Maccas VX HSV GTS

[Maccas]

Hi All,

As some may know I have just taken ownership of one of my dream cars a HSV VX GTS.

Some details:

Model: VX HSV GTS
Build Date: 2000
Build Number: 24
Colour: Panther Mica
Motor: C4B LS1 with Callaway Enhanced Heads and Cam Shaft
Power: 300kw at the Fly, Factory
Brakes: Harrop - Fronts 343mm and Rears 315mm 4 pots
Diff: Hydratrac LSD with 3.91 ratio
Seats : Coulsons

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20160211_110004_zpspimtyslh.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20160211_110004_zpspimtyslh.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20160211_110017_zpsewmqfawr.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20160211_110017_zpsewmqfawr.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20160211_101758_zps1wxum6ov.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20160211_101758_zps1wxum6ov.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20160210_192821_zpsim7vjp27.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20160210_192821_zpsim7vjp27.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20160210_113524_zpsfcwyfsgo.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20160210_113524_zpsfcwyfsgo.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20160210_113519_zpsoc6iut2y.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20160210_113519_zpsoc6iut2y.jpg.html)

[BLACK 346]

I would have thought being a VX it would be Phantom Mica vice the VT1 and earlier Panther? Or has it been resprayed? Nice ride regardless.

[white lie]

Pretty sure Panther made a brief come back around 2000 before being phased out.

Looks like a nice ride. Any plans for it?

[BLACK 346]

Pretty sure Panther made a brief come back around 2000 before being phased out.

Looks like a nice ride. Any plans for it?

Fcku me dead if you aint correct. Never knew that. Surely that would make this one rare VX GTS?

GENERAL MOTORS HOLDEN PANTHER MICA K009 2000 - METALLIC

[csv rulz]

Very Nice, my dream car is a VT II GTS.

[whitels1ss]

Very nice car mate:goodjob:

[JT]

Nice car Macca. Hate to tell you but this is Phantom Mica not Panther

[C4B]

Welcome to the club.

[Maccas]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your comments, it is probably Phantom Mica, just got mixed up as my old ute was panther mica, haha.

Am absolutely loving it so much more fun to drive and feels like a lot tighter car than my VE sportwagon i just got rid of and the GTS is 16yo lol.

Plans for it in the future are very minimal atm, will get a tune pretty soon and some nitto invo tyres, but here are a few bigger ones down the track:

- Exhaust, standard is better than most nice and deep but just not enough burble for me
- Stereo upgrade as im a big music man
- Maybe a slight lower only in the front rear sits spot on, but def dont want to loose the cars handling characteristics
- Baby Cam, lifters and springs
- Maybe an OTR but from what ive heard the GTS setup is pretty damn good stock


Cheers

Maccas

[white lie]

What's the paint code? If it's 609F/KO25 it's Phantom which is more than likely

[Maccas]

Will have to wait to get the car back from the mechanic, during the roadworthy they found the rear donut was shagged, and the center bearing, and the diff pinion seal was leaking so failed, so now its in getting all fixed up ready to play.

Cheers

Maccas

[jaykay]

Will have to wait to get the car back from the mechanic, during the roadworthy they found the rear donut was shagged, and the center bearing, and the diff pinion seal was leaking so failed, so now its in getting all fixed up ready to play.

Cheers

Maccas

Doesn't the seller have to provide a roadworthy certificate down there ?

[tascalais]

Doesn't the seller have to provide a roadworthy certificate down there ?
Can be sold with or without rwc at buyers risk.

[tascalais]

Very nice looking car though maccas, she'll be back on the road in no time

[Maccas]

Doesn't the seller have to provide a roadworthy certificate down there ?
I bought it off the father in law at a good price so i said i would sought the roadworthy, he has always look after it really well and to drive there were no vibrations or anything, so when they found this i was surprised so getting it sorted.

[whitels1ss]

I bought it off the father in law at a good price so i said i would sought the roadworthy, he has always look after it really well and to drive there were no vibrations or anything, so when they found this i was surprised so getting it sorted.

Plenty of workshops use their roadworthy license to create extra income
it's not often they just pass first time without finding a couple of jobs for themselves to make a little extra money from.

[Maccas]

Plenty of workshops use their roadworthy license to create extra income
it's not often they just pass first time without finding a couple of jobs for themselves to make a little extra money from.
Yeah hard to find some decent shops these days that dont want to screw u over! Oh well they didnt get my work i went to a mates shop to get it sorted

[BLACK 346]

Yeah hard to find some decent shops these days that dont want to screw u over! Oh well they didnt get my work i went to a mates shop to get it sorted

Pretty easy to check if the donut is stuffed. I was replacing the tailshaft donut on my H+C VT2 SS probably every couple of years, they don't last long.

