HSV 52B VTII Senator M6 MAFLESS

[macca_779]

Name: Ryan
Model: VTII Senator Signature
Colour: Tungstan Gold
Bodykit: HSV
Engine Type: LS1
Engine Mods: PT OTRCAI, MAFLESS By OZTRACK, VZ LS1 Covers
Power: Quite a bit over 300 fwkw
Exhaust: HSV Performance Twin System
Gearbox: T56 Modified Standard Shifter for 40% shorter throws, and 20mm lower stick
Diff: 3.73 LSD
Brakes: HSV Performance Callipers & Slotted Rotors
Suspension: HSV Automatic Leveling Performance Setup
Wheels/Tyres: 18in HSV Grange
Interior: Tan Coulsons HSV Performance Option
Other Mods: Sunroof
Stereo: 260W Meastro Eurovox Stocker
Cost: $24500
Future Mods: Harrop Diff Housing

[jaykay]

Is this vehicle for sale or are you posting it to tell us about it ?

If it is for sale it needs to go in the classifieds section and how many kms ?

If you are telling us about it .......

:worthless:

[macca_779]

Nah its not for sale and I'd love to post pics. But I can't yet cause of the 10 post rule.

[csv rulz]

How can it be an M6 if its a senator? i thought they were only auto?

[macca_779]

It was optional up till VE actually. They are just very rare. It even has MM6 on the Holden build plate. So when initially built before going to HSV it was in essence a 6 speed V8 Calais.

[csv rulz]

It was optional up till VE actually. They are just very rare. It even has MM6 on the Holden build plate. So when initially built before going to HSV it was in essence a 6 speed V8 Calais.

But they dont make manual calais do they? Must be a pretty rare car than

[macca_779]

Ok here are some pics of my Senator
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/SenatorClean014.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/SenatorClean008.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/SenatorClean006.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/SenatorClean022.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIFitted009.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIFitted004.jpg


But they dont make manual calais do they? Must be a pretty rare car than

They don't sell them but they still build them. My car is proof and every other 6 speed Senator too. They come off production as calais's which is shown on the VIN number by an X after VT. And the 6 speed manual option is on the build plate in the trans section.

[phunky_monkey]

Very nice mate!

CSV: Yes, they made manual Senators, just rare as, and usually a fair bit pricier. I wanted one actually, but they were out of my price range. A friend of mine had a silver VX Senator M6

[csv rulz]

Very Nice mate. Thats an awesome car with the luxury of the senator but in a manual. My dream car would be a VE Senator M6, its a real ahame HSV dont make them

[SteveSV8]

Ah yes,

From Taree until recent times......

Nice Car & well looked after by its previous owner.

[macca_779]

Ah yes,

From Taree until recent times......

Nice Car & well looked after by its previous owner.

Yep thats the one. The previous owner did a pretty good job of taking care of it. He left it very stock not one thing is modified that I can find. I fixed up all the little nigglies when I bought it. But its been tuned now so goes a lot harder than stock

A couple more from when I first got it.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator016.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator009.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator002.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator003.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator018.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator011.jpg

[Carrots]

Very nice!

[brentonsav]

nice ride although a bit of an "old man" colour scheme to me
each to their own

certainly is unique.
i want to get the leather hsv gearknob and leather surround to replace my ss vinyl and plastic combo in my vx II but will wait until after my ripshifter
anyone know how much this is, please pm me. dont mean to hijack

nice ride none the less

[macca33]

How can it be an M6 if its a senator? i thought they were only auto?

Umm, NOPE!!!!!!

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/2221000-2221999/2221327_18_full.jpg


And here: - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2221327

(Actually, it was optional up until VY2)

Again, nice rig there macca.

Cheers,

Macca

[macca_779]

ahh yes of course VYII it ran up to. They stopped optioning it when the LS2 came out. As I've said to you before your's is mint in the red. But I'm not a fan of the wheels.

[KPWISHN]

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator009.jpg


Looks like some dirty ass feet have been sitting in this baby.

