VF SSV first drive a a few Q

[JDRSV]

Last week I got my first new car and my first V8:yahoo:
A VF SSV ute

Due to a crash on my race bike I was not able to have a drive until yesterday.

To put things in perspective I have been driving rusty old diesels for the last 15 years, and have not owned a car worth washing since 2001,
so a new car is a real treat that has been a long time coming

First off the motor is a gem, very flexible, I could let the revs come right down, saved a lot of painful gear changes due to busted ribs.
The gearbox shifts nice and short but a bit clunky, clutch is very light but has a bit of a dead feel, at first the gear changes were a bit rough especially 1st to 2nd
getting used to it though.

Brakes do not have as much bight as I guessed they would, but should improve when properly bedded in.
But they do have good feel.

Steering is great, very happy with how it feels, on the few times I have driven late model cars the steering felt strange, very light
and a little steering input resulted in not a lot happening, then a little bit more steering resulted in lots happening, they never felt linear,
but this things feels perfect.

interior is lovely, very nice, much better the the wet, smelly innards of my last car.
My mate who picked up the car for me from the dealer was not impressed by the plastics, and that they looked easily damaged, and I would have to agree,
there is already a small scuff near the drives kick panel.

My least favorite things is the delay from the throttle to the engine from closed throttle. It seams to only be at small throttle inputs but is definitely there.
Once the throttle is open it is fine, just makes taking off a bit more tricky.
I'm guessing it is a drive by wire system, can this be adjusted out?


A few questions about running in.
I'm an engine reconditioner by trade and have always run in my bikes and the engines I built years ago on mineral oil.
Changed at 100k then 1000k then change to synthetic oil
I asked the dealer service bloke about this as 15000 on a new motor before the first change is crazy IMHO and he claims they run synthetic from day 1
I asked if they run them in in the factory and he says yes.
I call BS! no way they would.
Is running in on mineral recommended for these engines?
also I 've never used an engine oil flush but heard good things about it, can I just add it to the oil and idle it for 10 min before dropping it,
or is it better to drop old oil add oil with the flush and drop again?
Any particular flush that is recommended.

Thanks

[Smitty]

Last week I got my first new car and my first V8:yahoo:
A VF SSV ute

Brakes do not have as much bight as I guessed they would, but should improve when properly bedded in.
But they do have good feel.

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

interior is lovely, very nice, much better the the wet, smelly innards of my last car.
My mate who picked up the car for me from the dealer was not impressed by the plastics, and that they looked easily damaged, and I would have to agree,
there is already a small scuff near the drives kick panel.
................

congrats... nice purchase

With the brakes, go and get an aftermarket set of pads (or a set of Holden 'police' pads) for the front brakes....
best $70-$100 you will spend and here is why (std on LH, new Ferodo on right)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/smitty1955/Car%20Pics/20120722_140020.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/smitty1955/media/Car%20Pics/20120722_140020.jpg.html)


and with the plastics, yes they look like they will scuff up ... but Mr Sheen is your friend, scuff marks disappear

[68LS1]

If you are really unhappy with brakes, maybe look at SSV Redline with Brembo brake upgrade.

As far as oil, I would leave alone, if you were to change and had an issue you may void warranty. I've now had 4 x LS engines cars that I have put on over 180,000 kms on each without a problem. All have had factory servicing.

Really impressed with my F Series driving dynamics, so much smoother I find

[Wonky]

Congrats on the purchase! I recently upgraded my front brakes (VE SSV ute) to the Redline Brembos and the more I drive with them the more rapt I am. In particular a group of us from another forum went on a cruise on the Australia Day weekend and the cruise involved about 25km of twisty, hilly stuff (great fun). The brakes bit time after time and gave me much more confidence than the standard brakes. Great upgrade!

[Micks]

Congrats on your new SSV, don't recommend using mineral oil period in any LS motor!! Use the best synthetic you can afford. I use penrite 10-70 though heard they maybe dropping it from their range.

[JDRSV]

Thanks for the replys
not unhappy with the brakes, just expected more, but have not tried them in anger yet.
Keen to try the pads smitty suggested before lashing out on upgrades.

Thanks for the oil advice.
Will not change to mineral but will drop it early and change it.
Asked the service bloke if I could do it with no problems with warranty
No prob, just use genuine stuff. He advised
so picking up genuine oil and filter tomorrow when they fix the window weather strip.

Yeah wonky sometimes I wonder if i should have stretched for a redline, convinced myself it was just a road car and it will not see a trackday and would not need the upgraded bits

any advice on the throttle delay? or is it just a quirk i will get used to?

Thanks

[Toddler78]

Thanks for the replys


any advice on the throttle delay? or is it just a quirk i will get used to?

Thanks


get the thing tuned, that will solve that problem.

I wouldn't think a engine flush would be required so early in its life. if anything Id drive the car like you stole it for the first 1500km then drop the oil and replace and enjoy the car.