[Maccas]

Well the code is k025 as per the compliance plate

[white lie]

That's Phantom, not Panther. I think it's a better colour anyway, the green mica comes out in the sunlight rather than being all black

[Maccas]

Yeah i had Panther Mica in my VS ute, to which it had no green in it! But it was a rare VS SS III

[Maccas]

Well i finally got around to detailing the GTS and am very happy with the results considering where the car started.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184134_zpslraxrknx.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184134_zpslraxrknx.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184126_zpsnggd1cup.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184126_zpsnggd1cup.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184019_zps5fwmm1e6.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184019_zps5fwmm1e6.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184010_zps7lvmstnk.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184010_zps7lvmstnk.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184143_zpsb9lifsjw.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184143_zpsb9lifsjw.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184148_zpsfojzx9e3.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184148_zpsfojzx9e3.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184207_zpsmnnscwpi.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160303_184207_zpsmnnscwpi.jpg.html)

Few things left to tidy up now:
- Engine bay detail
- Some stitching in the drivers seat
- Map pocket on the passenger drivers seat
- Front bar realigned
- Probably putting a Duspeed OTR on it too.

Cheers

Maccas

[rodders188]

The VX GTS looked a way nicer car than the earlier VT2 GTS,

[Maccas]

Yeah for sure, they have always been my favourite HSV along with the GTS Coupes.

[Red-SSV]

nice car Macca, looks smik after your detailing mate. wrapt you got the car you wanted...cheers Ray.

[duke5700]

Looking good Macca, possibly my favourite ever HSV.

[Maccas]

Well its happened the good old C4B valve springs have broken in the GTS. Started the car after work tuesday was rough as, changed plugs and leads still shit house. So off came the valve covers to find 2 broken springs. Time for the fun to begin. Going to be doing cam and heads and make the GTS really come alive.

Cheers Maccas

[white lie]

Bugger...but at least you caught it relatively early. Hopefully there isn't too much damage inside but they have been known to be somewhat of a 'silent assassin'

[jaykay]

Well its happened the good old C4B valve springs have broken in the GTS. Started the car after work tuesday was rough as, changed plugs and leads still shit house. So off came the valve covers to find 2 broken springs. Time for the fun to begin. Going to be doing cam and heads and make the GTS really come alive.

Cheers Maccas

Not good to hear. How many kms on the clock ? Good luck with the upgrades...

[Maccas]

Engine was originally rebuilt by Hsv at 60XXXkms and has now done 128xxxkms. Not ideal but lucky it was when out in the middle of no where

[Wonky]

Engine was originally rebuilt by Hsv at 60XXXkms and has now done 128xxxkms. Not ideal but lucky it was when out in the middle of no where

Was not???? :confused:

[Micks]

Was not???? :confused:
Gaz could have been rebuilt with the C4B OEM spares which would be a problem :nono:

[Maccas]

Here are the rebuild invoices

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184409_zpsh73irk1f.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184409_zpsh73irk1f.jpg.html)

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184414_zpssjjg2epo.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184414_zpssjjg2epo.jpg.html)

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184420_zps5rx8owzj.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184420_zps5rx8owzj.jpg.html)

Apparently was about $19000 if wasnt under warranty

[white lie]

Gaz could have been rebuilt with the C4B OEM spares which would be a problem :nono:
I thought he was saying "it was lucky it was not out in the middle of nowhere" rather than claiming it wasn't rebuilt. Original sentence sounded suss to me as well.

But a rebuilt wouldn't mean anything, as you say, would be rebuilt with the same shithouse parts. 60-100kms was usually when they went so it was just a ticking bomb. Hopefully the damage isn't too extensive

[HSV Listy]

Still extraordinary they used the same crap parts even with so many failures. $19k for q rebuild so yep the same callaway rip off crap sold to hsv

Glad it was not too bad and good luck with the repairs and power upgrades.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wonky]

Gaz could have been rebuilt with the C4B OEM spares which would be a problem :nono:

Sorry Mick, Ben said
............ but lucky it was when out in the middle of nowhere

so my response was to him to say I assume you meant "lucky it was not when out in the middle of nowhere!!"

You're right that if it had been rebuilt with C4B OEM spares then :nutkick:

[jaykay]

Here are the rebuild invoices

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184409_zpsh73irk1f.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184409_zpsh73irk1f.jpg.html)

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184414_zpssjjg2epo.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184414_zpssjjg2epo.jpg.html)

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184420_zps5rx8owzj.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160411_184420_zps5rx8owzj.jpg.html)

Apparently was about $19000 if wasnt under warranty

A lot of issues for a 49,000km car...hope you get it sorted quickly and not too expensively....