Love the car. That really is a good combo. Manual Senator. :drool:

[macca_779]

nice ride although a bit of an "old man" colour scheme to me
each to their own

certainly is unique.
i want to get the leather hsv gearknob and leather surround to replace my ss vinyl and plastic combo in my vx II but will wait until after my ripshifter
anyone know how much this is, please pm me. dont mean to hijack

nice ride none the less

The colour is a bit plain but when in the used market its hard to be picky. Still it goes well with the Grange wheels and is easy to keep clean.
I always wanted a car with luxury and power that handles like its on rails. And for an unmodified car. There is no other alternate to a Senator. Especially with the optional GTS suspension like mine making it even rarer.


Looks like some dirty ass feet have been sitting in this baby.

Love the car. That really is a good combo. Manual Senator. :drool:

Yeah that would be brake fluid from the clutch master cylinder. Just fixed it today actually. Its only really badly stained on the mat so it should clean up ok which is what im off to do now.

[macca33]

ahh yes of course VYII it ran it. They stopped optioning it when the LS2 came out. As I've said to you before your's is mint in the red. But I'm not a fan of the wheels.

Yep, the wheels are different, I reckon they're alright, but if I put some bigger brakes on, It'll be a change to 18s, possibly the SV99/VT2GTS 9 spokers, for something different.

Down the track though, I'm not driving it for a while, so things will have to wait.

Cheers,

Macca

[GETUTED]

jesus t*tty fu**ken christ that woodgrain dash is ugly!!! :doh:
other than that nice car mate:headbang:

[macca_779]

yeah a few people have said that. I dont mind it, tis a sign of luxury. Plus i'm not about to put silver there like in the Holdens that would look out of place on a tan interior

[GETUTED]

tis a sign of luxury.

:weirdo: .............as long as you like it mate :cool:

[ApeXi]

love the car mate, good to see another m6 senator, as "rare" as they are ment to be, i see a few, i mean in vx theres 2 on the forums i know of (me and macca33) 1 that lives in my area and i have seen 2 in the city, and i havn't seen any auto's getting around, lol

re: dash, it's better than that shit plastic crap in holdens :P

[macca_779]

damm straight. No povo pack dash's for us.
But yeah it is amazing how many you see from time to time. Could be just because guys like us actually keep an eye out for them

[Dug]

I've only ever seen one other M6 VT2 apart from my own, and it had a screw on top of the motor, so i was in jealousy country there for a sec.

HSV originally told me that there were only 2 VT2 M6's made, but have since clarified upon my further pushing at them to be 2 from 1999 (the year mine was made) and 6 from 2000. They only made 98 VT2 Senator's all up i'm told.

[macca_779]

well there you go I'm the other 99 one. November build from HSV #52 to be exact. I had no idea they were that rare. I feel a bit privileged. Wow only 98 cars. That makes them more exclusive than the GTS.

[vt350phantom]

How can it be an M6 if its a senator? i thought they were only auto?

Im pretty sure macca33 has a manual Senator

[macca33]

Im pretty sure macca33 has a manual Senator

Yes phantom, I couldn't help but mention that!!!

How are you enjoying the cam? I have to say that they turn the car into a very nice thing and I'm glad that I put one in.

Cheers,

Macca

[vt350phantom]

Yes phantom, I couldn't help but mention that!!!

How are you enjoying the cam? I have to say that they turn the car into a very nice thing and I'm glad that I put one in.

Cheers,

Macca

Its going well mate, sounds angry at idle and there is torque everywhere. Its sucking fuel though, however that is probably because my right foot is heavy!
I'm looking forward to running it at the private day in January, hopefully I can get a low 12 if I learn how to drive!

[Dug]

well there you go I'm the other 99 one. November build from HSV #52 to be exact. I had no idea they were that rare. I feel a bit privileged. Wow only 98 cars. That makes them more exclusive than the GTS.

September '99, Build #10, T56.
Wonder how many of the Eight VT2 M6 Senator's they made there are on these forums?

[macca_779]

your the only other one I've seen so far.


