from the holiday house as the missus forgot the ruggies medicine, so had to dash back home and then back to Rye............ Doh! - was worth it, me thinks though :driving: .....)

Hope to catch up again some day though........

What does it make now with blower? Assume the A4 has been strengthened now? :confused:

G'day Wonky, the wagon now pushes just on 310 rwkw and I looooooove it, the torque from a standing start is just what I was after (don't want silly speeds out of the old girl, but DO want the 'G- Force' blast though........ and I rek'n Chev has given me just that!!!

Top Work Chev!!! :goodtime:

Chev has been fantastic with my wagon and I love the result (might have to consider a mild'ish blower cam at some stage though........ :evil:...........)

So here is where I am at since starting my little journey waaaaaay back in Dec 2011 *cough*............

I now have a not so stock (but looks it still.....) VYII SS Wagon with decent stopping power, great handling, good looks and the 'go' to match.

In conjunction with the HTV1900 package (springs, 60lb injectors and upgraded in tank fuel pump) that Chev sorted for me, we also gave the A4 tranny a nice rebuild. Had a few issues with the new 3.73 Diff center along the way but this was all sorted by Chev without any dramas (again, thanks Chev, love your work buddy!).

So, just got home after spending a weekend away with the old girl and I could NOT be happier with the end result. Blew a tank of fuel, half highway driving half day tripping and got about 13.5lt/100 so I was VERY happy with this.

I think the biggest buz I have got out of doing all of this (besides the end result... :driving:) was on Friday when I picked the car up after the final tune ..................... I was talking to Chev about stroker packages and he basically told me something on lines of "you don't need to anything else to the Wagon mate, as its already a great package" and you know what, he's is right, I always wanted to keep her as a daily 'family' car with a bit more stopping power, better handling (without going silly), something that sounded great, had a heap of torque and was still 'nice to drive'.............

(Ok, prepare for the gushing.....) Thanks to Chev and some great members on this forum I have actually managed to get 'exactly' what I wanted out of this process and I seriously could not be happier. At nearly every steps of this process I expected the wife to lower the boom (as it's not a cheap thing to do once you get 'the bug') but here I am still married, but allot less poorer in the 'brownie points' stakes..........

The best thing about all of this is, I can put around and the wagon looks, sounds and drives like it is stock, but if the foot goes down (just a little mind....) I have the instant throttle response that puts a smile on your face.......

Loving every second!

Thanks to all that have helped.....

Last step from here, more than likely a little cam upgrade (but as with everything else, nothing over the top) - I will hopefully post some pics on here in the next couple of days (gota give the o'l girl some TLC first though...)

FrangaFry

13-03-2012, 09:13 PM

.....................

FrangaFry

13-03-2012, 10:17 PM

For those that might be interested, here are some pics of my Wagon and a list of mods done:

http://s923.photobucket.com/albums/ad72/frangafry/?albumview=slideshow

Mods so far for my VYII SS Wagon (2004) 5.7ltr Auto

- Pacemaker Tri-Y's Headers (Stainless)
- Pacemaker Hi flow Cats (Stainless)
- Pacemaker 2.5" Exhaust (Stainless)
- 3.73 Diff Gears (OEM)
- HSV PBR2 (Front 330/Rear 315) Brake upgrade
- 30mm Whiteline Swaybar (front)
- 18mm Whiteline Swaybar (rear)
- Koni adjustable 'Yellow' shocks (front and rear)
- Peders Castor Bar Bush replace
- Peders Radius Rod Bush replace
- OEM Diff Cradle Bush replace
- OEM Diff Cradle Insulator replace
- Harrop HTV1900 10lb Blower kit
- Walbro Performance In tank Fuel Pump
- Pro Pac LS Beehive Valve Springs
- Pin Balancer
- 60lb Injectors
- A4 Tranny re build (3/4 Drum Capsule, Mod Valve Body & Seperator Plate, Beast Drive Shell, Mod 3/4 Accumulator & Boost Valve, Convertor)
- A4 Tranny Cooler
- 17" Michelin Pilot Sport 3's all round (235/45 17")

Currently 310rwkw and approx 680nm torque

It's no 'Street Machine' but I could not be happier with the O'l Girl..............