[PeterS]

Thanks for the info Macca, I'll be following this.
Hope I'm not hijacking your thread (as it is in the same vein) but my VX GTS has only gentle 25k on it & is still bog standard, so I guess that I should replace the springs before they break. Any suggestions on what else should be done (not after increase in performance, it's just the wifes toy).
Cheers.

[HSV Listy]

Thanks for the info Macca, I'll be following this.
Hope I'm not hijacking your thread (as it is in the same vein) but my VX GTS has only gentle 25k on it & is still bog standard, so I guess that I should replace the springs before they break. Any suggestions on what else should be done (not after increase in performance, it's just the wifes toy).
Cheers.

There is another thread on the callaway gts issues so lots of info on that. The metal or metal treatment is the cause. Springs crack, pushrods wear and the cam lobes pit badly. I have a photo in my photobucket somewhere (3000photos) of what the cams look like after the wear happens. Basically tiny pit holes all over the lobes.

[macca_779]

There is another thread on the callaway gts issues so lots of info on that. The metal or metal treatment is the cause. Springs crack, pushrods wear and the cam lobes pit badly. I have a photo in my photobucket somewhere (3000photos) of what the cams look like after the wear happens. Basically tiny pit holes all over the lobes.

Like this

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Head%20and%20Cam%20Install/IMG_0185_zps32fc2bee.jpg

[Maccas]

Well the GTS has been moved to my new place, once i finish moving this week i have organised a few mates to come round and help me to start stripping the motor down to see if there is anymore damage.

The heads will be taken to a local shop to be machined, looking at taking about 0.070 off them

Cam am going with 216/226 .598" 112LSA

And hopefully just springs, lifters and pushrods as the motor only has 128XXXkms on it.

Cheers

Maccas

[white lie]

Some good pics/info in here....
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=101031

The one with 70k on the clock is somewhat scarey!

[Micks]

Well the GTS has been moved to my new place, once i finish moving this week i have organised a few mates to come round and help me to start stripping the motor down to see if there is anymore damage.

The heads will be taken to a local shop to be machined, looking at taking about 0.070 off them

Cam am going with 216/226 .598" 112LSA

And hopefully just springs, lifters and pushrods as the motor only has 128XXXkms on it.

Cheers

Maccas

Reckon the parts you identified above will sort your engine woes :goodjob:

[Maccas]

Well the motor is pretty much all stripped down now, this weekend the cam etc will be out.

So far so good on damage only minor damage to some of the rollers, will be interesting to see the cam condition. Pistons seem find no issues there.

Cheers

Maccas

[johnv]

70thou is a lot off the heads, It may cause inlet manifold alignment problems and tight piston to valve clearences with a decent size cam.
I wouldn't take much more than 20 thou off.

[Maccas]

Well i finally got the cam out, on the upside the cam isnt to bad but some small scores. On the down side it looks like the cam bearings are shagged, so looks like the engine is coming out completely!

Cheers

Ben

[jaykay]

Not good to hear Ben...but I guess you can pick what you do to it now

[Maccas]

Yeah isnt ideal but am gonna pull the engine out and door all the bearing and clean everything else up!http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160427/1f675944d44df497620920a96470b40a.jpg

[VBhero]

70thou is a lot off the heads, It may cause inlet manifold alignment problems and tight piston to valve clearences with a decent size cam.
I wouldn't take much more than 20 thou off.

Are you for real? 20thou?
30 - 50 thou is quite common and no drama.

[Smashfist]

Those cam bearings are quite shagged. I've got an LS3 apart in the workshop at the moment that aren't half as bad as that.

[johnv]

Are you for real? 20thou?
30 - 50 thou is quite common and no drama.

Just speaking from experience, bought a set of heads with 50 thou off, and with a 0.605" lift cam I had piston to valve clearance issues, well under recommended minimum, and inlet manifold port alignment was not ideal.

[Micks]

My estimate at 70 with stock pistons is a comp of about 12:1, what are you chasing?

[Maccas]

Remember the GTS is lower compression than a standard LS1, think from memory their 9.8 or 9.9:1. We had figured it would give around the 11.2:1 compression with 70 thou off the heads.

[Micks]

Remember the GTS is lower compression than a standard LS1, think from memory their 9.8 or 9.9:1. We had figured it would give around the 11.2:1 compression with 70 thou off the heads.

Ok you should be looking 80thou PTV with that cam then.

[macca_779]

Just speaking from experience, bought a set of heads with 50 thou off, and with a 0.605" lift cam I had piston to valve clearance issues, well under recommended minimum, and inlet manifold port alignment was not ideal.

Lift means very little when factoring in PTV. Duration and advance have far more of an influence.

[macca_779]

My estimate at 70 with stock pistons is a comp of about 12:1, what are you chasing?