Im pretty sure macca33 has a manual Senator

His is a VX though.

[macca_779]

I Had another bloody clutch master cylinder go on me today. The $$$$in thing has only been in the car for two weeks. Although this one didn't just leak. It totally $$$$ed out. Leaving me with a hard pedal but no clutch actuation. Its leaking so I know its not the slave cylinder. Did it just as I was leaving work. Lucky for me with all the practice I've had driving work utes around without using the clutch hehe. I managed to get it home only with having to stop the car once. I rang Holden and they are going to replace it for me under warante which is nice. But I'm still shitty I wanted to take it to Brad's custom trim open day tomorrow. I'll take the SS now so if anyone is coming thats what I'll be in.

[XR4TED]

I've only ever seen one other M6 VT2 apart from my own, and it had a screw on top of the motor, so i was in jealousy country there for a sec.

HSV originally told me that there were only 2 VT2 M6's made, but have since clarified upon my further pushing at them to be 2 from 1999 (the year mine was made) and 6 from 2000. They only made 98 VT2 Senator's all up i'm told.

Dug,

There was 208 Series II Senators built from July 99.

cheers

[macca_779]

Got good news and bad news. The Bad news is that my clutch is ****ed it wasn't the master cylinder after. And to be honest I don't know what the problem is. All I do know is that the box needs to come out to fix what ever is wrong.

The good news is I've decided to invest in a Textralia X Grip. It's been good timing too. As I just sold my Trail bike today so I've got 9k to spend instead of having to wait a month to save up the coin to buy one. The clutch will come out of that bike money. And as tempting as a new cam would be. I'll be throwing the rest on the car loan.

[macca_779]

A mate of mine in Melbourne got me onto Tommy at North Melbourne Brake and Clutch. He said the symptoms my car is showing indicates a collapsed diaphram, which makes sense now that I think about it. I got him to order me a Textralia OZ700SB X Grip. I went for the steel flywheel because I don't want to loose my hill climbing abilities in 6th with an alluminium one. I'm going to replace the slave cylinder while the box is out too. All up price from Tommy $1300. Which I was quite surprised about. It's not what you know, it's who you know has paid off for me once again. And with the help of Liam (RED02VXSS) who has done a clutch change before on ramps to help me with the install when I get back to newy. Its come off as a much cheaper affair than what I was expecting. Hmmm think I might get that Harrop Diff housing after all. Stay tuned I'll take pics of the whole process me thinks.

[macca_779]

Got my Tex the other day. Ended up getting it from Harrop for $1250 after I got screwed around by Northan Brake and Clutch who ordered me some exidy clutch. I must of told the guy 5 times the part number of the Tex I wanted. But anyway I got one now. I rang GM Motorsport and they didn't have any. So I rang Damian at Harrop and was told he only had Z grips in stock. So I thought bugger it I can handle a bit of shudder so I went straight over and picked it up. Also got a new slave on the way.
It a nice looking box they come in. But I think it will be even better once its in the car.

Some piccys
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/tex1.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/clutchslave.jpg

[vy storm]

MMMM i love the vt senators especially with the coulsen seats nice car mate love it!!!

[Dug]

Dug,

There was 208 Series II Senators built from July 99.

cheers

That sounds a bit more like what I expected they'd made. Thought that less than 100 sounded a bit rarer than I expected. Mind you, i got the number from someone down at clayton, so i'm buggered if i know what drugs they were on!

[SIG-054]

well there you go I'm the other 99 one. November build from HSV #52 to be exact. I had no idea they were that rare. I feel a bit privileged. Wow only 98 cars. That makes them more exclusive than the GTS.

nice ride mate! congrats on the Manual... beggers cant be choosers, i got the auto #54

[macca_779]

RED02VXSS and I installed a TEX Z grip into my car today. What a ****ed job but i'm glad we did it. Alot of self satisfaction in doing the job yourself plus saved about $300 too. But that $300 was spent on a new output shaft bush as it was totally hammered.