I really would like to complete the job with a small'ish blower cam and then call it quits................... but watch this space!!

V8BEER

14-03-2012, 01:29 AM

Thought about some bigger rims?

gigantor

14-03-2012, 03:26 AM

looks very nice mate. i bet she sounds good with the blower

surfwagon

14-03-2012, 07:38 AM

Wonky

14-03-2012, 02:09 PM

And you have upgraded the whole car not just the engine like so many do and you have gone with proven mods that work and still allow you to drive the car just like normal.
Great work.

+1 :goodjob:

FrangaFry

15-03-2012, 09:07 PM

I love how you have put this together, a real stealth machine.
Yes I know its an SS wagon but with std SS 17's on it no one would know what lies underneath.
And you have upgraded the whole car not just the engine like so many do and you have gone with proven mods that work and still allow you to drive the car just like normal.
Great work.

Thanks Surfwagon, I am stoked with the result, although every time "Mr Powlice" drives past me, my sphincter does tighten just a little..............

In all honesty, although I always wanted a stock'ish daily with extra low down, I really could have got carried away with over the top mods (read as lumpy arse cam and stroked fuel pig) that would have seen my wife very unhappy with me, but it is a credit to Chev that he kept me on track achieving my initial desire to keep it a 'family' car (with punch....). I can't recommend Chev's enough, he's an honest no BS sort of bloke that won't try to p1ss in your pocket or sell you something you don't need...... I'll be back at Chev's soon enough for the final cam change I think and then for my regular servicing.

v8commodore

15-03-2012, 10:04 PM

Wonky

16-03-2012, 01:34 AM

Hey vx ss 5.7 here, cam wise I just went normal route 232/234 standard heads auto 4 into 1 shorty extractors twin 2.5 280rwkw nice and lumpy tuned by wilkinshaw performance my wife can drive it around town so easy its actually easy to drive and cheaper on fuel normal driving conditions then when it was dead standard.

To be honest I suspect that's a happy dyno as to get 280rwkw from a cammed 5.7 auto with only shorty extractors and standard heads is really stretching it. Stock converter? Who's Wilkinshaw Performance? You mean Walkinshaw? :confused:

v8commodore

16-03-2012, 11:49 AM

it was a dyno dynamics heads where rebuilt standard cause had to change lifters they just raised comp up a bit 3000 stallie rev limit set to 6800. it did only have 306rwhp before cam went in around 342rwhp after cam but lifters where stuffed so they changed them with magnum pro lifters and yeh just comp. I have been to another place and it came in there at 279rwkw with dyno dynamics to. The power seems to feel around that area. Extractors are genie 4 into 1 shorties. Wasnt really to happy on the 342rwhp at first.

FrangaFry

18-02-2013, 10:40 PM

Howdy folks, as none of my family or friends are interested :sleep:, I thought I would take the opportunity of boring you all and updating this thread with the latest changes to my beloved VYII SS Wagon.

As you may have gathered from reading this thread (or the multitude of others that I have pestered you fine folk with :1peek:), it wasn't that long ago that I started with the standard bolt on mods to give me a little bit "extra". At the time I managed to convince the wife to let me spend just 'a bit' of our hard earned on my daily to help give me that 'wanna go for a drive' SMILE again (I had owned my Wagon since new and it was BOG standard and although nice to drive, after nearly a decade it was getting a tad boring).

As you may have also read/gathered, the wife was VERY accommodating over the next 18 months or so ............ although, I think the jig is finally up (or so I have been told anyway .....); But, here I am sitting in my lounge reflecting over the last couple of days, having recently picked my car up from Chev's once again :woot:.