It will be about 11.2:1 with 70 off giving ~60cc chamber. Sure as shit won't be anywhere near 12:1. Not sure where you are getting that info from mate.

[macca_779]

Ok so for all the experts who think that 70 thou off a 241 head is crazy talk here is some data to show why its hardly a big deal.

Stock LS1

66cc chamber 10.15:1 comp

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Head%20and%20Cam%20Install/stock20ls1_zpses9m8626.jpg

Stock C4B head

I didn't know the chamber vol of the C4B head so I worked my way backwards based off a 9.95:1 SCR getting a 68.4cc chamber

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Head%20and%20Cam%20Install/c4b_zps0ys9cc9g.jpg

So based on that info when I speced this build I was aiming for mid 11's for the SCR so taking into consideration it takes .007" off a head to drop 1cc (.005 if its off the block which i think might be why people are freaking out) I wanted to drop it 10cc. Hence 70thou. Its also going to be using LS2 gaskets which are a 4.020 bore which takes a little bit away ~.08:1 difference

The end result should be around about this. which is no big stretch what so ever. If anything I'd like to go more, but lets not push the friendship with the heads to much.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Head%20and%20Cam%20Install/70thou%20ls2%20gasket_zpsbahcvxxw.jpg

[Micks]

Yes I was a little overzealous in my calculation, the dynamic figure will be lower than static comp ;)

[Maccas]

Well the motor has been dropped off to get some meat taken off the heads and new bearings installed throughout the engine. Then the go fast parts will be installed and bring her back to life.
Cant wait to have it back on the road have been missing driving it!

[jaykay]

Hurry up already :p

[Maccas]

Hahaha trust me John, it feels like its taking forever, but will be worth the wait!

While the engine is away im going to get in and clean up the engine bay as it was filthy and my OCD can't take it any longer hahaha.

[jaykay]

So is it finished now???? :stick:

[Maccas]

next weekend is build weekend!!! cant wait

[Micks]

Hahaha trust me John, it feels like its taking forever, but will be worth the wait!

While the engine is away im going to get in and clean up the engine bay as it was filthy and my OCD can't take it any longer hahaha.
Nows the time to do it as well replacing any of those hard to get at niggling things whilst the donk is out too. :goodjob:

[Maccas]

Worst thing is I haven't had the time to do it as ive been detailing heaps of customers cars! Hopefully sort something this week

[Maccas]

Well my build is finally happening this weekend. Have all the parts and then some, as decided bugger it ill order a new exhaust while at it so have a sureflo 3.5 inch to go behind some ballistic cats and the pacemaker inch and 3/4 4 into 1s i have here. Today i got out and painted the headers and otr all black with high temp paint. Engine is back after getting all new bearings put through, which im glad i did as found the big end bearings were shagged too. Ended up taking 40 thou off the heads and getting a neg 10thou cometic gasket, giving a total of 50thou off standard height.
Cant wait for this weekend when all the boys come up from melbs and local to help put it back together in the shed and fire it up!

Bring on fun times!

[QIKMIK]

Can't wait to see the result!

Mick

[Maccas]

Well build is tomorrow cant bloody wait!

[Micks]

Well build is tomorrow cant bloody wait!
Just not too many drinks & plenty of pics please!

[BLACK 346]

Yes, looking forward to seeing the results of this. Going to be a very nice little GTS when your are finished :)

[Maccas]

Well the motor is back together and in, idling pretty well. But still have to fit the new exhaust as i deceided to lash out and buy a sureflo 3.5inch single system for it, and then a few little tidy up and for the tune to be properly sorted!
We had some hiccups along the way but managed to get them all sorted, starting it in the shed running only off the heads was insane haha put a damn big smile on my face!

Hopefully be on the road in the next 2 weeks or so.

Cheers

Maccas

[jaykay]

Well the motor is back together and in, idling pretty well. But still have to fit the new exhaust as i deceided to lash out and buy a sureflo 3.5inch single system for it, and then a few little tidy up and for the tune to be properly sorted!
We had some hiccups along the way but managed to get them all sorted, starting it in the shed running only off the heads was insane haha put a damn big smile on my face!

Hopefully be on the road in the next 2 weeks or so.

Cheers

Maccas

You have the exhaust so what's the delay ? :stick:

[Maccas]

HAHAHA need to weld the flanges of the cats to align with the headers, and im not a good welder so trying to organise it with some mates.

[Maccas]

Well the GTS is back together, only the tune to go which will be done in the next week. New exhaust has been fitted and all other small things tidied up!
Can't wait to get out and drive her!!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/023565eb78b202d4c6824107e6572370.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/704f71b48c03061fa01e53341895d3d5.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/782beb2ee9841eabb1443be32f439c74.jpg

[Maccas]

Quick little video of it running with just a start up tune in it and the new exhuast.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/th_20160630_222805_zpsywvqsv4l.mp4 (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160630_222805_zpsywvqsv4l.mp4)

[whitels1ss]

Sounds great Macca! :goodjob:

[BLACK 346]

Sounds fuccing killer mate, really deep note, love it.