Getting the box out was not so bad, just getting the top bolt out of the bell housing was the worst part, took half an hour for that bolt. Once we got the box out clutch came out piece of piss and was in surprisingly good condition, with heaps of material on the clutch plate, few hot spots on the flywheel though, but hey its 134k old.
We know that the pressure plate self adjuster was the culprit to my problem. But we got no idea how it works and what went wrong. Its all there and looks intact

So anyway kick that POS out of the way and in went the TEX. Installing the clutch was easy everything went on well and the new slave cylinder I got went on too.

Last bit was installing the box back up. Holly fvck what a pain in the arse. For some reason the the fingers on the Tex seem to extend out a tiny bit more than the stock clutch. This meant that the input shaft kept fowling on them while we jacked it up. We had to remove the whole shifter mechanism to get it in and even still it had to be wedged past the fingers ever so slightly. No harm done in the end.

Everything reinstalled I started the car and heard a bad grinding kind of noise coming out of the throw out bearing when depressing the pedal. We thought o no what went wrong. We decided stuff it I want to drive this thing we'll worry about it later. As it turned out the noise went away after a few k's. Must of been bedding in or something.

Driving. How good is this clutch. I bloody love it. I had to restrain myself as I am still bedding it in but wow. No shudder what so ever and the pedal feel and take up point are much better than the standard clutch feel. I hope it stay this nice. I can feel how much more clamping force there is now and I look forward to practicing some hard launches.

[macca33]

Good job there mate - glad that you've sorted it all out.

Cheers,

Macca

[macca_779]

Took delivery of an EFI LIVE Flash Scan tool today. Just been screwing around with system settings at the moment. Changed my A/C disable to kick in a bit earlier at lower revs and lighter throttle. I also set up a more extreme cold engine start up rev limiter. I got it set so that the limiter kicks in when at different cold engine temps. For example at 20C I'm running a 2700rpm limiter for 90sec. It tapers down with higher ECT's. Its a nice little function that I've adapted off BMW's to save from someone reving to hard on a cold engine.

I'll start refining my VE table when I get a wideband 02 sensor sometime next week hopefully. I'll try a bit more timing too. But its at 24deg now so I can't see it taking much more safely.

[HRT 8]

Took delivery of an EFI LIVE Flash Scan tool today. Just been screwing around with system settings at the moment. Changed my A/C disable to kick in a bit earlier at lower revs and lighter throttle. I also set up a more extreme cold engine start up rev limiter. I got it set so that the limiter kicks in when at different cold engine temps. For example at 20C I'm running a 2700rpm limiter for 90sec. It tapers down with higher ECT's. Its a nice little function that I've adapted off BMW's to save from someone reving to hard on a cold engine.

I'll start refining my VE table when I get a wideband 02 sensor sometime next week hopefully. I'll try a bit more timing too. But its at 24deg now so I can't see it taking much more safely.

Macca, the auto VE feature makes tuning these things so straight forward its fantastic. Ive got my VE table to a point now where Im very very happy with them, and im just working on a little idle issue.

Hurry up and get that WBO2 and your away.
Keep me posted with your updates.

[limmo]

nice ride. i dont mind the colour either.

[gm747]

love the trim dude

[macca_779]

Macca, the auto VE feature makes tuning these things so straight forward its fantastic. Ive got my VE table to a point now where Im very very happy with them, and im just working on a little idle issue.

Hurry up and get that WBO2 and your away.
Keep me posted with your updates.

Got one on order. Should be here next week hopefully, which is fine anyway as I have to get a bung put in first. I was going to use the OEM o2 spot but I cant be bothered hacking into the heater signal lines for the sensor just to use the PLX one. At least if I have another bung I can take it in and out as I please and use it on other guys cars.

[macca_779]

Decided to cut out my Radiator shroud today to go around my intake. I've got to get some rubber to go around the inside, but I thought I'd throw some pics up anyway. I also decided to throw some paint on it and a few other bits, as they were getting a bit ratty since new. You can see the difference it made by looking at the bottom part of the fuze panel and cruise control module. Let me know what you guys think.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud003.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud002.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud001.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud004.jpg

[DaveHAT]

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud003.jpg


Looks OK, but why go to all that trouble and leave the old airbox in place? :hmmm:

It only takes 5 minutes tops ... to remove it ! :D

[macca_779]

Looks OK, but why go to all that trouble and leave the old airbox in place? :hmmm:

It only takes 5 minutes tops ... to remove it ! :D

I haven't got a Torx driver to get the box out. Plus it holds the MAF and IAT wiring in place and also the coolant overflow lines.

[DaveHAT]

I haven't got a Torx driver to get the box out. Plus it holds the MAF and IAT wiring in place and also the coolant overflow lines.

Ya don't need a torx to get the airbox out, it just pulls out over the rubber grommets once you have loosened the coolant overflow from it's grommets 1st. Gotta VT myself, been there and done it already.Is an easy enough job and takes about 10 minutes :thumbsup:

Once the wiring is disconnected from the airbox you should be able to move it around slightly to get the IAT wiring to reach the IAT location in the OTR. Being a VT you will probably need to get a VXII IAT to fit in the PT style OTR because the VTII and VXI IAT sensor is larger and may not fit.:werd:

The way you have it setup currently would seem to mean the IAT reading you are getting is not indicative of the air going into the engine wouldn't it? (i.e. IAT reading coming from airbox but air going into engine via OTR)

[HRT 8]

I haven't got a Torx driver to get the box out. Plus it holds the MAF and IAT wiring in place and also the coolant overflow lines.

Your IAT isnt still in the airbox is it macca? I reckon I can see one in there but Im hoping you bought another for the otrcai.

[macca_779]

I had a look at getting the airbox out today. And I recall people saying that you can just pull the water bottle out. But from what I saw today there is a torx bolt that goes into the guard. And also one under the bottle that holds the airbox in.

Yes guys I have an IAT in the OTR. I picked up a VX2/VY Sensor to go into the OTR as the VT ones are too short and get false readings due to heat soak. With the later one it extends further into the airflow and isn't effected as much.

See there he is
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIFitted002.jpg

[macca33]

I'm lookin' at some 'Place to be' plates there mate. Have you been adopted by our nation's greatest State?????????

[HRT 8]

Macca the rubber gromets over the torx bolts come off with the airbox. Just give it a good tug and do one at a time. Same as the cooant res. If you pull it away from the torx bolt it will either come off with the rubber grommet, or not.
PULL THE DAMNED THING.

The rubber grommets are actually good to use to mount your IAT too.

[macca_779]

I'm lookin' at some 'Place to be' plates there mate. Have you been adopted by our nation's greatest State?????????

Im originally from VIC so I find it hard to stomach the ridiculous prices NSW charges for Rego. Got my NSW renewal the other day had a chuckle to myself and ripped it up. $900/year they want up here and thats not including the annual custom plate fee you pay too. I miss the custom plates, but I like an extra $350 in my pocket more. Being in the military I travel alot so my cars reside in VIC when not in use ;)


Macca the rubber gromets over the torx bolts come off with the airbox. Just give it a good tug and do one at a time. Same as the cooant res. If you pull it away from the torx bolt it will either come off with the rubber grommet, or not.
PULL THE DAMNED THING.

The rubber grommets are actually good to use to mount your IAT too.

Nice, thanks mate. I'll give it a go tomorrow.

[DaveHAT]

Macca the rubber gromets over the torx bolts come off with the airbox. Just give it a good tug and do one at a time. Same as the cooant res. If you pull it away from the torx bolt it will either come off with the rubber grommet, or not.
PULL THE DAMNED THING.

The rubber grommets are actually good to use to mount your IAT too.

Make sure you disconnect the coolant sensor on the bottom of the coolant reservoir before you remove it from the rubber mounts. Nothing like an unnecassarliy busted sensor to give you the shits.

