Another Holden in the Family :)

[BLACK 346]

Been procrastinating about getting another Holden for quite a while now, and with the good wife's blessing today I am picking up a VU SS Ute. Found what I hope is a pretty good example for what is nearly a 20 year old ute. It seems to have been well loved and the previous owner (a Holden employee) converted the entire front to the Export GTO bar and bonnet using Genuine Holden parts. Actually it was the GTO front that got my attention, I reckon it looks great and definitely sets it apart from other VU Utes. Will post up some photos later this arvo when I get it home.

Cheers

[whitels1ss]

Sounds like a great find Rod :goodjob:

Looking forward to watching the build thread, what blower are you fitting? :hide:

[Micks]

Or twin Snails perhaps :up2sum: :lol:

[BLACK 346]

Stop it you two, you will get me in the shit :)

[BLACK 346]

Picked her up a few hours ago and been driving it around for a bit. Quick assessment. Fkn gutless lol. Other than that, the exterior is mint. The cabin however smells like someones arse crack (went straight to Supercheap and go one of those Meguiars odour bombs, hopefully it works). Also needs some cosmetic work, including replacing the usual broken stuff gives up not long after you buy a VT-VX based Commodore ie Hinged door under stereo. Might replace the carpet. Steering wheel needs recovering and door speaker have had the shit kicked out of them. Other than that, very happy. Love the front end. Oh, and yes the Chev badge will be gone as soon as I can locate some fishing line.

[whitels1ss]

Looks well cared for Rod.
Is it auto or manual? :cheers:


Love the colour! :yup: :lol:

[BLACK 346]

Looks well cared for Rod.
Is it auto or manual? :cheers:


Love the colour! :yup: :lol:

Auto Ed. The exterior is very much loved, the cabin not so much. Maybe I expect too much from what is essentially a work vehicle.

[whitels1ss]

At least it is easy & cheap to get stuff to replace what you need.

[BLACK 346]

At least it is easy & cheap to get stuff to replace what you need.

Sure is mate. I have already found a few trim pieces on ebay, just got to ensure they are right shade of grey :)

[whitels1ss]

Could even go for a walk around U-PULL-IT

you might be able to find a decent ute carpet somewhere. :yup:

[BLACK 346]

Could even go for a walk around U-PULL-IT

you might be able to find a decent ute carpet somewhere. :yup:

Good idea, there is one right near where I work. Although, the carpet is only about $140 brand new (non genuine).

[whitels1ss]

I would rather fit a good, genuine Holden used carpet.


The aftermarket ones never seem to fit quite as well or look totally original in my opinion.

[BLACK 346]

I would rather fit a good, genuine Holden used carpet,
the aftermarket ones never seem to fit quite as well or look totally original in my opinion.

Agree Ed, I bought an aftermarket for our old Nissan ute and it was a bastard to fit, including cutting pieces out to fit it under the dash and trans tunnel.

[whitels1ss]

Agree Ed, I bought an aftermarket for our old Nissan ute and it was a bastard to fit,
including cutting pieces out to fit it under the dash and trans tunnel.

Seen that before. :lol:

[Micks]

Picked her up a few hours ago and been driving it around for a bit. Quick assessment. Fkn gutless lol. Other than that, the exterior is mint. The cabin however smells like someones arse crack (went straight to Supercheap and go one of those Meguiars odour bombs, hopefully it works). Also needs some cosmetic work, including replacing the usual broken stuff gives up not long after you buy a VT-VX based Commodore ie Hinged door under stereo. Might replace the carpet. Steering wheel needs recovering and door speaker have had the shit kicked out of them. Other than that, very happy. Love the front end. Oh, and yes the Chev badge will be gone as soon as I can locate some fishing line.

Looks very clean Rod, wish my ute was as clean as yours! :goodjob:

[BLACK 346]

Looks very clean Rod, wish my ute was as clean as yours! :goodjob:

Cheers Mick. Will be cleaner soon :) It has a good home now ;)

[Micks]

Just what the Blue Screen needs at the moment a good project Ute :thumbsup:

[BLACK 346]

It has some aftermarket 18 inch rims on it also, they all have gutter rash. I googled them and can replace the entire set for $500. I actually don't mind them but not sure whether to stick with aftermarket or hunt down some originals? What you guys think?

[BLACK 346]

Just what the Blue Screen needs at the moment a good project Ute :thumbsup:

You are a bad man Mick lol :)

[Micks]

You are a bad man Mick lol :)

Guilty as charged ya Honour :lmao:

[whitels1ss]

It has some aftermarket 18 inch rims on it also, they all have gutter rash.
I googled them and can replace the entire set for $500.
I actually don't mind them but not sure whether to stick with aftermarket or hunt down some originals?
What you guys think?

I would put something original Holden or HSV on it Mick,
perhaps a set of VYSS 18's? :cheers:


There have been a few sets of OEM wheels on marketplace lately.

[Micks]

I would put something original Holden or HSV on it Mick,
perhaps a set of VYSS 18's? :cheers:


There have been a few sets of OEM wheels on marketplace lately.

Ed it's "Rods" vehicle ;) :lol:

[whitels1ss]

Ed it's "Rods" vehicle ;) :lol:

Mick, please scroll back.....


he did ask the question in his post

"What you guys think?"

Well, I replied to his question! :teach: :stick: :lmao:

[csv rulz]

I would love to do something like this. Pick up a VX SS and slowly work away at returning it to as new condition. Unfortunately the budget is not there at this stage and neither is the wife's blessing [emoji1787]
I look forward to seeing the updates and what you do with this car

[CLUBRED]

I'm personally not a fan of the GTO look, but still looks mint.

I've been keeping my eye on the VU market myself, well, my wife has made me so not letting that one slide.

[BLACK 346]

I'm personally not a fan of the GTO look, but still looks mint.

I've been keeping my eye on the VU market myself, well, my wife has made me so not letting that one slide.

Yes, I have had mixed reactions to it already :) Not everyone's cup of tea that is for sure.

[BLACK 346]

Going to look at a set of VU SS Fifty Wheels tomorrow. They are 17's so hope if I do buy them that they don't look too small.

[whitels1ss]

From what I have seen you post about your wheels in the past
I doubt you would be content with those 17's Rod. :lol:

[BLACK 346]

From what I have seen you post about your wheels in the past
I doubt you would be content with those 17's Rod. :lol:

That is what worries me Ed. But, they are OEM wheels that this model of ute came with, so maybe they are the right way to go?

[whitels1ss]

That is what worries me Ed. But, they are OEM wheels that this model of ute came with, so maybe they are the right way to go?

Yeah, I do like the OEM type wheel but Mick told me it is not my car! :whip:

:lmao:

[BLACK 346]

Yeah, I do like the OEM type wheel but Mick told me it is not my car! :whip:

:lmao:

I give you permission to advise :) I am driving to Tailem to look at them so hope they meet my expectations.

[whitels1ss]

A mate of mine is going to the bend tomorrow for a breakfast & drive thing
he wanted me to go as well but it is a bit hard to get up early enough to be at the start for 7.30am.

As I posted before, I reckon look for a set of VY SS 18's
I just reckon they would look good on there. :cheers:

There have been a couple of sets advertised around here in the last couple of months
but I already have 2 spare sets of wheels for my SS & 2 spare sets of wheels for my Ford as well. :doh: :hide:

[BLACK 346]

A mate of mine is going to the bend tomorrow for a breakfast & drive thing
he wanted me to go as well but it is a bit hard to get up early enough to be at the start for 7.30am.

As I posted before, I reckon look for a set of VY SS 18's
I just reckon they would look good on there. :cheers:

There have been a couple of sets advertised around here in the last couple of months
but I already have 2 spare sets of wheels for my SS & 2 spare sets of wheels for my Ford as well. :doh: :hide:

VY SS Would certainly be my preference but they seem to command a pretty high price from what I see on ebay. Will have another look.

[whitels1ss]

What about these, if you are going to Tailem?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/317783149263324/

Or these?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/916165835542182/

[BLACK 346]

What about these, if you are going to Tailem?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/317783149263324/

Or these?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/916165835542182/

Thanks Ed, I like the Monaro rims, will contact them and have a look.

[whitels1ss]

Thanks Ed, I like the Monaro rims, will contact them and have a look.

Yeah, I reckon they would look great on there.

Even if they have a few scratches those type of wheels come up well with a good sanding & polish.

[BLACK 346]

Update....

Ended up getting the SS Fifty rims, they are in fantastic condition and I just like the look of them. The fact they are for that particular vehicle also swayed me.
Have spent nearly 8 hours scrubbing the interior and doing various odd jobs. Have purchased the following parts so far:

Centre console pocket (the one under the stereo). The door mechanism is broken as it is with most of them. That was $45 on ebay.
Custom mats with SS Embroidered into them in red to match the seats and instrument panel. That were $60 delivered.
Flex wiper blades. $20 on ebay.
Third brake light in aftermarket LED. The OEM Holden one was $365. LED aftermarket $60 delivered.
The wheels. $400.
Lion tail gate badge, $46 from Holden. Not going to put it on but thought I would grab one to keep.
Bonnet gas struts $17 delivered on ebay.