[Micks]

Sounds great, I'd be very proud of that mate! :yup:

[QIKMIK]

Nice work, mate. Any plans to pop the double-D exhaust tips back on? Understand you've opted for the single 3.5" but the look of the double-D??

Mick

[Maccas]

Yeah am planning in refitting it, as the rear tip hasnt been fitted yet as im working out how to do the original setup. Love the look of the double D

[Maccas]

Well a mate whos a fabricator is going to take the original exhaust tip and the new one and make it so i can have the original look. Final tune is happening this Sunday coming then its good to go!

[QIKMIK]

Nice! Hope it all goes well.

Mick

[Woodchukka]

Ahh the first start up after a cam change. Sounds sweet.

[Maccas]

Well the tune is going in tomorrow, god i cant wait this has been a long 3 months hahaha. Gotta get some kms on it now then drop the run in oil and put some good stuff in and enjoy driving her again!

[jaykay]

How did it come up? Any dyno result ?

[Maccas]

Has only been street tuned atm no WOT as still has run in oil atm. Once ive got some kms on it WOT and maybe some dyno time

[Maccas]

Well yesterday went to get WOT tuned and a bit more driveability done, car was running nice and strong on the street, then when we put it on the dyno set it up we couldnt get it to make anything off 114rwhp then when it came off the dyno she was all over the shop missing and struggling to drive, when on the dyno there were no signs engine was quiet running smooth.

So changed all 8 spark plugs and found cylinder 8 was a different colour, but the car didnt come good, so the car was trailored home.

the only thing we heard when on the street was it got a bit lean on initial tip in out of no where then came good again. So am hoping its either and injector or coil and no damage internally.

Cheers

Maccas

[duke5700]

No good mate, project cars fight you to the very end.

[whitels1ss]

we put it on the dyno set it up we couldnt get it to make anything off 114rwhp then when it came off the dyno she was all over the shop missing and struggling to drive, when on the dyno there were no signs engine was quiet running smooth.

So changed all 8 spark plugs and found cylinder 8 was a different colour, but the car didnt come good, so the car was trailored home.
So am hoping its either and injector or coil and no damage internally.

Cheers

Maccas

Sorry to hear mate

but I think if it's only making 114rwhp it's going to be a bit more of a problem than just one injector or one coil.

I hope I'm wrong & good luck with it! :cheers:

[Maccas]

Yeah after talking to the builder and some other guys in the know they are reckoning its fuel based, either pump or multiple injector failure, fingers crossed that is all!

[whitels1ss]

Yeah after talking to the builder and some other guys in the know they are reckoning its fuel based, either pump or multiple injector failure, fingers crossed that is all!

I can't imagine sudden multiple injectors failing but hopefully something simple like not enough fuel pressure.

Best of luck with it mate! :cheers:

[macca_779]

I can't imagine sudden multiple injectors failing but hopefully something simple like not enough fuel pressure.

Best of luck with it mate! :cheers:

It was actually the F35 fuse that blew when the dyno operator plugged into an injector for a tach ref. Hence the whole left bank was taken out for spark and fuel.

[QIKMIK]

Glad it was an easy fix. Aiming for 228hp with both banks firing? :stick:

Mick

[Micks]

Glad it was an easy fix. Aiming for 228hp with both banks firing? :stick:

Mick
:shock: :D

[Maccas]

Yeah am very happy it was something so minor!! The missus isnt but hey when are they when we play with our cars hahaha. Will be organising another dyno that i know the operator of better so we can finish the tune and get a power figure, on an upside she pulls like a freight train at WOT!

Cheers

Maccas

[whitels1ss]

It was actually the F35 fuse that blew when the dyno operator plugged into an injector for a tach ref. Hence the whole left bank was taken out for spark and fuel.

Fantastic news Macca!

Betcha can't wait to have it tuned & start driving it! :cheers:

[BLACK 346]

Excellent news, really happy it turned out nothing major mate. You can get on and enjoy it now :)

[Maccas]

Tune is pretty much finished was mainly using the dyno for power figure and some final touch ups but can drive it thats the main thing!

[VBhero]

Tune is pretty much finished was mainly using the dyno for power figure and some final touch ups but can drive it thats the main thing!

