Very impressed with the Alloytec 195

[vecommo]

Reading these comments about the VE in the Aurion thread has tempted me to reply, however to avoid taking the thread off topic I have decided to start a new thread on the topic.


Was going to buy new VE SV6. Got a price of 36,000 + on roads. Looked tempting...until I read the reviews on this thing. Total sack of shite! It's been lambasted by pretty much every car mag in Aus. Motor magazine slates it in latest BFYB. Rubbish seats, incomprehensible handbrake design, woeful wheezy antiquated engine, agricultural gearbox etc etc.

I have just handed back a VE Calais V6 which I spent 4 days and 700km with. I can confidently say that your description of the Alloytec being woeful, wheezy and antiquaited and the gearbox being agricultural couldn't be further from the truth and has to be one of the biggest crocks of sh*t I have ever read.
Now I have read countless comments bagging the Alloytec for all sorts of reasons, however what is now evident to me is the extent to which some people exaggerate things and the amount of crap some people spin, effectively giving a perfectly fine engine an undeserving bad reputation.
To cut a long story short I was very surprised and impressed with the Alloytec 195, as was everyone else who rode in and drove the car.
I found it to be exceptionally smooth from idle all the way to redline, in fact at idle you wouldn't even know the engine was running unless you looked at the tacho. The engine idles so smoothly that if you placed a glass of water on top of the engine you wouldn't lose a drop. There is some engine noise in the cabin under acceleration however it sounds grunty and sophisticated and is nowhere near being intrusive.
My biggest surprise was the effortless performance of the engine. Now I have read volumes about the Alloytec lacking torque and having to be revved to get going. I cannot understand how people came to this conclusion...the example I drove felt very strong off the mark and even wheelspun on some takeoffs (with esp off) with only half throttle. I found that the car quickly and effortlessly gets to 100 without the tacho having to go over 3000rpm.
Even with only 600km on the clock the engine was very willing to rev, and while a 6 will never sound as good as an 8, I really liked the sound of the Alloytec at redline, IMO sounds very sophisticated.
Transmission shifts at full throttle are very smooth however I noticed there is a slight pause between shifts which I am assuming is the engine power being momentarily cut to avoid the transmission shifting under full power. On light throttle gear changes are virtually undetectable. The sport shift took a little bit of getting used as I found myself shifting the wrong way at times, however once I overcame this I found it pleasant to use.
As for fuel consumption, with a mix of city, highway and substantial full throttle spirited driving it recorded an average of 12.5l/100km on the trip computer, not too shabby at all in my books.

I have driven a number of BA/BF Falcons and have read so much about how the Ford 6 is so superior, however after my experience with the Alloytec 195 I have realised that there is hardly anything between them, unless you wanted to be so fussy and picky as to point out pointless and irrelevant things. To be honest, and putting any brand biases totally aside, I would pick the Alloytec over the Ford, I just found it an absolute pleasure to drive and IMO there is nothing so superior about the Ford that would sway me towards it.

Now don't get me wrong, I know this is a V8 and performance oriented forum and my VE will be a V8, however I was so impressed by the V6 that I have to speak out about the constant critisism and bad rap it is given. If people are gullible enough to believe the garbage that comes from motoring journalists then that is their problem, however my final say is that anyone who hasn't driven on is in no position to comment. The Alloytec is a great engine and deserves better.

[SSidewayz]

I reckon its pretty impressive how a few years ago the V8's put out that much power. My mate has a 195kw clubsport. I remember at the time thinking when will the power race stop? In short it hasnt. Im sure that the V8's wouldnt be a refined and smooth as the new V6. I reckon its a great piece of engineering, power with fuel economy to match. Sweet
Cheers

[SS Enforcer]

I had a VZ sv6 the motor and box were fantastic. Actually I am buggered if I know where the lack of torque impressions came from as well.
I don't know many 6 autos that would spin a LSD off the line, the sv6 sometimes did. It was a quick car quicker than the aussie 5.0 v8 easily and 5.0 fords .

I took it to Adelaide and found it cruising at 150kph + with ease, the bloody thing was just purring along.

If you hold em flat they will rev very willingly to 6700 before they pick the next cog, this actually worried me and I thought it was broken so I went back to holden who chuckled and told me they reved them to 8 grand during testing without any problems at all.

cheers

[VR304]

VE SV6 in BFYB did 0-100kmh in 6.8s and 0-400m in a smidgin over 15.

I had no idea they were as quick as that.

[Nickoff]

I've only had my V6 VE Calais V since Monday and haven't yet had the chance to give it a good workout, but I too think the 195 Alloytec is great motor and has plenty of power. I would prefer a V8 but can happily live with the V6. Coming from an 11 year old Falcon the power increase is surprising...

[seldo]

I think I posted at the time that I'd rented a VZ 6 for a weekend in Melbourrne a while ago and I garee with everything VECommo said. Smooth, quiet, economical, plenty quick enough and more than an equal to the BA I'd rented a couple of weeks before.
I think the bash-an-Allotech theme is largely touted by those who've not even driven one.

[WhiteLion]

I think I posted at the time that I'd rented a VZ 6 for a weekend in Melbourrne a while ago and I garee with everything VECommo said. Smooth, quiet, economical, plenty quick enough and more than an equal to the BA I'd rented a couple of weeks before.
I think the bash-an-Allotech theme is largely touted by those who've not even driven one.

No, probably form those who have driven the lower poered, 4 speed auto version!

[OPPYLOCK]

Could be that not all Alloytecs are made equal as with the early LS1's.
Has anyone got dyno figures from nuerous Allotechs in both states of tune?
I have never driven one but all the straight performance figures I've read don't seem bad to me at all. Its only the jurno's flack that has given it such a bad reputation.

[CV860L]

With the huge success of turbo'd falcons and fpv's Holden and or HSV would be mad not to turbo this engine.
The only thing they would need to be careful of is not making it too quick and blowing the 6L's away, I don't think it would need a great deal tuning to produce some fantastic results.

[Holden Man]

With the huge success of turbo'd falcons and fpv's Holden and or HSV would be mad not to turbo this engine.
The only thing they would need to be careful of is not making it too quick and blowing the 6L's away, I don't think it would need a great deal tuning to produce some fantastic results.

You won't see a turbo six commodore.

Mooney (Holden) has said that they are looking at supercharging the 6 and turbos are ruled out due to packaging restraints (not much room in engine bay).

[CV860L]

You won't see a turbo six commodore.

Mooney (Holden) has said that they are looking at supercharging the 6 and turbos are ruled out due to packaging restraints (not much room in engine bay).

Well supercharging would be my second preference, so it would still be an interesting package, any idea on when we can expect this?

[Holden Man]

Well supercharging would be my second preference, so it would still be an interesting package, any idea on when we can expect this?

Yes I was slightly disapointed to hear turbo charging was ruled out. As you say supercharging is better than nothing I spose.

I'm pretty sure he mentioned 2008.

[Jac001]

The only thing they would need to be careful of is not making it too quick and blowing the 6L's away,.

This is part of the problem, because if you offer a supercharged 6 are you going to steal sales from the v8's.

The super6 would need to sit inbetween the NA6 and v8 in both performance and price.

so the price would have to be around $2500 more for a super6 with a power out of around 230Kw.

Personaly i would make the 195kw v6 standard on the omega and berlina (with A5) and then have the SV6 and higher models calais, statesman with the super6 as standard

[Holden Man]

Personaly i would make the 195kw v6 standard on the omega and berlina (with A5) and then have the SV6 and higher models calais, statesman with the super6 as standard

I agree and think it will happen on the next model update. In time for the new Falcon I reckon :yup:

[OPPYLOCK]

I like the idea of an NA V6. I would like to see HSV chuck in some performance cams, better intake, hedders/cats/exhaust, shorter diff ratio and PCM tune. I think 220-230kw is doable. Imagine an angry V6 with a great induction growl.
This is what Ford did with the early XR6's and it became a cult car.

[Jac001]

I like the idea of an NA V6. I would like to see HSV chuck in some performance cams, better intake, hedders/cats/exhaust, shorter diff ratio and PCM tune. I think 220-230kw is doable. Imagine an angry V6 with a great induction growl.
This is what Ford did with the early XR6's and it became a cult car.

Umm didn't HSV do this with a super 6? xu6 or something? I don't think it sold real well...

I would like to see hsv become more exculsive, higher priced and higher powered.

[csv rulz]

Umm didn't HSV do this with a super 6? xu6 or something? I don't think it sold real well...

I would like to see hsv become more exculsive, higher priced and higher powered.

Coz it had like 8 more kw than the Holden superchargedV6

[Mr Moosh]

I love our Calais V. Sure its no V8, but the 195 and 5speed is still pretty good. 4th and 5th have nothing in them, and even the slightest hill will completely soak up the engines urge. But if using 'Active Select' and staying in 2nd and the 3rd, the car has plenty of acceleration and responds well. This was suprising to me given all the bad reviews the Alloytec got.

In short, it's a great car.

[Danv8]

The Alloytec in my Rodeo does a good job but after a custom tune (when it comes available) and a decent exhaust system it should really go out and rumble.

[SecretSquirrel]

The 190 V6 in my Adventra is not too bad, putting the transmission in Power though made it a lot 'easier' and nicer to drive

Si

[macca33]

Sure, they're no V8, but I've driven a few Alloytech engined cars - mind you, only the 175kw (or so) version and they do the job well enough. They will get you from '0 - no more licence' very easily.

I reckon it's a great little engine to be honest.

Cheers,

Macca

[VYII_R8]

I had a VZ sv6... I don't know many 6 autos that would spin a LSD off the line, the sv6 sometimes did.

My next door neighbor has a VE SV6, (probably about 1500kms now?) and I'm sorry to say this but unless the road is damp or sandy, there is not a snowflake's chance in hell that it will spin it's LSD off the line! (and boy has he tried hehehe :yup: )

This could be something to do with the electronic throttle and/or anti-abuse control though....

[highlander_69r]

i recently test drove the new vz sv6 utes , auto and manual, along with the ford xr6 ute. I found the holden quite pleasent to drive in the auto (5 speed), then the 6 speed manual was even better. needles to say i am now awaiting my new sv6 ute from holdens production line as we speak. At work i drive both the vz and the new ford, personally i find the v6 a great little car that suits my driving style.

some of the reports i have read rubbishing the v6 compared to either the boosted 6 or an 8. IMO those test are a waste of time. i gave up reading wheels and motor mags ages ago, too many indescrepincies. i say test drive them and make your own mind up but either way its a million times better then the old holden v6

[mickeyVX350]

I was lucky enough that my ex had a gov't job, it came with a BA Forte'.. in short, the Barra was "fat and lazy". We then got one of the first Alloytec's and it kicked ass, just the little banger, but a lot more urgent down low. We then had an SV6 and that was swift, to the point that if there was ANY car I would do my ticket it would be the SV6. (it did turn out to be the Monaro, but only because I came to a sudden stop after more airtime than a skateboard at the X games).

Still, no torqu feeling like my RB30 or 5L, or even the 2 5.7's

[vecommo]

VE SV6 in BFYB did 0-100kmh in 6.8s and 0-400m in a smidgin over 15.

I had no idea they were as quick as that.

Wow, I thought they were good for low to mid 7's, but 6.8 is bloody quick, however after driving one it doesn't really surprise me.



I think the bash-an-Allotech theme is largely touted by those who've not even driven one.

Spot on.



No, probably form those who have driven the lower poered, 4 speed auto version!

Admittedly I have never driven the lower spec version of the Alloytec and my only experiences with the Alloytec prior to this was a quick drive around the block in a WL Caprice and being a passenger in a sedately driven VZ Exec, which was not really enough to form a proper judgement on. I can't really imagine the base version being that much worse as it is made out to be though.



You won't see a turbo six commodore.

Mooney (Holden) has said that they are looking at supercharging the 6 and turbos are ruled out due to packaging restraints (not much room in engine bay).

I would love to see a twin turbo Alloytec and was dissapointed to hear Mooney's comments that it will not happen. If Holden never intended to create a turbo version then why the hell did they tease us with the Torana concept? I wouldn't write off the supercharged version though, for all we know it could turn out to be a bloody good thing.




My next door neighbor has a VE SV6, (probably about 1500kms now?) and I'm sorry to say this but unless the road is damp or sandy, there is not a snowflake's chance in hell that it will spin it's LSD off the line! (and boy has he tried hehehe :yup: )

This could be something to do with the electronic throttle and/or anti-abuse control though....

When I said I got the Calais spinning off the mark it wasn't exactly sitting there smoking up the tyres, it was more like a long chirp. I don't know whether it will do a burnout as I didn't try it.

[VXSSV8]

Just had a rental VZ Exec for a couple of weeks and I concur on the power. Its a lot stronger up top compared to the old 3.8L however torque was woeful down low. Noise and vibration was disgusting for an all new engine and barely better than the 3.8L boat anchor when revved. VE's seem much improved thankfully. The VZ seemed quite willing to spin the wheels from a stand still (momentarily). In second gear acceleration from like 20km/h torque was lacking in comparison but then the trade off is more up top, guess you can't have it both ways unless you go an 8 :yup:

BTW, if you have a VZ V6, take the snorkel off the air intake and she will make a very loud induction noise. :)

[bennoxr8]

I've got a VZ SV6 and its no slouch. However, it lacks consistency. Sometimes when you hit the exuberance pedal it'll rip back a couple of gears and accelerate at a great rate, other times it will only drop back one gear and will sluggishly meander its way up to the top of the rev range.

I think a tune to get rid of some of the factory fitted fun-stopping nonsense would really have it cranking nicely.

It also has the handling and braking to match the quickness. Pretty good for a bog-stock fleet chariot.

[SS Enforcer]

My next door neighbor has a VE SV6, (probably about 1500kms now?) and I'm sorry to say this but unless the road is damp or sandy, there is not a snowflake's chance in hell that it will spin it's LSD off the line! (and boy has he tried hehehe :yup: )

This could be something to do with the electronic throttle and/or anti-abuse control though....

Once mine had over 15k on it , it became a much better car to drive, The balance was near pefect compared to an 8 model.

Maybe the tune is different in the VZ compared to the VE but there is still a few black marks at work where I planted it, in the dry in a straight line.

You probably won't get a tyre frying burnout unless you use A/S and slip up through the gears whilst riding the brake , but thats abuse and I don't do that to my cars.

cheers

[pmac]

You won't see a turbo six commodore.

Mooney (Holden) has said that they are looking at supercharging the 6 and turbos are ruled out due to packaging restraints (not much room in engine bay).

the torana was a twin turbo where did they put them
and ive seen the 6.0 ve's have twins added to them and the location of the turbo's was underneath the car

so if the 6.0l can fit twin turbo's why not the smaller alloytec engine as well

[Road Warrior]

The SV6 spec engine is no doubt a more lively engine than the bog stocker in the Omega...I drove an Omega a few weeks ago and I couldn't believe how gutless it was, and it was pinging too under only a moderate amount of throttle up a hill. I would hope that the 195 is a lot better. Don't these things have knock sensors in them? They should do if they don't.

Agree that the Barra is a lazy engine, and can be bloody irritating if you want to move off smartly, but it's grunt makes it great for towing.

[vessv4mee]

a few years ago I owned an Adventra LX6 which had the "190kw" badged V6 coupled to a 5 speed auto box.

Despite this beast being fitted with Crosstrac AWD and weighing in at about 1800kgs, the motor was sweet.

Returned approx 11.5lt per 1ookms on average.

[kpop]

My next door neighbor has a VE SV6, (probably about 1500kms now?) and I'm sorry to say this but unless the road is damp or sandy, there is not a snowflake's chance in hell that it will spin it's LSD off the line! (and boy has he tried hehehe :yup: )

This could be something to do with the electronic throttle and/or anti-abuse control though....

i agree with you. my vz calais goes off the line, but absaloutly no chance of wheel spin, not even a chirp. this is just straight throttle with esp off. no riding the brakes.

however, a full lock + full accellerate will leave a very long black line and a huge cloud of smoke :D :D :D (ps: this was done on a race track).

[sh|tbmxrider]

eeeh...Had only 'tasted' the base omega with 4spd until today, and yet again, got behind the wheel...and this car/engine lived up to the rough/harsh/gutless memory I had of it, very reminicent of the Ecotech i had in my VX wagon & VY sedan

Then, at another point, jumped behind the wheel of a VE SV6 auto...Much better, but still that notch below the BF II XR6 zf 6spd, but the car itself felt that step newer and fresher(and newer and fresher than my XR6T...not in performance tho heh)

Also drove a SS-V auto on 20's today...Jeez, its got a nice note, and felt quite strong between 3-4.5k, tho not as strong as my own car, just felt like the power tapers off quite significantly compared to mine(but mine does have a tune, vs. stock ssv)

All in all, the base engine was the nail I remember it being, the premium engine was nice, tho not as good as the Ford I6....and the 6litre V8 sounds awesome...

[Carby]

I like our 195kw SV6, but it certainly is not a nice sounding engine - it is smooth enough but is really harsh sounding. If they could make it purr like the 380 or Aurion V6's, I'm sure a lot of people would change their opinion on the motor/ whole car.

With the 6 speed manual avg fuel consumption is quite good about 10.4 in a mix of heavy traffic and some freeway Kilometres. This is about 3.5 litre /100better than the GTS!

[The-V8-Power]

Some say it doesnt sound the best but this review for the Pontiac G8 says it does sound like one of the best.

Power is adequate, but there isn't quite enough on tap to really throw you into the back of your seat. However, most buyers will find the V6's performance sufficient.
Of note, the G8 has the best sounding V6 exhaust tone this side of the Infiniti G35.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/pontiac-g8-review.html

[pmac]

what does holden do to the pontiac to get a review saying the exhaust is nice, all the 6ers here are quite when they are stock

[Bozza_VE]

I'm waiting on my SV6. Haven't test drove it or anything. It will feel alot more powerful then my current ride (4cyl fwd) hehe. I'm hoping someone does the supercharger kit for the SV6. I'll be sure to get my order in.

[vicarious]

Some say it doesnt sound the best but this review for the Pontiac G8 says it does sound like one of the best.

Power is adequate, but there isn't quite enough on tap to really throw you into the back of your seat. However, most buyers will find the V6's performance sufficient.
Of note, the G8 has the best sounding V6 exhaust tone this side of the Infiniti G35.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/pontiac-g8-review.html


sedan possibly not throw you back, but when i let the ute off the line it certainly can

[Roonstain]

I'm waiting on my SV6. Haven't test drove it or anything. It will feel alot more powerful then my current ride (4cyl fwd) hehe. I'm hoping someone does the supercharger kit for the SV6. I'll be sure to get my order in.


superchargers and turbos are available.........
check out the forum sponsors

[BLACKVE]

Currently on holiday in Surfers and we were lucky to get up graded from a midsize car to a WM statesman V6.

:flipoff:These things are slow can't believe they are 195kw they seem to rev freely but for no result and horrible noise, on the plus side fuel economys good around 11.5L and getting floged. Must admit the 5 speed auto is crap to changes are all over the place and shifts from 5 to 4th all the time on freeway(probally no torque from motor).

Not the car i thought it would be(leather seats are crap too!)

Miss the SS:goodjob:

[kpop]

v6 in a statesman, what did you expect ?

i just put a 3.45 lsd diff in my car, and switched from 95 octane to 98. i didnt think it would have made much of a difference between 95 and 98, but there is one.

boy what a difference the changes made though. easily lights up the tyres off the line, and so much more pull, slams you back into your seat now

[Tecca]

Yeh ive had the chance to be a passenger and pilot in a few SV6's, they drive really smooth with a fair bit of guts to back it up with! just as most people have said the engines don't sound too spectacular! but good bang for your buck imo.

[vecommo]

Currently on holiday in Surfers and we were lucky to get up graded from a midsize car to a WM statesman V6.

:flipoff:These things are slow can't believe they are 195kw they seem to rev freely but for no result and horrible noise.....

I disagree with this.
Of course it will seem slow compared to a modified V8, what do you expect? I hired a WM V6 late last year and was impressed at how well it went for such a big heavy barge, as did everybody else who rode in the car.
Sure, they are not a fire breathing performance car, but ~7sec 0-100 and ~15sec 0-400m are pretty respectable figures for a 1900kg barge, far from what I'd consider 'slow'.... It wasn't that long ago that HSV's were putting out figures like this.

[macca_779]

Compare the Alloytech to the Toyota 6 or the Falcon 6 and you can see its shortfalls. For an engine that is as modern as it is. Its really quite a disappointment. Hell my old 180kw nearly 20 year old 5L handed many an alloyanchor its arse. Power is irrelevant on the street next to torque. And its the lack of torque from the alloyanchor is why the Ford I6 rapes the Holden.

[vecommo]

Compare the Alloytech to the Toyota 6 or the Falcon 6 and you can see its shortfalls. For an engine that is as modern as it is. Its really quite a disappointment. Hell my old 180kw nearly 20 year old 5L handed many an alloyanchor its arse. Power is irrelevant on the street next to torque. And its the lack of torque from the alloyanchor is why the Ford I6 rapes the Holden.

If we're talking about the basic 180/4A version then I agree with you entirely, but the 195/5A version is a far better unit and I have personally witnessed these hand standard VN-VT 304's their arses on several occasions. While the alloytec has less torque, it makes up for it in top end...Where the old 5l is running out of breath around 5000rpm, the alloytec is still going strong right up to 6800rpm.

[macca_779]

If we're talking about the basic 180/4A version then I agree with you entirely, but the 195/5A version is a far better unit and I have personally witnessed these hand standard VN-VT 304's their arses on several occasions.

Nope I was referring to bog stock 190/195's. While better than the 170/172/180's they still aren't very inspiring at all. I'll take a Falcon if I had to have a 6.

[M&Ms]

I disagree with this.
Of course it will seem slow compared to a modified V8, what do you expect? I hired a WM V6 late last year and was impressed at how well it went for such a big heavy barge, as did everybody else who rode in the car.
Sure, they are not a fire breathing performance car, but ~7sec 0-100 and ~15sec 0-400m are pretty respectable figures for a 1900kg barge, far from what I'd consider 'slow'.... It wasn't that long ago that HSV's were putting out figures like this.

~7 sec and ~15 sec in a V6 Caprice?? Yeah right! Add around a complete second to each of those times.
Wanna see a quick Aussie 6-cyl? Hold your breath, and take an AU XR6 HP for a spin, in manual guise you got a 14 sec car (and this was in 1999), and not much slower from the autos. Quickest Aussie 6 (NA) pre-BF 6 speed. ~170 kW, ~1400 kg.

[SV346]

Those fords were a complete heap, i heard they couldnt even get 400m times for them because they broke on the launch :p infact all ford times are just made up because they just break and the ones that dont break take so long everyone gives up with a lack of patience for it ... :) All truth, no lies here.

But i do quite like the alloytech motor in the ve spec, its got guts and a good noise to boot. Unlike the fords, damn they are lazy :p

[macca_779]

Those fords were a complete heap, i heard they couldnt even get 400m times for them because they broke on the launch :p infact all ford times are just made up because they just break and the ones that dont break take so long everyone gives up with a lack of patience for it ... :) All truth, no lies here.

But i do quite like the alloytech motor in the ve spec, its got guts and a good noise to boot. Unlike the fords, damn they are lazy :p

Watch where your walking mate.. You wouldn't want to poke out your one eye.

[duke5700]

I drive alot of hire cars for work. I guess so far this year about 20 odd thousand K's. I have driven Aurions, 380 Mitsi, BA and BF XR6's BF Fairlaines, Omega Commodores and one very lucky time a VE Calais for a week.

If I had to rank them, I liked the VE's in 6cyl form with the BF Fairlanes BF XR6's a close second.(I would like to say this is not brand bias but I could be wrong) The 6 speed auto in the BF Fairlanes makes the Fords really feel alot more responsive than they ought to be. Both the Ford and the Holden met my expectations of what a family sized 6cyl sedan should do. Comfortable, plenty of boot space reasonable on fuel. Its not a sports car though ovetaking in both cars is a snack. The only thing i really dislike about the Flacon range is the 4speed auto. Very prone to horrible shifts when provoked for an overtaking run. Emits a bang from the drive line that is louder than when I break CV's in my VX.

The Aurion on the other hand. Has lots of failings as I see it.

The drivers seat control area is cramped. Im not a massive guy @ 6"1' 100kg but its just never feels right. The seat steering wheel distance is not far enough. The driving position feels awkward.

The auto gearbox is woeful.

Fuel Economy is not up to scratch with the other cars. It is however on par with the 4speed falcons. I found the 6speed fairlane to be better than the VE calais and Omega. Though both Holdens where brand spankers and the ford was 30,000kms old.

I never seem to be able to fit as much in the boot of the aurion. It claims more litres, but its not as deep as the others so I find it harder to fit in test equipment. This is only my guesstimate.

The torque steer from slow speeds and even when your overtaking on B roads in a 100kp/h zone is stupid and has no place in a car manuactured in 2008. You can feel the damn car tug you all over the road.

It does not soak up bumps mid corner and can be very unsettling to drive if the road is rough. I would hazard a guess and say the suspension on them is not suited or tuned for australian conditions. I found the Falcon's and commodores do this a damn site better.

When it all comes down to it... If I was going to buy a 6cyl in that larger range it would be heads or tails between the Fairlane and the Calais. I found them both to be great cars, Omega/Berlina next. Then 380, then 4speed falcon then Aurion dead last.

[Ahyeah]

haha, the alloytec doesnt compare to the ford 6.

And yes, the AU XR6 manual was and still is a very quick car (for what it is), anything ford 6 cyl and manual after about EF/L was very quick, especially the VCT engines. Anything 6 cyl Post BA shits all over the alloytec auto or manual.

If you dont agree its easy to prove, these are just taxi spec hire cars, go hire both and put them side by side.

[duke5700]

haha, the alloytec doesnt compare to the ford 6.

And yes, the AU XR6 manual was and still is a very quick car (for what it is), anything ford 6 cyl and manual after about EF/L was very quick, especially the VCT engines. Anything 6 cyl Post BA shits all over the alloytec auto or manual.

If you dont agree its easy to prove, these are just taxi spec hire cars, go hire both and put them side by side.

The half a second difference really isn't worth the hassel and would come down the the driver in a manual. My youngest brother has a VL n/a 5speed that keeps up with the hire cars no worries. There not exactly performance kings. If your worried about how fast your taxi pack car goes you would buy a V8.

[Ahyeah]

The half a second difference really isn't worth the hassel and would come down the the driver in a manual. My youngest brother has a VL n/a 5speed that keeps up with the hire cars no worries. There not exactly performance kings. If your worried about how fast your taxi pack car goes you would buy a V8.

Yes, i was just thinking the VN-VE 6's, but now you mention it the older VL's 3 litre manuals were quick too ;)

As a family car, the torquier engine (ford six) would be my pick, the lazyness of it and ability to haul huge loads at stuff all revs is extremely useful.

[eldan89]

Compare the Alloytech to the Toyota 6 or the Falcon 6 and you can see its shortfalls. For an engine that is as modern as it is. Its really quite a disappointment. Hell my old 180kw nearly 20 year old 5L handed many an alloyanchor its arse. Power is irrelevant on the street next to torque. And its the lack of torque from the alloyanchor is why the Ford I6 rapes the Holden.

I'd agree with you there. At work we've got an old EF Falcon for deliveries and want not and that things got torque almost like a weak v8. Although the engine doesn't like to rev much it doesn't matter because its never struggling. It makes for a smooth effortless drive. I've also driven a VE Omega (175kw A4) and found the torque in that to be a little weak, I was finding the car downshifting (or needing to) when it came to hills. But this can be overcome if you want to rev the engine a little more (to which it happily obliges) My only issue is that the A4 box wasn't made for a revving engine, it is more for something slow and full of torque. I guess the main issue people were/are trying to come to grips with is what does the alloytec want to be? A big lazy low revving Aussie 6, or something thats ready to rev its nuts off. IMO its in a bit of each column, thus getting mixed reactions from drivers.

[sh|tbmxrider]

I find my VE Omega ute is nice enough to punt around to about 4000rpm, anything over that it just feels breathless and takes forever to rev....having done another back to back comparo, (and having lived with an alloytech for 20k) id take the BA/BF I6....



Oh hang on, I did....(with a turbo)

[SV346]

Watch where your walking mate.. You wouldn't want to poke out your one eye.

Its a holden eye though so its unable to be poked :)

[macca_779]

Its a holden eye though so its unable to be poked :)

I don't know about that mate. An I6 with a snail bolted on the side will not only poke the shit out of it, but rip it clean from its socket.

[planetdavo]

I don't know about that mate. An I6 with a snail bolted on the side will not only poke the shit out of it, but rip it clean from its socket.
I guess that wont be the same snail that couldn't be released at the FG launch because the turbo bearings were failing then??? :bawl:

[macca_779]

I guess that wont be the same snail that couldn't be released at the FG launch because the turbo bearings were failing then??? :bawl:

Is that the best you got for a comeback dude.. Common thats pathetic. Yes Garratt had issues with delivery of the turbos for a bit there but that is all under the bridge now and its not like there are many if any customers that ended up with the issue.. Do yourself a favour and take a G6ET for a spin. It might open that one eye up quite a bit.

[CLUBRED]

What sort of numbers are we looking at for a blown Atec?

[planetdavo]

Is that the best you got for a comeback dude.. Common thats pathetic. Yes Garratt had issues with delivery of the turbos for a bit there but that is all under the bridge now and its not like there are many if any customers that ended up with the issue.. Do yourself a favour and take a G6ET for a spin. It might open that one eye up quite a bit.

What, more pathetic than suggesting a snail would rip someones "eyes out"? :confused:
As everyone (but you) knows, it's BRAKING that would rip someones eyeballs out of their sockets, not acceleration!
I don't doubt it's a beautiful motor (when they FINALLY released them for sale that is, not at launch!), but WHY has a naturally aspirated Alloytec thread suddenly become a thread about how good a turbocharged I6 Ford motor is? We've had a few specific ones on that already.
I'll update you on the title of this thread..."Very impressed with the Alloytec 195". :teach:

[BLACKVE]

I disagree with this.
Of course it will seem slow compared to a modified V8, what do you expect? I hired a WM V6 late last year and was impressed at how well it went for such a big heavy barge, as did everybody else who rode in the car.
Sure, they are not a fire breathing performance car, but ~7sec 0-100 and ~15sec 0-400m are pretty respectable figures for a 1900kg barge, far from what I'd consider 'slow'.... It wasn't that long ago that HSV's were putting out figures like this.

I was comparing it also with the 6 cylinder fairlaine ghia we also got(big group). Better seats smoother gearbox 6 speed and more grunt always been a holden man but wouldn't buy a WM statesman for $55000.

[DALER]

i'm an absoulute V8 nut but I have just bought my son a vz sv6 a5 and I enjoy driving it more that i would have ever imagined.

The shift change in the gearbox reminds me of my old xr6 turbo.

The car is awsome and I would recomend it to anyone even with holden going direct injection.

d