Still to buy I have, 2 x seat rails plastic covers, the cup holder insert and speaker grills for the door. All this I hope to get from Commbits in Salisbury next week.

Recovered leather steering wheel can be had from ebay for $165.

Sent out for a couple of quotes to re trim the headliner, but $120 seems to be the common theme on forums.

Needs a new electric aerial, aftermarket they are around $50, but not sure of quality or ease of fitment, so will do a bit more research on that.

Have done cold air mod on airbox and added a k and n filter. Seems to have livened the old girl up a bit also which is a bonus.

Will do plugs next week and put the aftermarket plug leads that I have sitting in the shed on, getting rid of the stock ones with metal heat shields.

Half the dash display globes are blown which shits me, but that can wait.

Aircon blows nice outside temperature air, so that is going to need some attention. I hope it just needs a service and gas.

And finally, booked in the ERASADENT to get a small dent in the tailgate removed, it is the only dent or scratch for that matter on the entire vehicle, but it is fkn with my head :)

[BLACK 346]

Oh and wifey hates the exhaust. No making some people happy, to quiet and sounds like her Dads old F100 she reckons lol. I put my head underneath and can see why, it is a twin system of unknown origin that exits on both sides of the ute, but it has not merge at all. It won't be a priority, but Manta seem to be the only ones that make a catback that exits on both sides, so will probably grab one of them down the track. They look pretty good value for around $1100.

[whitels1ss]

Looking as though you are getting everything underway well Rod. :cheers:

[Micks]

Just on the metal heat shields I kept mine when fitted the thicker MSD leads as I find with the headers they do help protect them a fair bit aye.

[Pickles]

GREAT progress here,...looking forward to some pics.
Pickles.

[BLACK 346]

Wife bought this for me last night. She can not stand the exhaust note.

[whitels1ss]

You are a truly lucky man to have a wife like that! :goodjob:

[BLACK 346]

This thing still has the Turtle shell engine cover on it, have not seen one of them for years. Do I leave it on or put it in the shed? I am leaning towards removing it.

[whitels1ss]

I prefer the split VZ covers. :yup:

[BLACK 346]

I prefer the split VZ covers. :yup:

Yeah, me too Ed, but I reckon I would be pushing shite up hill to find a set of them.

[BLACK 346]

Yeah, me too Ed, but I reckon I would be pushing shite up hill to find a set of them.

$350 per set on Ebay. Not worth $35 imo.

[whitels1ss]

$350 per set on Ebay. Not worth $35 imo.

I have bought a few sets over the years, I reckon I paid around $120 for one set & I think about $80 for the last.

[whitels1ss]

I cut mine straight along the inside edges (intake manifold sides)

to stop heat getting trapped over the fuel rails & injectors.

[BLACK 346]

I cut mine straight along the inside edges (intake manifold sides)

to stop heat getting trapped over the fuel rails & injectors.

I will remove it tomorrow. Cannot think of a good reason to leave it on, and a shame to waste the cold air coming through the bonnet scoops dumping on a plastic shell.

[BLACK 346]

Going to take the wheels in to Wheelworx tomorrow and see how much they want to restore them. I don't want to spend stupid money on them, but if they can restore them for a sensible price I will get them done whilst they have no tyres on them. As soon as that is done, will get some RE003's on them and on they go :)

And photos shortly after Pickles :)

[Micks]

Mick, please scroll back.....


he did ask the question in his post

"What you guys think?"

Well, I replied to his question! :teach: :stick: :lmao:

I did Ed, Fuk knows I said shit about the rims period aye! :confused: :lol:

[whitels1ss]

I said shit about the rims period aye! :confused: :lol:

:lmao: :lmao:

[Micks]

Still :confused::confused: Whatever, must be good aye! :lmao:

[BLACK 346]

Today's update:

Removed Turtle shell, wished immediately that I had not. What a mess those things hide, it was filthy under there. So off to supercheap for 100 cans of degreaser. Whilst I was there picked up 8 new plugs also. So long story short, plug and lead change and degreased engine bay. Found that pipe leading into PCV is totally severed in half, so another thing I need to source. Have just plugged the T/B port that it leads into for now. Also cleaned throttle body.

Went out the Peter Paige Holden and got the Lion badge, that is now on the tailgate and the Chev badge is where it belongs (not on my Holden). Whilst out North went to Commbits and got two mint black door speaker covers and a matching cup holder insert.

Have a mobile aircon guy coming tomorrow morning to look at the a/c.

Got a few quotes to get the wheels restored, range from $390 per wheel to $250 per wheel. Not sure if I want to spend that much on VU SS rims to be honest. Might even just get the two worst ones done and tolerate the other two as they are not that bad.

Sent enquiries to two motor trimmers on Saturday, no reply from either, must be super busy.

So not a bad days progress.

[whitels1ss]

What do you need from a trimmer?

[BLACK 346]

What do you need from a trimmer?

Headliner recovered.

[whitels1ss]

plenty of people doing them on facebook for $200 or under for a ute
If you can't find someone there is a guy at Blair Athol
who I can give you details if that helps

[BLACK 346]

plenty of people doing them on facebook for $200 or under for a ute
If you can't find someone there is a guy at Blair Athol
who I can give you details if that helps

Details would be great thanks Ed. Just spoke with one at Newton and he wants $370 to do it. That is dearer than we paid for the Golf.

[Micks]

Got my Crewman done a few months ago for $150, I pulled it out which takes a bout ten mins, about 15mins to put it back in.

[whitels1ss]

I just spoke to him, his name is Will Hadler

He said if you take it to him he will do it for $130 if you just want the standard grey colour

His phone number is 0407617209

He is expecting your call, if he can't answer his phone he will call you back.

[BLACK 346]

I just spoke to him, his name is Will Hadler

He said if you take it to him he will do it for $130 if you just want the standard grey colour

His phone number is 0407617209

He is expecting your call, if he can't answer his phone he will call you back.

Thanks Ed, your a legend :)

[whitels1ss]

To be clear for $130 he wil remove, recover & replace the it,
you do not need to take it out yourself.

[BLACK 346]

To be clear for $130 he wil remove, recover & replace the it,
you do not need to take it out yourself.

Outstanding, thanks again Ed.

[BLACK 346]

To be clear for $130 he wil remove, recover & replace the it,
you do not need to take it out yourself.

Just spoke with him, sounds like a really nice bloke. Booked in for Saturday morning at 0800 :)

[whitels1ss]

Good stuff :cheers:

[BLACK 346]

VU SS Wheels fitted with RE003's and Holden badge back on the rear.

[whitels1ss]

Looks great Rod :thumbsup:

[BLACK 346]

Looks great Rod :thumbsup:

Thanks Ed. Good news this morning as well, the Aircon just needed a regas and is now ice cold. The compressor is fine which would have been $900 if faulty.

[whitels1ss]

That is great Rod,
whilst getting an unknown car gassed you can often come across some expensive problems.

[BLACK 346]

That is great Rod,
whilst getting an unknown car gassed you can often come across some expensive problems.

Exactly what the aircon guy said Ed. Also reiterated what most of us know, dont ever turn the A/C off, does more harm than good, just use heater to modulate temp.

[BLACK 346]

Also forgot to mention, centre bearing on tailshaft was shagged (rubber bush all perished and collapsed), ordered a brand new genuine one complete with rubber bush for $49. Complete PCV hose was $115. Slowly getting there. Also, question for A4 experts, are these serviceable like the A6? ie New filter and trans pan gasket?

Edit...A quick google search answered my own question. I assume the below kit would be ok quality wise?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Auto-Transmission-Filter-Service-Kit-for-Holden-Commodore-VT-VE-4-Speed-4L60E/112544093761?hash=item1a34269641:g:rq4AAOSwOVtfDKw z

Or Genuine for $69

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AUTOMATIC-TRANSMISSION-SERVICE-FILTER-KIT-SUITE-COMMODORE-VT-VX-VY-VZ-5-7L-V8-GM/143368415259?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOME SPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200520130048%26meid% 3Dc7d4e29fa3df4a3ba112b01bf06e31df%26pid%3D100005% 26rk%3D11%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dsb%26sd%3D112544093 761%26itm%3D143368415259%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg% 3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithBBEV2b Demotion%26brand%3DGM&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

[whitels1ss]

Yeah, I would also fit a bypass transmission cooler

[Micks]

Your certainly leaving no stones un turned on this Ute Rod. Will this be your daily now?

[BLACK 346]

Your certainly leaving no stones un turned on this Ute Rod. Will this be your daily now?

Yes Mick, will be the daily for a while, at least whilst I am still working. It sure is nice to drive, a lot better than I thought an 18 year old ute would be :)

[whitels1ss]

Yes Mick, will be the daily for a while, at least whilst I am still working. It sure is nice to drive, a lot better than I thought an 18 year old ute would be :)

I would rather drive that any day of the week rather than
a new $50,000+ diesel farm truck like so many sheep are buying these days.

[Micks]

Not the "Sheeple" Ed :lmao:

[BLACK 346]

Genuine Trans service kit from Holden $46.50 and 5 litres of DEX6 ATF was $70. Will get that done as soon as I can get it in. Also found some Pioneer speakers that were 60 percent off at Supercheap as I figured whilst the door cards are off to replace the speaker grills I might as well upgrade the speakers :)

[VXSS346]

Seems like this forum has taken almost a full circle.

Ls1's were new when it started, now we are buying them again second hand and doing them up. :bravo:

Good stuff, great read. :cheers:

[BLACK 346]

Slow day today. Got a small dent in the tailgate removed by ERASADENT at Keswick, they do exceptional work and have fixed dents on all of cars at some stage.
The mats arrived and have brightened up the interior a lot. Ordered a recovered steering wheel. Tomorrow morning roof headliner. I will post some photos of the interior once that is done. Will also do the fuel filter tomorrow, just tossing up between Ryco and Genuine, I think the genuine one is actually a bit cheaper.

[BLACK 346]

Seems like this forum has taken almost a full circle.

Ls1's were new when it started, now we are buying them again second hand and doing them up. :bravo:

Good stuff, great read. :cheers:

Thanks mate, and glad you like it :)

I am constantly harking back to my VT2 SS when I muck around with this thing, so many of the shit bits on it were the same things that were shit on the VT lol. Crappy plastic bits and no low down torque whatsoever. The VE is so much better quality wise, but this thing still drives really nice and the size of it just seems right compared to the VE :)

[whitels1ss]

Sounds like you need a tune Rod, after I had my LS1 tuned years ago it had more than enough torque. :yup:



Now you need to have a good look around for someone who can tune it. :hide:

[BLACK 346]

Sounds like you need a tune Rod, after I had my LS1 tuned years ago it had more than enough torque. :yup:



Now you need to have a good look around for someone who can tune it. :hide:

I have already hit Brad up Ed lol. I am not going to pay stupid money like back in the day though. What do you consider fair money for a non custom tune for these now? I doubt there would be much of a market for them any more.

[BLACK 346]

I have already hit Brad up Ed lol. I am not going to pay stupid money like back in the day though. What do you consider fair money for a non custom tune for these now? I doubt there would be much of a market for them any more.

My first tune at Sams Performance took the VT2 SS from 200rwkw to 216rwkw for the princely sum of $1500. Yeah it made a nice difference to the car and how it drove, but fk me it was lot of coin back in 2002.

[whitels1ss]

My first tune at Sams Performance took the VT2 SS from 200rwkw to 216rwkw for the princely sum of $1500.


I did not pay anything like that even for my tune with cam, blower & heaps of other mods. :lol:

[whitels1ss]

Time for an OTR?
7142
7143
7144
7145

:lmao:

[BLACK 346]

Time for an OTR?
7142
7143
7144
7145

:lmao:

Love it lol, the good old days

[BLACK 346]

I might be doing the TB Bypass mod soon as well, seriously.

[whitels1ss]

Maf or Mafless?






Where is Uncle Tone? :hide:

[Micks]

Thank Fuk UT don't frequent here much now days Rod he would give ya some over the Maff/Maffless mate! :lol:

[whitels1ss]

I would go a set of 3.46 diff gears before even tuning it. :yup:

[BLACK 346]

Maf or Mafless?






Where is Uncle Tone? :hide:

One of my work colleagues asked me when the blower is going on this morning.

[whitels1ss]

Good idea. :lol:

[csv rulz]

Chevs Performance tuned my VY SS back in the day. Went from 200rwkw to 230rwkw. The biggest difference by far was the low down torque though. Transformed the driveability of the car.

Oh and I went mafless [emoji1787]

[BLACK 346]

Good idea. :lol:

No Ed, bad idea, really bad idea ��

[BLACK 346]

Maybe a small cam down the track though

[whitels1ss]

High stall converter?

[BLACK 346]

High stall converter?

How quick these things get out of control. Next I will be looking for another stock one for daily driver. Maybe a Monaro.

[whitels1ss]

Good idea! :idea:

You will also need another house with more parking. :lol:

[BLACK 346]

Good idea! :idea:

You will also need another house with more parking. :lol:

That is already in the works Ed

[whitels1ss]

Where are you looking at moving to?

[BLACK 346]

Where are you looking at moving to?

No where in particular Ed, just always looking at houses :)

[Micks]

Or do what I did put a box on top to make space for an extra garage, gotta get your proprieties right :lol:

[Pickles]

Chevs Performance tuned my VY SS back in the day. Went from 200rwkw to 230rwkw. The biggest difference by far was the low down torque though. Transformed the driveability of the car.

Oh and I went mafless [emoji1787]

In the "old days" I remember several guys on this forum were regular customers of Chevs,....is He still in business?
Pickles.

[amckiwi]

Yes he is still going last I looked
He does my servicing

[csv rulz]

In the "old days" I remember several guys on this forum were regular customers of Chevs,....is He still in business?
Pickles.Yes definitely still around, i couldnt speak highly enough of him. He has a facebook page with regular videos of cars he is working on

[BLACK 346]

I reckon a starter motor is on the cards shortly, twice it has failed to engage now. So far it still works after a couple of attempts but reckon I will just replace it. There are so many aftermarket options, and as low as $60. Anyone had any experience with non genuine? Haven't priced a genuine one yet.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/For-Holden-Commodore-Calais-5-7L-V8-LS1-VT-VX-VY-VZ-SS-1999-2004-Starter-Motor/193641020422

[whitels1ss]

I would not expect a $60 Chinese thing to take all the torque & heat for very long.


My son changed just the solenoid for another genuine Holden solenoid on one of his about 4 years ago & it is still going strong.

Changing the solenoid on them is an easy job & they are not expensive either, your actual starter is probably fine.

I hope you have not got big 4 into 1 extractors on there because it makes it a very tight, awkward job. :hide:

[BLACK 346]

I would not expect a $60 Chinese thing to take all the torque & heat for very long.


My son changed just the solenoid for another genuine Holden solenoid on one of his about 4 years ago & it is still going strong.

Changing the solenoid on them is an easy job & they are not expensive either, your actual starter is probably fine.

I hope you have not got big 4 into 1 extractors on there because it makes it a very tight, awkward job. :hide:

Thanks Ed, will look at doing that first then and see how it goes. No headers, it still has the cast iron manifolds. I tell you what though, a plug change is a lot tighter than the VE, I counted no less than 12 cuts on my right hand, I can do the Calais in 40 minutes without medical attention lol.

[Micks]

I reckon a starter motor is on the cards shortly, twice it has failed to engage now. So far it still works after a couple of attempts but reckon I will just replace it. There are so many aftermarket options, and as low as $60. Anyone had any experience with non genuine? Haven't priced a genuine one yet.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/For-Holden-Commodore-Calais-5-7L-V8-LS1-VT-VX-VY-VZ-SS-1999-2004-Starter-Motor/193641020422

Had one of the chinese ones in the Crewie now for three years absolutely no problem, I have a spare one too for LS1 I never used let me know if you need it? When you do starter recommend you replace crank sensor right behind two minute job whilst starter is out.

[BLACK 346]

Had one of the chinese ones in the Crewie now for three years absolutely no problem, I have a spare one too for LS1 I never used let me know if you need it? When you do starter recommend you replace crank sensor right behind two minute job whilst starter is out.

Thanks Mick, much appreciated. Will see how I go with solenoid first and let you know if I need to buy the starter off you :)

[BLACK 346]

Headliner done (Thanks again Ed). Top blokes and what a great price. They charged $120 and I gave them $150 to grab some beers, still fkn 60 percent cheaper than the best quote from other motor trimmers. Came up a treat and now the cabin smells a lot better as well. Some shitty photos below. He is also going to quote me when he gets time to fix the wrinkles in the seats.

[whitels1ss]

Looks great Rod, glad you are happy. :cheers:

[whitels1ss]

Thanks Ed, will look at doing that first then and see how it goes.
No headers, it still has the cast iron manifolds.

My son reckons you can even change the solenoid without removing the starter if you still have standard pipes up there.

[BLACK 346]

My son reckons you can even change the solenoid without removing the starter if you still have standard pipes up there.

That is great news, cheers :)

[BLACK 346]

Just replaced third brake light with aftermarket LED one, pretty easy in the end and only cost me $60. The Holden OEM one was over $300. Did fuel filter, and other than a face full of 98 that was another simple task. Got a bit of an oil leak back near the trans pan, not sure where it is coming from. The oil in the motor is brand new but the stuff dripping is dirty and old. Will get it sussed out when I get Ultra tune to do the trans service.

[motomk]

Excellent read. Surely the SS50 wheels would be quite collectable by now? I would nearly want the stock front end on it to, as you are fixing it up so well! I know the Pontiac front is sort of stock!

Thread drift, Saw Execjim's nephew recently who owns my old VTII SS, wanted a few bits from the motomk "warehouse". Good to see the old cars getting some love.

[BLACK 346]

Excellent read. Surely the SS50 wheels would be quite collectable by now? I would nearly want the stock front end on it to, as you are fixing it up so well! I know the Pontiac front is sort of stock!

Thread drift, Saw Execjim's nephew recently who owns my old VTII SS, wanted a few bits from the motomk "warehouse". Good to see the old cars getting some love.

The guy that sold me the wheels quoted 150 sets made in total from memory, not sure where he got those stats from though. Agree on the front, if I didn't like it so much I would definitely put the stock front back on. Like you said, I justify it by telling myself it is at least and OEM Holden front, even if it isn't wasn't for our Aussie market. I sure do get mixed reactions on it, some are baffled by it, some like it, some simply hate it :)

[BLACK 346]

A question for those in the know. Can Holden's tech2 reset the dash display to the correct km for the vehicle? The reason I ask is because the guy that sold me the ute reckons it has done about 60 thousand km less than the red cluster that he put in. I would like to see if this is true.

[Micks]

Rod, yes it can be reset down the obd2 comms line but you need someone like Jezz from JSB or Justin to do this for you. Tech2 alone cannot do this unless it's a new cluster with under 300 kilometers.

[BLACK 346]

Rod, yes it can be reset down the obd2 comms line but you need someone like Jezz from JSB or Justin to do this for you. Tech2 alone cannot do this unless it's a new cluster with under 300 kilometers.

Thanks Mick, so I am shit out of luck in Adelaide with 180k on the clock :)

[Micks]

Rod you can post your cluster away to these guys to sort it, best give them a call. Btw you can still drive your ute with cluster removed everything will still work & will not throw any codes whilst not present.

[whitels1ss]

Rod, there are a few instrument repair guys around Adelaide, some are even mobile.
Check around and phone a couple, there is a guy that one of my mechanics uses who charges around $150 cash
to reset the odometer reading, one of your mechanics should know someone who can help you out. :cheers:

[BLACK 346]

Found my first oil leak. Oil pressure sender looks to be leaking like crazy. Will decrease it today and reseal. It is 19 inch deep socket from memory? Also, any recommendations as to what to use to seal the thread?

[BLACK 346]

And found these to replace cluster globes. I don't remember there being this many when I did the VT though.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GENUINE-DASH-CLUSTER-INSTRUMENT-LIGHT-GLOBE-KIT-VT-VX-VU-WH-CALAIS-SS-MONARO-HSV/183467790126

[whitels1ss]

Yeah there are heaps of globes,
they have separate globes on all the heater, air conditioning switches, trip computer switches etc. :yup:

If you change them, make sure you have all the little (brass looking) mounting clips & they are correctly placed when you put the cluster back in
especially the very top left hand clip on the cluster
because if not you can have some very annoying rattles in your dash board. :teach:

[Micks]

With the sender, any thread sealant used sparingly will work with that.

[BLACK 346]

What a day. Long story short, I got the oil sender out and dropped it, and fk me if it did not disappear somewhere. Myself and my wife spent an hour looking for it, and no joy. Ended up buying a brand new sensor from Holden for $185. Put that in and did an oil and filter change. Also did another massive degrease and clean of the motor, and replaced the PCV hose which arrived today. Took her for a drive and when I got it home it still seems to be leaking oil. I am really hoping it is residue from the top of the motor just dripping down, but not convinced. How bad can the rear main seals get? And where do they drop oil? Anyway, work in progress and I probably knew this thing was going to cost a bit of coin to get right :)

[Wonky]

........ you need someone like Jezz from JSB or Justin to do this for you.
FYI - Jezz no longer doing anything car related from what he told me a while back. Moved into a totally different field. :(

[Micks]

Rod rear main leaks 90% of the time at small gap/slot between bell housing & trans. Check rocker covers seals if not already changed they are very cheap/easy to replace.

[BLACK 346]

Rod rear main leaks 90% of the time at small gap/slot between bell housing & trans. Check rocker covers seals if not already changed they are very cheap/easy to replace.

You nailed it Mick, passenger rocker gasket is leaking profusely, another job on the list :)

[whitels1ss]

You nailed it Mick, passenger rocker gasket is leaking profusely, another job on the list :)

Sounds heaps cheaper & easier than rear main or sump gasket! :thumbsup:

[Micks]

You nailed it Mick, passenger rocker gasket is leaking profusely, another job on the list :)

When you remove the covers give em a soak for a while to get all the old oil/shit off them too.

[BLACK 346]

Sounds heaps cheaper & easier than rear main or sump gasket! :thumbsup:

If is is just that Ed lol. Might get the trifecta if I am unlucky ��

[BLACK 346]

I assume genuine is best with these rocker gaskets? $88 for the pair. Lots of aftermarket options as well.

[Micks]

I bought a set for my 6L non gen for about $50

[BLACK 346]

I bought a set for my 6L non gen for about $50

What brand Mick, just don't want to buy some Chinese junk and waste my time and effort

[Micks]

They were a bit more than I thought! Took us a while to find this, perhaps the seller has now increased the price? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/132874951917

[whitels1ss]

I bought a set of these from this seller about 18 months ago
postage was quick from memory & no problems with them.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-Tappet-Rocker-Valve-Cover-Gaskets-Set-Holden-V8-LS1-5-7L-VT-VU-VX-VY-VZ-WH-WL/253356400480?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649


Edit.... It is the same seller as Mick's post.

[klink]

And found these to replace cluster globes. I don't remember there being this many when I did the VT though.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GENUINE-...V/183467790126

Lmao

how many globes do you want? i have a shitload here. and numerous bits and pieces collected :)

[whitels1ss]

And found these to replace cluster globes. I don't remember there being this many when I did the VT though.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GENUINE-...V/183467790126

Lmao

how many globes do you want? i have a shitload here. and numerous bits and pieces collected :)

Hey Paul, great to see you posting.

Are you living back in Adelaide these days? :cheers:

[klink]

Hey Paul, great to see you posting.

Are you living back in Adelaide these days? :cheers:

yeah i rarely comment on much these days.

[BLACK 346]

And found these to replace cluster globes. I don't remember there being this many when I did the VT though.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GENUINE-...V/183467790126

Lmao

how many globes do you want? i have a shitload here. and numerous bits and pieces collected :)

Thanks mate, but too late already purchased them :)

[BLACK 346]

Got my eye on this. Don't want to go OTR on this one, this looks like a good compromise and price is good.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cold-Air-Intake-Shroud-Kit-for-VT-VU-VX-VY-SS-Calais-WH-WK-Black-GEN3-LS1-V8/170914809876?fits=Model%3ACommodore%7CPlat_Gen%3AV U&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item27cb510814:g:AGkAAOSwJCJfNdyv&enc=AQAFAAACgBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90 Z278x5ickkSG%2BOFgrj2Yvbvmrj2TAdM95reFyeEOmfojEUHR wn8nOsPm8ozNOpCbea5oHGCvlvRmwrpE2i%2FC%2FC%2BNhdur zU2ZiaIOLmV5x5eAwU80fR2MEPKC4cad76k5ccLeOw5uSotIlA r1L4E1fJicO09pRg2jd%2BGQZ%2BXYpEI6jdfruOECLoCfHPmT %2F21ZAj5pZlpldxvQF6S7PnqMYbGowOU4QnTGZqJ1QlM1kUez uOu%2FbKDGxbqk7lGc2vqr6761V0Y9O5ENXMhDn5%2BGapyDZ0 jVklHPYTz5VfVEYs9dW9XFBjqCQZFL6zfUIroFQktYUFtYVYkC zfrpRzSCHD%2BrGP8e8AVIRKXpySr7o4ycmR4WsvN7%2FlltCL EHNTGNIRQ4ZRkjWc4LVklIvus%2BvodFFqCQNkexBlM6%2FFus lO8WNOASN9Z9DgEwYaRRKUP7Adb6iwf4IiiZA1JMM0G8xkGv4g Pd%2Fw7I%2B1F1aInqoQWh1MGPut9GxEnx6XlWVtcl%2BLF%2F GCMwX7dqu9RSobSCR2EUPa%2BJUJHH1AHtrci0I2TGnX3QY4ha 46U9TqI5EskS3xXOFvLambHe4Q35EaMwAf0ordCYJm7kFiqtUa IKNySmMxy0MXXkMmzHDAqxgHIVwzwm3VhxL5x97HN1i4Qomj25 r2KHmTzpNbjqxg1gJdj2pvZWCyHoamI1d1Oz0G2%2BUGTyZ1v1 t0JIoKO9mlWGCNtX1WV679CMLANQmm42IYCsXgqdzwkctI2HSw Qxnv2rIv0vSAsslZJk6z%2FsIAVyGWoxpxijr5JdNxrV9kYAKj DV%2Fn14OwJkw%3D&checksum=170914809876337b3524f1294fb991d99ec164f3f 439

[VL Executive]

Great reading. I'm doing a similar gradual fix up on a 2001 LS1 VX Calais i recently bought. It needed the usual headlining, and interior plastic fix ups, oil leaks, Bonnet struts, minor detail work done on it. Its stock as a rock as well and only done 174,000 km.

[BLACK 346]

Great reading. I'm doing a similar gradual fix up on a 2001 LS1 VX Calais i recently bought. It needed the usual headlining, and interior plastic fix ups, oil leaks, Bonnet struts, minor detail work done on it. Its stock as a rock as well and only done 174,000 km.

Would love to see some photos mate :)
What oil leaks did you have to fix?

When we sold our Heads and Cam VT2 with just over 120k on the clock it did not have one oil leak. Made 304rwkw on a Mainline.

[Micks]

Should have kept her Rod, good numbers for an LS1 aye :yup:

[BLACK 346]

Should have kept her Rod, good numbers for an LS1 aye :yup:

Your right Mick, just didn't have room for the VT and the VE at the time.

[VL Executive]

Would love to see some photos mate :)
What oil leaks did you have to fix?

When we sold our Heads and Cam VT2 with just over 120k on the clock it did not have one oil leak. Made 304rwkw on a Mainline.

Ive got some pictures and description in the VX Calais V8 thread. Ive just put some more photos in it.
The oil leak was the sump gasket. Had to take the engine out of the car to replace the gasket

[BLACK 346]

Ive got some pictures and description in the VX Calais V8 thread. Ive just put some more photos in it.
The oil leak was the sump gasket. Had to take the engine out of the car to replace the gasket

Cheers, just checked out your Calais, looks fantastic :)

[BLACK 346]

Putting it in to Ultra Tune next week to be checked over by Geoff the owner. He has looked after all of our family cars since we posted here from Darwin in 2007. Helps that he is a car tragic himself and has quite a few nice old and new Fords and a couple of old Holdens. I have ordered the rocker gaskets that Mick and Ed recommended, so will start with getting them installed. Ultra tune can see what else they can see leaking ie Cam Sensor, Rear Main, Sump. Also will get them to service the trans (trans fluid looks filthy). Is is common for these trans pan seals to leak, it looks really oily on the bottom, but could be engine oil blowing back over it?
Also, will get them to install the new prop shaft centre bearing whilst on the hoist, and maybe exhaust if I cannot be bothered doing it under my lowered car ramps.
Last thing will be to flush the cooling system and change out the header tank for the new one I purchased and a power steering flush.

Brad has not replied to my tuning question so not sure what to do on that front, but not in a rush.

[whitels1ss]

Got my eye on this. Don't want to go OTR on this one, this looks like a good compromise and price is good.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cold-Air-Intake-Shroud-Kit-for-VT-VU-VX-VY-SS-Calais-WH-WK-Black-GEN3-LS1-V8/170914809876?fits=Model%3ACommodore%7CPlat_Gen%3AV U&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item27cb510814:g:AGkAAOSwJCJfNdyv&enc=AQAFAAACgBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90 Z278x5ickkSG%2BOFgrj2Yvbvmrj2TAdM95reFyeEOmfojEUHR wn8nOsPm8ozNOpCbea5oHGCvlvRmwrpE2i%2FC%2FC%2BNhdur zU2ZiaIOLmV5x5eAwU80fR2MEPKC4cad76k5ccLeOw5uSotIlA r1L4E1fJicO09pRg2jd%2BGQZ%2BXYpEI6jdfruOECLoCfHPmT %2F21ZAj5pZlpldxvQF6S7PnqMYbGowOU4QnTGZqJ1QlM1kUez uOu%2FbKDGxbqk7lGc2vqr6761V0Y9O5ENXMhDn5%2BGapyDZ0 jVklHPYTz5VfVEYs9dW9XFBjqCQZFL6zfUIroFQktYUFtYVYkC zfrpRzSCHD%2BrGP8e8AVIRKXpySr7o4ycmR4WsvN7%2FlltCL EHNTGNIRQ4ZRkjWc4LVklIvus%2BvodFFqCQNkexBlM6%2FFus lO8WNOASN9Z9DgEwYaRRKUP7Adb6iwf4IiiZA1JMM0G8xkGv4g Pd%2Fw7I%2B1F1aInqoQWh1MGPut9GxEnx6XlWVtcl%2BLF%2F GCMwX7dqu9RSobSCR2EUPa%2BJUJHH1AHtrci0I2TGnX3QY4ha 46U9TqI5EskS3xXOFvLambHe4Q35EaMwAf0ordCYJm7kFiqtUa IKNySmMxy0MXXkMmzHDAqxgHIVwzwm3VhxL5x97HN1i4Qomj25 r2KHmTzpNbjqxg1gJdj2pvZWCyHoamI1d1Oz0G2%2BUGTyZ1v1 t0JIoKO9mlWGCNtX1WV679CMLANQmm42IYCsXgqdzwkctI2HSw Qxnv2rIv0vSAsslZJk6z%2FsIAVyGWoxpxijr5JdNxrV9kYAKj DV%2Fn14OwJkw%3D&checksum=170914809876337b3524f1294fb991d99ec164f3f 439

I would actually just do the old 2 hole MCAI mod
with a GTS type pipe Rod

[VXSS346]

I would actually just do the old 2 hole MCAI mod
with a GTS type pipe Rod

I did that too about 3 years ago, the otr craze had worn off and I got sick of seeing that nasty looking aftermarket thing under the bonnet. :spew:

Went back to a factoryish look again, GTS Mafless pipe and boot and original air box back in. Had to do the 2 hole mod again though, Gee it brought back memories. :lol: Did it about 16 years ago too but didn't have the bits anymore.

As the cars get older and rarer, it's better IMO to see them at least a bit closer to stock. :)

[whitels1ss]

I did that too about 3 years ago, the otr craze had worn off and I got sick of seeing that nasty looking aftermarket thing under the bonnet. :spew:

Went back to a factoryish look again, GTS Mafless pipe and boot and original air box back in. Had to do the 2 hole mod again though, Gee it brought back memories. :lol: Did it about 16 years ago too but didn't have the bits anymore.

As the cars get older and rarer, it's better IMO to see them at least a bit closer to stock. :)

I used to even run a maf in mine to make it look stock,
some pictures below of how I gutted & ported my old maf out to just over 85mm.
I pulled out all the pins in the connector plug & had the plug in place so nobody could see anything at all. :lol:

7180

7181

7182




& here it is in place...


7183



I even did the MCAI 2 hole mod on my V8 Ford Fairlane. :hide:

[BLACK 346]

That was a good mod back in the day and good bang for buck, did it on a couple of mates cars when in Darwin. I doubt you would be able to source the shroud now though?

[whitels1ss]

Not sure, as you say I doubt it would still be available
but I have done a couple on a couple of other cars & not bothered with getting the shroud.

I honestly don't think the shroud would not make much difference when driving the car,
they get plenty of cold air coming through the front behind the headlamps etc anyway. :yup:

[VL Executive]

On my VY SS ute. I got the lower half of a HSV airbox. You could get one easily enough back in the day. But I'd think it would be impossible now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/SSHSVAirbox.jpg

[VL Executive]

Would love to see some photos mate :)


http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?134409-VL-Exec-s-2004-VYII-SS-Ute

Above link to my VY SS ute as well if you want to have a look at it too, BLACK 346. Owned it since 2010.

Photobucket watermarks have ruined the pictures though. :(

[VXSS346]

3 years ago when I did it, I got one brand new from Holden, they did say though there were only a hand full left from the main warehouse. (all dealers) Prob all gone now, but you never know. (Monaro and VYSS were the same)

In fact I bought 2 at the time and put the other in my daily VZ Exec V6. :lol:
Did the 2 hole mod later, but on the V6 it only created an annoying induction drone at around 2000rpm. Plugged up the 2nd hole, one is enough for the V6. :lmao:

Bit off topic here, Sorry. :hide:

[BLACK 346]

Found this pipe on ebay, not cheap but the closest I can find to the GTS pipe. Might grab one.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-HSV-GTS-300-KW-PERFORMANCE-MAF-PIPE-KIT-5-7-COMMODORE-VT-VX-VY-SS-MALOO-LS1/270830583162?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[whitels1ss]

Here is one cheaper without the bellow part

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VT-VX-VY-VZ-Holden-Commodore-HSV-LS1-5-7-V8-Proflow-4-Maf-Air-Intake-Pipe-Kit/173667004745?epid=12017000900&hash=item286f5c3149:g:EBAAAOSwl9BWLuFT&frcectupt=true

[BLACK 346]

What is wrong with this one?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VT-VX-VY-VZ-Holden-Commodore-HSV-LS1-5-7-V8-Proflow-4-Maf-Air-Intake-Pipe-Kit/173667004745?epid=12017000900&hash=item286f5c3149:g:EBAAAOSwl9BWLuFT&frcectupt=true

I had that one on my watch list Ed, but it appears to just be a piece of rubber hose bent to shape? The other one for an extra $70 is a proper moulded plastic pipe I think. One looks
more factory.

[whitels1ss]

Yes the other does look more factory original.

You worked out what to do about a tune yet?

[BLACK 346]

Yes the other does look more factory original.

You worked out what to do about a tune yet?

Nope, not yet mate.

[BLACK 346]

Replacement recovered steering wheel arrived yesterday. Pretty happy with it.

[Micks]

Looks the bomb Rod! :thumbsup:

[whitels1ss]

Did you get that from Guru Leather Rod?

[BLACK 346]

Did you get that from Guru Leather Rod?

No Ed, was a guy on ebay that does them. I am thinking of getting Guru to recover my existing wheel though to keep as a spare. Do you know what they charge?

[whitels1ss]

Have used him about 4 times but not recently Rod,

I have found that he wants to look at your wheel before he gives you a firm price.

Last time I went there was for a Falcon wheel & I could not justify the money he wanted & bought a good second hand wheel instead.

(Paid under 1/3 the price from a wrecker who I know well who always gives me great deals.)

[BLACK 346]

Have used him about 4 times but not recently Rod,

I have found that he wants to look at your wheel before he gives you a firm price.

Last time I went there was for a Falcon wheel & I could not justify the money he wanted & bought a good second hand wheel instead.

After some of the quotes I have received from trimmers in Adelaide that does not surprise me at all Ed :)

[whitels1ss]

Yeah, some can be over the top...

Reminds me, have registered my SS again for the summer &
I have to go and get my roof lining sorted as it is just starting to bubble off a little.

Also have to get him to look at a little job on my Corvette.

[BLACK 346]

Yeah, some can be over the top...

Reminds me, have registered my SS again for the summer &
I have to go and get my roof lining sorted as it is just starting to bubble off a little.

Also have to get him to look at a little job on my Corvette.

Good that you have a trusted trimmer Ed :)

I am getting the ute tinted hopefully next week. Another mob that quote wildly different figures is Tint a Car. One franchise $380 and another $290 for the same darkest legal tint.

[whitels1ss]

Good that you have a trusted trimmer Ed :)

I am getting the ute tinted hopefully next week. Another mob that quote wildly different figures is Tint a Car. One franchise $380 and another $290 for the same darkest legal tint.

Yeah, tinters are all over the place on price,
my girlfriend's daughter got someone from Fakebook to do her Territory
at quite a reasonable price.

[BLACK 346]

Yeah, tinters are all over the place on price,
my girlfriend's daughter got someone from Fakebook to do her Territory
at quite a reasonable price.

I have had four cars done with the one near where I work and all been good quality and friendly service. The other one near where I live has never been much chop in my opinion. I got a quote off them just our of curiosity :)

[whitels1ss]

I have taken tint off more cars than I have had tinted over the years. :lmao:

I am not really a lover of it, I actually doubt that I will tint a car ever again.

[BLACK 346]

I have taken tint off more cars than I have had tinted over the years. :lmao:

I am not really a lover of it, I actually doubt that I will tint a car ever again.

Had some shit tint Ed? Nothing worse than seeing a car with bubbling tint. I like the look and hope that the UV protection is actually what they say and not just snake oil :)

[BLACK 346]

I would go a set of 3.46 diff gears before even tuning it. :yup:

You got me thinking again Ed. Would 3.46 be the go or 3.7's? Can get both for around $480. What would labour cost be to install them?

[whitels1ss]

Yeah, have had a few with bubbles & I personally don't really like the look all that much,
I prefer the look without tint, I just think the car looks better. (That's just personal opinion.)

I have seen a couple of guys get Regency defects just for having tint &
having owned a few very modified engined cars over the years, for me it is just not worth it.

Have seen cars defected for supposed "legal tint" even with paperwork saying it was legal.

3.46 diff gears can often be bought cheap because a lot of people change diff gears in a manual,
I would only buy genuine diff gears because a lot of aftermarket gears can be noisy.

My son had 3.7's in one of his HSV's (genuine & quiet) & there was not much difference between them & the 3.46
we later fitted a new set of Spicer 4.11's in it & they were noisy.
He also has 3.7 in his 6speed manual turbo Clubby, those are quiet.

I have 3.46 in the back of my SS at the moment but if I upgrade to the T400 transmission I am looking at I will be looking at
changing back to 3.07 ratio.

[BLACK 346]

Small update. Fitted the second hand speaker grills today and replaced the rubbish factory speakers with some less rubbish 250w Pioneers that I got out of the Supercheap clearance bin for $22 (were nearly $70 prior to clearance sale). They sound mint compared to what came out. More parts have arrived and will be installed Monday, including exhaust. Will post up some photos as soon as I get a chance.

[BLACK 346]

Also managed to track down a full jack kit for it as none of the items were in the car when I bought it.

[whitels1ss]

I don't understand why some people take the jack kits out of cars when they sell them. :stupid:

[BLACK 346]

I don't understand why some people take the jack kits out of cars when they sell them. :stupid:

Me either Ed, it is not the first car I have had without one either.

[whitels1ss]

Spare keys, owner manuals & service books also. :doh:




Edit: Not to forget, the old locking wheel nut key, leaving the lock nuts locked on the wheels! :stupid:

[BLACK 346]

Spare keys, owner manuals & service books also. :doh:




Edit: Not to forget, the old locking wheel nut key, leaving the lock nuts locked on the wheels! :stupid:

Yes, all of the above unfortunately :)

I had a new key produced by Mr Minit in Elizabeth for $90 and managed to source a second hand ute owners manual from a wreckers with the Holden pouch still intact.

[whitels1ss]

The price of getting keys cut is crazy these days :doh:

[Micks]

In my experience the Mr Minit key fobs are ok so long as they do them right, had a few Fuk ups by those Kents in the past aye!!

[BLACK 346]

The price of getting keys cut is crazy these days :doh:

$90 and programmed is quite a bit cheaper than the dealer I think.

[whitels1ss]

$90 and programmed is quite a bit cheaper than the dealer I think.

Yes, I know but it is still not cheap.

[BLACK 346]

Looking at the electric aerial next. The mast is slightly raised, but it shows no sign of power from the motor. I cannot find a separate fuse for it so am assuming it is dead. Does anyone know where it plugs into power? I can buy a brand new unit from Speedspares/Rarespares for $80 so may just go down that path. I know with the old VT2 I bought the mast from Holden and fed it into the existing motor, was really simple. The guard liner has to come out to access the entire unit I believe :)

https://www.speedspares.net/IVT0070NAA_p/ivt0070naa.htm

[whitels1ss]

Is the car still running the original head unit?

Is the power line to the antenna hooked up correctly from the head unit?

From memory the power wire coming out of the head unit for the antenna from most head units is a blue & white wire???
But I think it would be a good idea to double check with google on your exact head unit's wiring. :idea:

[BLACK 346]

Is the car still running the original head unit?

Is the power line to the antenna hooked up correctly from the head unit?

From memory the power wire coming out of the head unit for the antenna from most head units is a blue & white wire???
But I think it would be a good idea to double check with google on your exact head unit's wiring. :idea:

Factory Head Unit Ed. Will have a look today and see what I can see :)

[whitels1ss]

Factory Head Unit Ed. Will have a look today and see what I can see :)

Factory wiring should be easy to check

but I couldn't live with the factory head unit in Adelaide, the radio stations are all crap in my opinion.

I would upgrade to something that at least plays MP3's :lol:

[BLACK 346]

Factory wiring should be easy to check

but I couldn't live with the factory head unit in Adelaide, the radio stations are all crap in my opinion.

I would upgrade to something that at least plays MP3's :lol:

You are not wrong. I listen to Triple M when the footy season is on and after that it is silence lol. At least in the Calais I have blower whine to listen too, the ute is so bloody boring after getting back into it.

[whitels1ss]

You are not wrong.
At least in the Calais I have blower whine to listen too,
the ute is so bloody boring after getting back into it.

Easy fix!


Get a blower on the ute! :idea: :lol:

[BLACK 346]

Easy fix!


Get a blower on the ute! :idea: :lol:

Can't see that happening Ed lol. I reckon after the exhaust goes on next step will be some headers and cats, then tune. That will be the finishing point I reckon. Diff gears maybe at some point down the track.

[BLACK 346]

Speedtactics Fire extinguisher mount. Bought this for the VE not realising that they have a hook system rather than front seat bolts. Glad I did not on sell it :)

[whitels1ss]

Speedtactics Fire extinguisher mount. Bought this for the VE not realising that they have a hook system rather than front seat bolts. Glad I did not on sell it :)

Looks neat!

I would honestly do a diff gear upgrade at least before the tune,

it will transform the car. :cheers:

[BLACK 346]

Just flushed the power steering with a litre of Penrite. Thought that would do the trick but it still looks a bit dirty. Will get another bottle tomorrow and do it again.

[BLACK 346]

On a side note, I have plugged my OBD2 dongle into the port under the steering wheel and no matter what I try I cannot get it to communicate with the app on my phone. Have even tried a couple of different apps with no joy. My phone does not even see it as a blue tooth device. Have had the same device and phone in the VE previously with no issues.

[whitels1ss]

I use my ELM327 bluetooth with my phone on my SS very often
but I use a cable to the laptop on my Ford as it is useless & will not hook up by bluetooth with the phone.

Ford has a brilliant OBDII connection called FORScan

https://forscan.org/download.html

You can even program your own keys with it. :yup:

[BLACK 346]

I use my ELM327 bluetooth with my phone on my SS very often
but I use a cable to the laptop on my Ford as it is useless & will not hook up by bluetooth with the phone.

Ford has a brilliant OBDII connection called FORScan

https://forscan.org/download.html

You can even program your own keys with it. :yup:

I have tried the ELM one that I purchased recently and another that I had lying around, both same result. Usually these things hook up easily. I will have another crack tomorrow and see if I have any joy :)

[whitels1ss]

Do the LEDs light up on the dongles or they dead when you plug them in?

[BLACK 346]

Do the LEDs light up on the dongles or they dead when you plug them in?

I only get two red lights Ed, so not exactly encouraging

[BLACK 346]

Knocked off at lunch time and straight into the next lot of jobs: Got the coolant flushed and changed with new header tank. The old one was filthy and the coolant was a pale pink at best so not sure how old it was or how concentrated it was when put in. Did the t/b bypass whilst at it, pretty simple whilst the cooling system is drained. Also finished off the two hole mod, that fkn pipe that snakes down behind the headlight is a kent of a thing to get out and I hope I never ever have to do another :) I forgot how much intake roar it give when you get up it, worth the effort for sure. Also fixed a couple of leaks from trans pipes that had loose clamps.

Edit: Yes I forgot to secure that clamp on the headers tank before going for a test drive, and yes it made more work for me cleaning up the mess of coolant that sprayed out.

[klink]

Looking at the electric aerial next. The mast is slightly raised, but it shows no sign of power from the motor. I cannot find a separate fuse for it so am assuming it is dead. Does anyone know where it plugs into power? I can buy a brand new unit from Speedspares/Rarespares for $80 so may just go down that path. I know with the old VT2 I bought the mast from Holden and fed it into the existing motor, was really simple. The guard liner has to come out to access the entire unit I believe :)

https://www.speedspares.net/IVT0070NAA_p/ivt0070naa.htm

if you just buy the new ribbon, with a bit of your trusty handy work and you can have it sorted out for about $30

[BLACK 346]

Intake side of the house now complete :)

[whitels1ss]

Looking good Rod! :thumbsup:

[Carrots]

Solid thread to create some inspiration for me to get my SS 50 out of the shed and running (nicely)!

Nice pick up indeed!

[BLACK 346]

Solid thread to create some inspiration for me to get my SS 50 out of the shed and running (nicely)!

Nice pick up indeed!



I remember your car from back in the day on this forum :)

Look forward to seeing it mate.

[Micks]

Rod great work so far your certainly leaving no stones unturned with this vehicle :goodjob:

Btw If interested I have an oem VT-VZ strut brace cheap if you want one?

[BLACK 346]

Another piece of the puzzle.

[klink]

On a side note, I have plugged my OBD2 dongle into the port under the steering wheel and no matter what I try I cannot get it to communicate with the app on my phone. Have even tried a couple of different apps with no joy. My phone does not even see it as a blue tooth device. Have had the same device and phone in the VE previously with no issues.

I would check to see if you can get the dongle to work in another car, and if it works. i suggest unplugging the abs module under the bonnet and try that. auto electrician had similiar issue in feb with mine, and turned out the abs module was stuffed and hindering the connection

[BLACK 346]

I would check to see if you can get the dongle to work in another car, and if it works. i suggest unplugging the abs module under the bonnet and try that. auto electrician had similiar issue in feb with mine, and turned out the abs module was stuffed and hindering the connection

Thanks Paul, will give that a try. It is actually two dongles that I have tried in the car with no success, so you might be on to something with the abs module. Both dongles worked fine in the Calais prior to me replacing them with a proper scan gauge.

[BLACK 346]

Picked up some aftermarket engine covers for a good price off facebook market place today. I was going to paint them black but after cleaning them up decided that the silver they are already sprayed in looks pretty good. Photo's to follow.

[whitels1ss]

I think I saw those advertised,

I agree with you, I reckon silver would look better than black. :yup:

[Micks]

Rod I think I may have some split covers 5.7L but need to check may only be one! You can have it for nix aye.

[BLACK 346]

Rod I think I may have some split covers 5.7L but need to check may only be one! You can have it for nix aye.

Hey Mick, thanks for the kind offer, but managed to score a nice pair of aftermarket ones painted silver :)

[BLACK 346]

Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but I reckon they look far better than the bare motor and also cover up that ugly power steering resorvoir which I refuse to pay over $100 to replace.
They look better in the photos than in real life so I will probably rip them off and respray them at some stage.

[BLACK 346]

Reproduction SS Badges at a fraction of the price that Holden now want for them. If anyone would like the details for the place that makes them, PM me :)

[whitels1ss]

Looks good Rod! :cheers:

[VXSS346]

Regarding the P/S reservoir, I just sprayed mine matt black.
Easy job, don't even have to remove it, just unclip it and put cloths around it so it isolates the spray paint and mask the lid and hoses etc..

Ok, you can't see the level anymore, but your meant to take off the lid to check the level properley anyway.

Just another idea for you. :)

[BLACK 346]

Regarding the P/S reservoir, I just sprayed mine matt black.
Easy job, don't even have to remove it, just unclip it and put cloths around it so it isolates the spray paint and mask the lid and hoses etc..

Ok, you can't see the level anymore, but your meant to take off the lid to check the level properley anyway.

Just another idea for you. :)

Did you use any particular type of paint mate? Or just any matte black spray paint? I might give it a good clean with solvent and do this :)

[VXSS346]

Did you use any particular type of paint mate? Or just any matte black spray paint? I might give it a good clean with solvent and do this :)

It was about 12 years ago, so can't remember for sure. I think it was special 'hi temp' spray paint from either Bunnings or an Auto store. Still looks fine today, although it doesn't get driven much.

I think special hi temperature spray paint will be the go if you did it.

[BLACK 346]

It was about 12 years ago, so can't remember for sure. I think it was special 'hi temp' spray paint from either Bunnings or an Auto store. Still looks fine today, although it doesn't get driven much.

I think special hi temperature spray paint will be the go if you did it.

Thanks mate, just happen to have a can of hi temp satin black in the shed ��

[BLACK 346]

Got super lucky today. The tailshaft in the ute was seized where the bearing is. No amount of persuasion would separate it (quite common apparently, and easy to fark them completely trying to split them). Rang around Adelaide and basically got told by all and sundry, no fekkin chance of getting a V8 one in Adelaide, but we can get you one overnight from interstate for $550. Anyway, got a tip from the young mechanic at Ultra tune Prospect to give DBR Holden Dismantlers in Salisbury Plain a call. Sure enough he had just picked up a V8 Stato (same tailshaft) and within 30 minutes he had his mate split it and fit a new centre bearing. By the time I drove there it was ready to go for less than half the interstate price :)
My lucky day for sure.

[whitels1ss]

Sounds like a win.:goodjob:

[CLUBRED]

I don't understand why some people take the jack kits out of cars when they sell them. :stupid:

I bought an old N15 Pulsar SSS for a daily ages ago and it had not one, but three jack kits in it :woot:. Just needed one more and could have done four wheel changes at once.

[BLACK 346]

Well, the oil leaks were not limited to the rocker covers, oil is pissing out from back of the motor. So long story short it is going back in on the 12th of this month to have motor pulled out and rear main and sump gaskets done. They are also going to check the back of the valley whilst the motor is out. Not ideal, but at least I will know it is all done and hopefully leak free for years to come.

[whitels1ss]

Hope they do it right Rod. :cheers:

Should perhaps think about fitting headers / cats and stallie at the same time? :idea:

[whitels1ss]

& definitely get them to change the oil pickup o ring when they have the sump off.. :yup:

[BLACK 346]

Hope they do it right Rod. :cheers:

Should perhaps think about fitting headers / cats and stallie at the same time? :idea:

That thought has definitely crossed my mind, well the headers and cats bit anyway.

On a side note the new exhaust is extremely quiet, I thought it would have been a little louder. Nice and peaceful in the cabin though, and zero drone which is a bonus.