Not quite :)
The tune in it is "safe" cause I know you can't resist and wanted to be able to stab it lol.
A WOT run or two, some minor tweaks here or there and she'll be sweet as a nut :)

[jaykay]

Fark this is more drawn out than Days of our Lives :stick:.....hopefully you can get to really enjoy it soon :teach:

[Maccas]

Bahahaha well Pete lives an hour away and i only get 1 weekend off in every 3 currently so trying to organise it is challenging

[Maccas]

Well the GTS has had another setback this weekend, was driving to work on Saturday and the GTS has had a new lifter fail. We have worked out its the drivers side front cylinder so this weekend we will be taking the head off to hopefully find now other damage. The pushrod is alright so fingers crossed, the car drive no more that 1.5kms when the noise came in.

[Maccas]

Little video of the problem

[Maccas]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/th_20160821_202154_zpsolntyvx1.jpg (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/HSV%20VX%20GTS/20160821_202154_zpsolntyvx1.mp4)

[white lie]

Bugger!
What brand lifters? I've heard of a couple of new ones failing recently

[Maccas]

They were GM LS7 performance

[Hi Octane]

Ive heard the same about new lifters failing.

[Maccas]

Well have a new set of lifters sorted so will hopefully have it apart and back together this weekend, only now hoping the cam is alright

[Wonky]

All the best Ben!! :thumbsup:

[Maccas]

Well tonight the head cam off............................................... .....................and thank god the cam is alright, nothing more that the usual ware marks. So will drop some new lifters in and both the head back on and she should be ready to roll

Cheers

Maccas

[jaykay]

Hope that is it then....been a PITA for you

[Maccas]

Thats to say the least JK! Cars who would have them

[Jason01]

What lifters are you using Maccas?

[Maccas]

Had genuine GM Ls7 lifters will be putting ones back in from an LSA which are the same really.

[rodders188]

Had genuine GM Ls7 lifters will be putting ones back in from an LSA which are the same really.

Chuck that engine in the river
My C4B Engine failed twice after 2 rebuilds, that C4B Engine was the biggest load of rubbish and your never gonna get great power from it. I put a stock LS3, with all the auxillaries, tune, and the car was a different beast, being a VTII HSV GTS 300.

[Maccas]

Well the GTS is back alive and rumbling along nicely, now for the final tune and it will be happy days!

Rodders at the end of the day the only thing that really makes mine a C4B engine anymore is the heads lol, pretty much everything else has been replaced now so should be happy days for a fair while.

Cheers

Maccas

[jaykay]

Well the GTS is back alive and rumbling along nicely, now for the final tune and it will be happy days!

Rodders at the end of the day the only thing that really makes mine a C4B engine anymore is the heads lol, pretty much everything else has been replaced now so should be happy days for a fair while.

Cheers

Maccas

Good to hear....hopefully you can just enjoy it now !!!

[Micks]

Great News! :thumbsup:


Well the GTS is back alive and rumbling along nicely, now for the final tune and it will be happy days!

Until you pursue more power/torque perhaps :lol:

[Maccas]

Hahaha Mick i dont think that will be happening any time soon or the missus really will kill me hahhaa.

[Micks]

Best to keep the Boss/Minister for finance happy mate ;)

[Maccas]

Well the GTS has had its final tune put through and is running mint! Am going to give it a good detail to remove some scuffs from the build, working on a dusty car doesnt help lol. Then it will be jumping on a dyno for a power run!

Cant wait!

[whitels1ss]

Well the GTS has had its final tune put through and is running mint! Am going to give it a good detail to remove some scuffs from the build, working on a dusty car doesnt help lol. Then it will be jumping on a dyno for a power run!

Cant wait!

Great to hear you have it all sorted out at last mate. :thumbsup:

[Wonky]

Great to hear you have it all sorted out at last mate. :thumbsup:

:yup: :yup: :yup:

[Maccas]

Well the GTS finally got some proper dyno time today for a couple of power runs!

It made 260rwkw and 650nm pretty happy with the results, but the tune still needs some minor tweaks as it was road tuned and the dyno has shown shes a bit rich, running at around 10.1 and only 11.1 at redline, with a few tweaks will hopefully head into the 270ish range.

Cheers

Maccas

[Micks]

Very decent result Macca, would be pleasurable :driving: :yup:

[whitels1ss]

Great stuff Macca, sounds like you have it pretty well sorted now! :goodjob:

[QIKMIK]

Sounded good on FB as well, mate. Glad to see it back on the road!

Mick

[Maccas]

Well my run of bad luck continues last sat night grandfinal night i hit a pot hole.....or a crater....2m long 1m wide and nearly a foot deep, damaging 2 rims 2 tyres, front bar, sideskirt and suspension, car is still driveable atm but is coming off the road in the next week for repairs. Hopefully will be back sooner and looking good!!

On an up point car hit the dyno again today as had 2 good wheels i could use and rear end was good still. Car made 270rwkw and 688nm

[QIKMIK]

Car made 270rwkw and 688nmStrong result, mate. Hope the council sorts you out soon with the repairs.

Mick

[Micks]

That 5.7 is very sweet :thumbsup:

[Maccas]

Yeah am def happy with the results feels nice and strong on the street too!

[jaykay]

Great stuff Ben....:thumbsup:

[Maccas]

Cheers John, thing goes awesome now just dissapointed i cant run at Temora thanks to the councils negligence!! Oh well track day is next target to see what this thing can do compared to the old VE Wagon!!

[BLACK 346]

Cheers John, thing goes awesome now just dissapointed i cant run at Temora thanks to the councils negligence!! Oh well track day is next target to see what this thing can do compared to the old VE Wagon!!

Good to hear that the GTS is coming together. Do yourself a favour though and don't compare it with the VE. The VE is miles ahead of the VT series of cars, no if's, no but's.
I got to 304rwkw in my VT2 SS before I decided it was too dangorous, the VE now has 294 and feels docile and safe in comparison.

[Micks]

Good to hear that the GTS is coming together. Do yourself a favour though and don't compare it with the VE. The VE is miles ahead of the VT series of cars, no if's, no but's.
I got to 304rwkw in my VT2 SS before I decided it was too dangorous, the VE now has 294 and feels docile and safe in comparison.

Agree Rod think the latter VE/VF get the power down much better than previous models :yup:

[Maccas]

One of the reasons i went from VE to the VX is that the ve was so boring to drive, it was making 265rwkw and was honestly boring to planted and when doing track work you could feel the weight transfer and the nose would push, the VX is more predictable but more on the edge and requires more skill to get the best out of it in my books.

I think also the fact the VX has better areo and saves about 250kgs helps in its favor too.

[feistl]

Nice ride mate, not sure if I missed it in the thread but why did council cause you to miss Temora?

That model is one of the best looking HSVs...

[Maccas]

The reason im missing temora is i hit a massive pot hole 2m long 1m wide and nearly a foot deep damaging 2 wheels suspension front bar and side skirt and the car is now at the panel shop not sure when it will be repaired. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Yeah was a dream car had it on my wall as a kid now i own one!!

[Maccas]

Well got the GTS back finally after the repairs and the front end and side skirt have come up mint, only issues are the wheels have been painted way to dark and they have put cheap shitty tyres on not the Nitto Invos that i had on there. Will get a front shot tomorrow

4737

[Micks]

Looks great Macca :thumbsup: Agree the wheels are bit too dark though.

[whitels1ss]

Well got the GTS back finally after the repairs and the front end and side skirt have come up mint, only issues are the wheels have been painted way to dark and they have put cheap shitty tyres on not the Nitto Invos that i had on there. Will get a front shot tomorrow

4737

Looks great Maccas! (But sadly I agree though about the shade of the wheel paint btw)

Why didn't the insurance company replace the same tires?

[Maccas]

I rang shannons about the issues they didnt sound impressed especially the fact cheap tyres had been put on that were different to what was on there especially without consulting me.

Wheels will be rectified there is no doubting that, just wish i had a 2nd set of wheels i could put on as temporary, so im not without the car

Cheers

Maccas

[macca_779]

I rang shannons about the issues they didnt sound impressed especially the fact cheap tyres had been put on that were different to what was on there especially without consulting me.

Wheels will be rectified there is no doubting that, just wish i had a 2nd set of wheels i could put on as temporary, so im not without the car

Cheers

Maccas

You can borrow my 2nd set. Come get them

[Maccas]

You can borrow my 2nd set. Come get them
Hahahaha yeah no problem will be there in a few days haha

[macca_779]

ok cool see you soon

[Maccas]

Well it died again time for a different engine this one is cursedhttp://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/58364fa1962bc/20161124_083109.mp4

[whitels1ss]

Sorry to hear that mate
I can't believe the bad luck you have had with this!

[Micks]

That's terrible news!

[aussiebbq]

That sucks :(

LS3 time?

[white lie]

I know a couple of C4B's that never had success when doing top end work, no matter what was done, everything would seem fine for a while and then they'd spit the dummy again in a few months. Lemons of motors :(

I'd probably go the LS3 route. It was either that or the top mount when I put my blower on and kind of regret not doing the swap. That said, the LSA would be ideal if the pockets are deep enough

[Maccas]

Well found the issue a rocker that had a dicky thread when reassembling has gone and snapped the bolt so pulling the head off to check the cam etc and hopefully get it out and tapped and screwed back together!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161125/167cb5e967c0cf0e27da915e70a7c2e7.jpg

[Micks]

Fuk you've had some bad luck with that donk, hope you can get it sorted with not too much fuss.

[Maccas]

yeah ur not wrong Mick, well head is off going monday to get the thread re tapped etc and then will put her back together this week

[Maccas]

Well after all the headaches the car is running micky mouse, tune is sorted making a healthy 275rwkw and 699rwnm which im pretty happy with.

Even with all the time off the road in a year i have done nearly 10,000kms since buying her in March last year.

So thanks to a cancellation finally got round to giving her some OCD instead of all my clients cars hahhaa

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_161323_zpsdhrb3e7a.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_161323_zpsdhrb3e7a.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_161334_zpsib2fssvf.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_161334_zpsib2fssvf.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_161348_zpsctrt67yu.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_161348_zpsctrt67yu.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_170339_zps8uazilay.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_170339_zps8uazilay.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_170350_zpsvlawwqfl.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_170350_zpsvlawwqfl.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_170401_zps58ydlwf8.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_170401_zps58ydlwf8.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_170917_zps8o57euh3.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_170917_zps8o57euh3.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_170940_zpsup0iozoa.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_170940_zpsup0iozoa.jpg.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/VSIIISS/20170202_170955_zpsxw8op7jo.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/VSIIISS/media/20170202_170955_zpsxw8op7jo.jpg.html)

Cheers

Maccas

[Jason01]

It looks fantastic Macca, a really nice clean original car :thumbsup:.

[surfwagon]

Glad all your engine problems have been fixed and your detailing looks great.
Nice work on a great car.

[BLACK 346]

Looks fantastic mate. Here's hoping for years and years of trouble free motoring from here on in :)

[Maccas]

Cheers guys. Now is to tidy up the interior a bit some minor things but just me being fussy

[BLACKVE]

Really nice, when the HSV kits blended with the car not like todays ugly ducklings

Good job.

[lowhsv]

nice.. really digging these cars lately.. looks like shes in mint condition

[Maccas]

Shes getting there slowly, picked up some new roof strips last week and they have given a great fresh look to it, interior is getting some parts fixed up next month, then when i do get a proper detailing setup she will have some serious OCD time and be coated to make it last.

Cheers

[DOB81]

Very interesting story mate. Just read the whole thread. Hope it's all worked out. I to recently opted for an older VX HSV over a later model VE SS. For me it was a VX manual R8 255. They are just so much cooler I think. Interior is much better than the VE. Can't beat the big Coulsons. But I am intrigued about the CB4 motor being problematic? What's the difference between the regular Ls1 255. I've seen plenty of high km unopened LS1s getting around including mine. Of course they are not without their qwerks (tick tick tick). But mostly they seem pretty good.

[surfwagon]

Hey DOB81
The C4B engine has 2 problems which can affect them.
The first and most common is a problem with the 300kw cam and lifters scuffing eventually chewing out both cam and lifters.
The 2nd and least known is occassionally there are water leaks in the CnC'd Calloway heads where the wall between the water passage and inlet/outlet openings was machined a little too much.

[white lie]

Hey DOB81
The C4B engine has 2 problems which can affect them.
The first and most common is a problem with the 300kw cam and lifters scuffing eventually chewing out both cam and lifters.
The 2nd and least known is occassionally there are water leaks in the CnC'd Calloway heads where the wall between the water passage and inlet/outlet openings was machined a little too much.
Not to mention high rates of valve spring failures

[Maccas]

^^^^ Can vouch for this lol

Good potent motor, but very weak lol

[DOB81]

Interesting. Thanks guys. Still an awesome car Macca.

[Maccas]

Hey Guys,

Car has had a few little tweaks lately, I did a track day and realised the stock suspension was really starting to struggle, so went about getting some king spring SL fitted all round with standard shocks and also a VY strut brace. Was never happy fully with how it sat in the front still felt to high
https://i.imgur.com/fHGhNJr.jpg

So was browsing FB Market place and came across a set of Koni Yellow shocks for $400 for front and real with SSL springs all round too, decided to keep my rear springs but changed the fronts to the SSL with the Koni Yellows and now the car handles and looks mint in my book. Cant wait to hit the track on Saturday to really test them out

https://i.imgur.com/i0oBjZD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kz9mbsL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mqIhr4j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Sz1GmUC.jpg

Cheers

Maccas

[whitels1ss]

Looking fantastic! :goodjob:

[Micks]

Looks mint @ that height! :cool:

[macca_779]

Good job. Car is looking fantastic. Best thing you ever did was piss off that piece of shit VE. Your VX is worth more than it now anyway lol

[Maccas]

Hahaha thanks everyone, car is slowly getting there a few more little things i want to do still, but all in time and money.

[Maccas]

So hit the track saturday just gone with the new suspension setup, after doing some adjustments on rebound i managed to pick up just on 2 seconds a lap and there is still a lot more in it. Next on the shopping list is a truetrac as the hydratrac is starting to single haha