Having plotted and planned and scrimped and saved over the last 12 months, I had once again managed to gather enough brownie points with the minister of finance and war to contemplate doing 'just a little bit more'

So, when deciding on my 'wish' list for Chev (which 'in my head' consisted of low compression stroked forged 6ltr iron blocks with all the bells and whistles, GForce rear ends, Trutracs and built 4l80e's ................. pfffffft I really am a dreaming lunatic - like the wife was ever gunna let THAT happen...), I ended up (once again) with a pretty 'tried and true' list of mods (thanks as always Chev for slapping me into reality.......... AND keeping me married..) to give me a little bit more 'mid range', smoooooth out the gear changes and address some of those niggling little crappy bangs and clunks that develop in your drive line with 309rwkw, 680nm of torque and 30,000 extra km's.

Clive custom cam
Push Rods to match
2800 High Stall (lock up)
B&M Deep pan
10% Overdrive pulley
New OEM rear drive shafts
Replace Nolathane bushes in rear with OEM
Replace belts
Braided brake lines

With all of the above and some mods to the intake and a tweak the tune to match, Chev and Shaun ended up handing me back my wagon with a "screaming" 350rwkw and well over 700nm of torque (say goodbye tranny..... DOH!)

Well, god damn, I picked my car up on Friday night and have purposely NOT jumped on line to gush since then, as I wanted to really settle into these changes first, as the above mods have once again completely changed the way my car drives and responds to the 'angry foot'. The drive line seems so much smoother now and although I wanted (initially) to keep my wagon as stealth as possible, the 'lope' from the cam (which is not huge, but 'juuuuuust right') and the whine from the blower with grooved belts and the extra boost during mid range is just freak'n insane.

Once again, Chev (and not to forget Shaun here) have delivered 'exactly' what it is I wanted from my ride. Those guys are bloody legends and I can not be happier with the results or recommend their services or advise highly enough. So now I am the proud owner of a blown and cammed VYII SS Wagon (in pretty bloody good nick too I might add) that handles magnificently, goes like a scolded cat and stops pretty quickly when I need it to and still may fly 'a little' under the radar (as long as I can refrain from being an idiot that is, after all I am old you know ......).

Now just to wait for the sun roof to go in ..................

This place really is quite dangerous..... *wink*

FrangaFry

19-02-2013, 03:26 PM

And for those that are interested, here are the Dyno results for each of my build stages:

Standard bolt on gear:
http://s923.beta.photobucket.com/user/frangafry/media/220rwkw.jpg.html (http://s923.beta.photobucket.com/user/frangafry/media/350rwkw.jpg.html)

HTV1900 + Springs and Fuel system:
http://s923.beta.photobucket.com/user/frangafry/media/309rwkw.jpg.html

Cam/Rods/High Stall:
http://s923.beta.photobucket.com/user/frangafry/media/350rwkw.jpg.html (http://s923.beta.photobucket.com/user/frangafry/media/309rwkw.jpg.html)

All credit to Chev and Shaun from Chev's Performance - Do yourself a favor and rock down and go see these fellas if you are on the mod path - they'll see you right, that's for certain!!! (but, as most on here are already aware, BE WARNED, mods are like pringles .......... once you pop, you can't stop......)

Chev, you are STILL my god :kneel:

FrangaFry

21-02-2013, 08:09 PM

Well, i'm sorry, I am sure you don't want to here it, but, I LOVE MY WAGON............:chuckapproves:

Begin GUSHING:
Sun Roof went in and cruising with 350rkwk complete with high stall, nice sedate rock and rumble with the cam and the WHINE of the blower is just pure sex!!!l ...

The stall has completely changed the way power is delivered and it is just a dream when you give it a good stab....... still getting used to the higher revving under 3000 (high stall is a new thing to me), but boy does it punch it out when you mean it.... it's a complete revelation and has taken my wagon to a completely different level (the higher revving even helps keep the speed down when cruising ...... that's a bonus I didn't expect). Lastly, fuel usage is not too bad with a a week of trips on a very busy Monash plus cruising around giving me under 20lt per 100.

Thanks Chev, and thanks Shaun!!!!
End GUSHING:

I do feel like a boy racer :nyuk: some times though because of the high revs and whine, but you get that........... and I really don't care at the moment :nyuk: ............... it's just sooooooooo good!

Sorry about that but just needed tell 'someone' :eyes: