Opinion on Purchase. VR/VS GTS/Sentator 215 or VY SS

[Ryzz]

Just interested to get some ideas on peoples opinions here regarding the VY SS's and a slightly older VR/VS HSV Stroker Motor.

Ive always been a fan of the VR/VS with the VT/VX not doing much for me until the VY came out. However a VR/VS GTS is going to be a lot more affordable than a new VY SS.

I know right now everyone is saying/chanting/singing/swearing(if your a ford guy) LS1. However at the end of the day im really not sure what would be a better buy for the money.

Just on handling (forget power/motors/quater mile time/etc) which would handle better in a street situation?? im talking about your favourite corner near home that you love or whatever, im not talking professional track work here. The GTS is close too Ten yrs old, however its the best Holden/HSV could do. Has suspension technology changed that much in 10 yrs that a brand new SS is going to have better suspension setup that a 10yr old flag ship??

Also on Modding potential. I know the stroker is a VERY torquey motor :bow: making it a great motor, but which motor (edit aside) has more modding potential, or is the only real difference how much you willing to spend.

Any ideas here would be great. Im hoping to be in a position to upgrade in late 2004/early 2005, so im just doing my homework on what has always been a dream car for me.

Thx!!!!

[IIV8II]

Um, I really want an HK GTS, or a HQ 350, or a VN Group A. The Gen III is a hugely 'tunable' engine, where the stroker 215 isn't. You get a lot more BFYB with a Gen III. There is no comparison between a new Gen III and an Old Girl VR... But gee I'd love one... and for around late teens, good value.


What do YOU want? :D

[Spiderman_VR]

Consodering youre looking to buy late this year/next year-although my inital thought was VS GTS or Senator..after thinking about it-Id say go for the VY SS.

Youd be saving money on your insurance,would have a new car,and would still have the same kind of power.

Thats just my 0.2cents worth..good luck whatever you end up choosing.

[markone2]

Having been fortunate enough to have owned two HSV's of the VS variety and both nice cars,
I can only say the VY is a huge step up in all area's....just my view and I must add that neither car had the stroker engine although one had been
modified and was a keen performer in a straight line ,it is ..or was in no way comparable to a tuned LS1.

[gen3rules]

I was thinking of a vs 215 senator for my missus after driving one that had been modified slightly (good exhauast system) my mind was quickly changed. It didnt hold a candle to my ss ute. Go the newer car if you want more power refinement and brakes etc. As for my missus she is getting a wh grange. However if your heart is set on a vs or vr go with the heart.

[VXEXEC350]

I was tossing up between a VS CSV Strada and a Gen111 VX Exec. The drive and then the insurance quote made my mind up. (See my nick for the decision).
My car (even as an Exec) is more comfortable, safer, better equipped, Handles better, stops better, and goes harder than the Strada. Insurance is exactly half.

[V82xist]

Go the GTS....hehehe :D
I think you'll find the GTS wouldn't handle that much better than your SS so having owned a VS with FE2 suspension I can tell you no matter what power you get in your VR/VS it won't keep up with a VY on the twisty roads.

Some dealers are offering end of financial year deals with very good finance packages like %2.95 being offered at Suttons for example on stock they have on hand. So maybe a demo VY SS with low interest finance as your business vehicle would be the way to go if you can.
:cheers:

[Red CV8 R]

I had a VP HSV Senator 5000i with a 355ci stroker that an awesome car but I prefer my SS, doesnt have the character of the Senator or the noise/low down grunt but is a much nicer car really.

[Swordie]

Some VR HSV 215s are getting around for low 20's and reasonable VY SS sedans mid 30's. You really need to drive both to see what you like. Reading articles on internet forums / sites is no substitute for the real thing. The stroker would have the better sound. A VR Clubsport 185 manual for around 16K - 17K would be a nice buy.

[HRT Stroker]

The stroker if your gonna leave it relatively stock, if you wanna spend 5 grand on mods, you cant go past the LS1 for kw/dollar spent. Drive both, I did, I went with the stroker.

The ONLY thing that put me off the LS1 was the oil/piston slap thing. I am very fussy with my cars and the idea of having to go through dealer hassles over rebuilds put me off.

If you go VS get the rear K frame checked as they are a weak point. Consider an auto cause the manuals are a bit agricultural!

A VT GTS will handle better but is a heavier car. If the budget allows the VT Senator is a nice bit of gear, but I am biased!!

[GTS215i]

Without sounding biased i would think depending on your age (@ 18-25) that the VS is a better option whether it be A VR or VS, however most regard the VS as a better looking model over the VR, polished rims, decals etc.
Engine wise keeping them reletively stock i would IMO would be the 215i, and the sound of the Aussie 5.7 is hard to beat.

The 215i torque curve (475Nm) @ 36000 rpm is PHAT and smooth and it feels a lot more exciting than a stock VY SS IMO.

The VS GTS, or Senator 215i, being a HSV will no doubt if its in mint condition turn more heads than a VY SS Commodore.

But at the end of the day you have to drive it, and it all depends on what you like driving better and what your plans are for it. You will also have to think about the age the VR/VS are getting on a bit,and the vy commodore has had at least 7 years of later development and refinement on the vr/vs .

[Ryzz]

Wi

The 215i torque curve (475Nm) @ 36000 rpm is PHAT and smooth and it feels a lot more exciting than a stock VY SS IMO.


Wow i knew the strokers were nice motors, but 36 THOUSAND RPM :eek:
:lol:

Thanks for all the advice, im still thinking that the GTS is the better option being only 23 atm. I can always upgrade to VY Later. I will look at test driving both thought before i make a final decision though.

The GTS appeals to me for a lot of reasons, one of them being the uniqueness compared to a VY SS. An the torque of a stroker :nyuk:

[Red CV8 R]

Wow i knew the strokers were nice motors, but 36 THOUSAND
The GTS appeals to me for a lot of reasons, one of them being the uniqueness compared to a VY SS. An the torque of a stroker :nyuk:

The Holden 5.7 litre is a torque monster (my 355 even more so) but I found that it was abit of a one trick pony, It was great for cruising and traffic light battles but it really didnt excite me when you were into it. It felt very breathless up high. The Gen 3 just loves to rev and feels bloody quick if you wind it out. I think it just depends on the driver and how they like their power delivery.

[HRT Stroker]

If you go VS GTS go VS 11 if possible.......Slightly nicer trim.

Before you buy ANY HSV get the full vin number of the car and ring John Volerich at HSV to check its authenticity - I can't stress this enough!

If your lucky you may stumble on a HRT Optimised engine, more power and torque!!

See here for the HRT option specs:
http://pascale.customer.netspace.net.au/vs/gtsr-info.htm

I have most of the info for the VS / VT models, if you need to know anything just ask!

[HRT Stroker]

http://pascale.customer.netspace.net.au/vs/big/vs-gts.jpg

[Martin_D]

The ONLY thing that put me off the LS1 was the oil/piston slap thing. I am very fussy with my cars and the idea of having to go through dealer hassles over rebuilds put me off.


Surely Jarret after all this time you have to get sick of your heavily optimised factory racer being slower than a stock GenIII Exec. Stop beating, and buy a decent car mate!.....Even if it means you give it a litre of oil a month.
Get over it, and welcome to the next millenium!

[HRT Stroker]

Not all of us can afford to change their cars every 12 months ST!!!

And while I'll certainly concede the LS1 has it over the stroker as a bang for buck bewdy, its hardly the new Millenium m8!

Maybe I should buy your Bentley.......... ;-)

[Martin_D]

Not all of us can afford to change their cars every 12 months ST!!!

Whats that thing of yours a 1997 or 98? Thats six years mate!


And while I'll certainly concede the LS1 has it over the stroker as a bang for buck bewdy, its hardly the new Millenium m8!

Sorry bud, but there has been a new whatshamacallit (millenium) since your car was built. Build a bridge Jarret. you know the way!


Maybe I should buy your Bentley.......... ;-)

Maybe you should, its built better, its faster, has way more technology, and it uses less fuel....why wouldnt you? :lol:

[HRT Stroker]

How much ya want for it........it's my style, old and plush!! :lol:

My old girl is 1998, to be honest it has grown on me I guess! It's like a bad habit, sometimes you want to quit but U can't

Other than the LS1, the "modern" cars havent really got much more in 'em.......unless you like to watch DVD in your back seat whilst driving :rolleyes:

Maybe a WH International with the "Blown CV8" treatment.......

Then again I could sell my wife and kids to the Indians or Taiwanese and just get U to wack a blower on the Stroker......... :booty:

At least it's a little different - slow by LS1 standards, but different!

[Martin_D]

How much ya want for it........it's my style, old and plush!! :lol:

Too fast for ya mate. Ive wound up the boost . Scary.


At least it's a little different - slow by LS1 standards, but different!

So is walking. You deserve better than that!

[cutter bob]

im still thinking that the GTS is the better option being only 23 atm.

:nyuk:

mate all i can say to u is warranty..... your 23 and if your anything like me your going to be giving it a boot full every change possible or until the petrol money runs out :D .... i've only got a v6 but i've absoluty raped my warranty.
u might save 10000 to 15000 on the vs but it is 8 or so years old now and when cars get around the 10 year mark things start to break and it would only take a gear box and/or diff to go and you'ld make most of that back plus the extra insurance u would pay on a HSV. i reacon the VY in and out looks fantastic and thou i dont own one :( i've had many a drive of my mates and i can tell u they go and handle great!!!


thats just my opion, u buy what u want. just dont do what i did and listened to my ex girlfriend who wanted to save for a house and bah bah bah, now i'm stuck with a car i hate and have to play the waiting game before i can get my LS1!!! so back to the point GET WHAT U REALLY WANT and you'll love it!!

[Ryzz]

thats just my opion, u buy what u want. just dont do what i did and listened to my ex girlfriend who wanted to save for a house and bah bah bah, now i'm stuck with a car i hate and have to play the waiting game before i can get my LS1!!! so back to the point GET WHAT U REALLY WANT and you'll love it!!

Hmmm, im sure there is a law somewhere that prohibits g/f's & Wives stopping you spending YOUR hard earnt money on cars :hide:

[Mongy]

OK, I'll put my 2 bobs worth in. I've had heaps of Holdens, right back to an LC GTR and an LJ XU1 in the seventies, and I reckon my new VYIISS is by far the best. It might not be as rorty as some of my old ones, but as a whole package it is so far in front I would not swap it for anything I've ever owned. (well, maybe the Vauxhall Velox ute) :booty:

[the mooch]

just dont do what i did and listened to my ex girlfriend who wanted to save for a house and bah bah bah, now i'm stuck with a car i hate and have to play the waiting game before i can get my LS1!!! so back to the point GET WHAT U REALLY WANT and you'll love it!!
Do what I did, asked my wife if she wanted a ute (she likes them, that helped!) then proceeded to talk her into an SS ute. That was 12 months ago. Now she's hooked on the power and won't give it up, literally. I'm stuck driving a clunker to work. Oh well, at least I know I can drive it on weekends. And I get the VZ model next year. :D :D :D :D :D