[whitels1ss]

If you go and see Mike who owns Advance Headers at Holden Hill
he can sell you a decent set of tri-y's and hi flow cats
that will just bolt straight on to your standard fitting cat back type systems.

His stuff is very good quality & it fits well with no worse ground clearance issues than stock pipes & cats.

[Micks]

Rod I can vouch for Advance Headers fitted a new set of 1-3/4 headers to my 6L Crewie about two months ago, they sound awesome & many peeps comment about it too. :yup:

[BLACK 346]

Rod I can vouch for Advance Headers fitted a new set of 1-3/4 headers to my 6L Crewie about two months ago, they sound awesome & many peeps comment about it too. :yup:

Hey Mick, waiting for the bloke from Advance to get back to me on availability. Which headers did you get, was it the A317 Tri-y?

[whitels1ss]

Hey Mick, waiting for the bloke from Advance to get back to me on availability. Which headers did you get, was it the A317 Tri-y?

We have fitted in total 4 sets of them,
one on my SS, one on my son's Clubby, one on my son's Grange & the last on my mate's Caprice.

He makes everything up onsite, last time I bought a set from him they made the cat pipes up for me as I was driving across town to pick them up.

Did you speak to Mike?

[BLACK 346]

We have fitted in total 4 sets of them,
one on my SS, one on my son's Clubby, one on my son's Grange & the last on my mate's Caprice.

He makes everything up onsite, last time I bought a set from him they made the cat pipes up for me as I was driving across town to pick them up.

Did you speak to Mike?

He was not available today Ed, had the day off for personal reasons. I sent an email and spoke with the lady in reception, hopefully he gets back to me tomorrow.

[whitels1ss]

Good stuff Rod, it is only a small engineering workshop but it is an old Aussie family business
and he takes a lot of pride in his work.

I doubt he would remember me by name but I have bought from him a few times.

[BLACK 346]

Good stuff Rod, it is only a small engineering workshop but it is an old Aussie family business
and he takes a lot of pride in his work.

I doubt he would remember me by name but I have bought from him a few times.

I told the lady this morning that after a couple of recommendations from people I trust (you and Mick) ,that I am very keen to use their headers. Hopefully she passes that on ��

[whitels1ss]

Here is a link to a very old comparison test of headers from many years ago on the forum.

The tests were done at Sams Performance Dyno giving comparisons on different headers on a stock engine
comparing results from each set before & after a tune.

The Advance did quite well...

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?29529-Exhausts&p=346506#post346506

I know it is an old test but I doubt any of the manufacturers have re made new extractors since to suit the LS1
in any way to give any huge power gains over these.

[BLACK 346]

Here is a link to a very old comparison test of headers from many years ago on the forum.

The tests were done at Sams Performance Dyno giving comparisons on different headers on a stock engine
comparing results from each set before & after a tune.

The Advance did quite well...

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?29529-Exhausts&p=346506#post346506

I know it is an old test but I doubt any of the manufacturers have re made new extractors since to suit the LS1
in any way to give any huge power gains over these.

Thanks for the link, I remember that from back in the day.

[Micks]

Hey Mick, waiting for the bloke from Advance to get back to me on availability. Which headers did you get, was it the A317 Tri-y?

Rod got these http://www.advanceheaders.com.au/products/headers-extractors/holden/v8/crewman-tuned/ Sound great!

[BLACK 346]

Are these the ones tested by Sam's? They are the only Tri-y that they offer. It say's on the website that some modification may be required, I assume that is not the case from your experience Ed? Don't want any hidden surprises for the mechanics when the engine goes back in :)
Hopefully the 2-4 week waiting period on the website is not a problem also and that he has a set in stock.

https://www.exhaustshop.com.au/collections/advance-headers/products/advance-headers-commodore-vt-series-2-vz-a317-4029

[BLACK 346]

Rod got these http://www.advanceheaders.com.au/products/headers-extractors/holden/v8/crewman-tuned/ Sound great!

Thanks Mick. I was originally going to go 4-1's, have Hurricane 1 7/8 4-1 on the Calais. Decision's decision's .

[whitels1ss]

Are these the ones tested by Sam's? They are the only Tri-y that they offer. It say's on the website that some modification may be required, I assume that is not the case from your experience Ed? Don't want any hidden surprises for the mechanics when the engine goes back in :)
Hopefully the 2-4 week waiting period on the website is not a problem also and that he has a set in stock.

https://www.exhaustshop.com.au/collections/advance-headers/products/advance-headers-commodore-vt-series-2-vz-a317-4029

Here is a link to Advance's site, they were making 2 sizes, there was a slightly bigger one than the 1 5/8
from memory it was 1 3/4 & there is a 4 into 1 as well from memory.
but the 1 5/8 is the size tested by Sam in that link.

http://www.advanceheaders.com.au/products/headers-extractors/holden/v8/

You would have to talk to Mike for all the details.

I would be absolutely shocked if it took him anything like 4 weeks to supply you direct, that link you posted was someone else second handling them.

A good mate of mine had a set of Advance 1 5/8 tri-y's with a blower on his car
& upgraded to 1 7/8 DPE 4 into 1's and got very little improvement with a touch up tune done by the same very reputable tuner on the same dyno.

He reckons that it was not worth the money he spent doing it.




Here is his listing & pics of cat pipes to fit these headers.

http://www.advanceheaders.com.au/products/cats-and-cat-assemblys/holden/

[BLACK 346]

Here is a link to Advance's site, they were making 2 sizes, there was a slightly bigger one than the 1 5/8
from memory it was 1 3/4 & there is a 4 into 1 as well from memory.
but the 1 5/8 is the size tested by Sam in that link.

http://www.advanceheaders.com.au/products/headers-extractors/holden/v8/

You would have to talk to Mike for all the details.

I would be absolutely shocked if it took him anything like 4 weeks to supply you direct, that link you posted was someone else second handling them.

A good mate of mine had a set of Advance 1 5/8 tri-y's with a blower on his car
& upgraded to 1 7/8 DPE 4 into 1's and got very little improvement with a touch up tune done by the same very reputable tuner on the same dyno.

He reckons that it was not worth the money he spent doing it.




Here is his listing & pics of cat pipes to fit these headers.

http://www.advanceheaders.com.au/products/cats-and-cat-assemblys/holden/

Was going to hold off on the cats for a bit, they are nearly as expensive as the headers. Will go have a chat face to face with him tomorrow and either go the 1 3/4 Try-y or the 4-1's

Cheers

[whitels1ss]

I would do the cats at the same time for sure, it would cost you to fit the headers to your old pipes which is a waste
& the cats will give you a decent increase over the stock cats as they are very restrictive on these.

First time I did one, local exhaust shop charged me $200 to fit stock cats to headers
he gutted the cats, which I did not want done, I specifically told him I wanted the in & out of the cats opened
because they go down to 2.25 inch on the inlet & outlets & I wanted the 2.25 inch restrictions removed but leaving the
subtrate in the cats.

Plenty of other shops cut the front and rear off the bodies of the cats opening them to remove the restriction but not this bloke

He took it on himself & told me he was doing me a favour, car sounded like shit, smelt of fuel and ran crap.
It even spat balls of flames out of the tail pipes on decell.

I was absolutely spewing.

Went to Advance & bought a set of his cat pipes & happy days. :dance:

Still got that guys made up straight through cats in my shed because at one stage we were thinking about running :nos:

[BLACK 346]

I would do the cats at the same time for sure, it would cost you to fit the headers to your old pipes which is a waste
& the cats will give you a decent increase over the stock cats as they are very restrictive on these.

First time I did one, local exhaust shop charged me $200 to fit stock cats to headers
he gutted the cats, which I did not want done, I specifically told him I wanted the in & out of the cats opened
because they go down to 2.25 inch on the inlet & outlets & I wanted the 2.25 inch restrictions removed but leaving the
subtrate in the cats.

Plenty of other shops cut the front and rear off the bodies of the cats opening them to remove the restriction but not this bloke

He took it on himself & told me he was doing me a favour, car sounded like shit, smelt of fuel and ran crap.
It even spat balls of flames out of the tail pipes on decell.

I was absolutely spewing.

Went to Advance & bought a set of his cat pipes & happy days. :dance:

Still got that guys made up straight through cats in my shed because at one stage we were thinking about running :nos:

The cats should not be an issue to bolt on later Ed as they are already flanged to fit. I was of the impression these headers would bolt straight to the factory cat flange, so no real work required to fit them? Or have I got this wrong?

[whitels1ss]

Sorry but you have it wrong Rod.

The factory cats are welded into to the factory engine pipes.

[BLACK 346]

Sorry but you have it wrong Rod.

The factory cats are welded into to the factory engine pipes.

Of course they are, I fkn forgot about that didn't I. Lucky I asked :)

[whitels1ss]

I reckon you might have been confused thinking of the VE cats?