As HRT8 said, 1stly just pull up on the coolant reservoir to free the grommet in the bottom, then gently wriggle the reservoir towards the engine and the rubber grommet on the guard should just pop off its mount.:woot:

NSW rego is a bit harsh hey ... BUT SHIT OUR WEATHER'S BETTER ! :lmao:

[macca_779]

Had a go today and I see what you guys mean now. I decided to leave it on anyway. Its not hurting anything by being there and it fills an empty space. I got some rubber to go around the shroud too. Came up a treat. Looks very factory like now I think.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud008.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud009.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/OTRCAIwithshroud010.jpg

Bit of a chop I just did. Got the idea off YCV8
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/senatorseethroughbonnet.jpg

[macca_779]

I've been thinking of installing a catch can of late. Anyone care to recommend one for me.

[macca_779]

I finally decided to pull the stock air box out to see what the bay would look like. Should have done it ages ago and I shouldn't have doubted the advice of the forum. I'll post pics later.

[VX_Clubsport]

hey man that is sooo sweeeet! Exactly what ive been looking 4 so if u eva want to sell pls let me know.

[macca_779]

hey man that is sooo sweeeet! Exactly what ive been looking 4 so if u eva want to sell pls let me know.

Thanks for the comments mate. It wont be for sale for a long time I don't think. To much blood sweat and tears fixing all the problems it had when I first got it. Now that its sweet I've got no plans to sell.
But in reality everything is for sale for the right price. Throw me some numbers and I'll give a yes/no

A couple of pics I just took.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator032.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator025.jpg

[Invasionss]

Well i'm not a VT fan, but this piece of machinery looks great & you've kept it in excellent condition. Looks so much better with the otrcai & the standard airbox removed.

[macca_779]

Thanks mate. Yeah I think so too. Trying to decide what to do next. Front bar needs to be sprayed and I need a new fog light too. But other than that performance wise It starts to get expensive from here on in.

[macca_779]

Picked up a Strut Tower brace the other day to prevent my tower from cracking any further. I've been told by my panel beater that this is a common problem with the VT body, hence Holden started fitting them in VY.
Came up looking very factory and wasn't to hard to fit. Basically after much measuring up I drilled the holes. Then I discovered that I couldn't get to the holes because the strut top was in the way. This meant I had to lower the Strut to get to the holes. Not to big a job just removing the top tower nut and droping the sway bar. This allowed the strut to be pushed down out of the way. Here is the end result.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/19032007185.jpg

Also replaced my fog light too. Word of advice for anyone that is after one. 1 They are $220 and 2 for some reason the passenger side one is classed as being the Right hand side item. (Holden order 4 before we worked this out)

[shyboymenace]

nice ride:driving:

[macca_779]

Thanks mate.

160F Thermostat went in yesterday. I'll be doing a bit of testing tomorrow to see what I can get out of it. Hopfully with the cooler inlet air as a byproduct I will be able to run a bit more timing mid range

[Dug]

Best of luck with that. Be interesting to know where it sit's temperature wise in general day to day running now.

Had a highway run today in my car, and the temp stayed as low as ever, even with the reasonably warm day and air where i went today. Off to Bendigo early tomorrow morn, and back during the day. I'll see how it goes on a bit of a longer run.

[macca_779]

Best of luck with that. Be interesting to know where it sit's temperature wise in general day to day running now.

Had a highway run today in my car, and the temp stayed as low as ever, even with the reasonably warm day and air where i went today. Off to Bendigo early tomorrow morn, and back during the day. I'll see how it goes on a bit of a longer run.

The testing I did in the garage yesterday indicated that it likes to sit around 80C. With Fan 1 running I was getting ECT down to 79C with 23C ambient. I've set my fan 1 to come on at 83C and off at 80. I'll be doing some road testing tomorrow to see what airflow at 50 can maintain temp at.

[SSwaggin]

Hi macca, nice ride. This may sound like a silly question but i noticed the black steering wheel and column seemed out of place slightly with the colour of the interior and was wondering if this was standard.I was recently looking at two HSV grange's that were the exact same cars and the one in the auction house had a black wheel and the private sellar had a tan/creme coloured wheel that matched the colour of the interior so i assumed the one with the black wheel might have had an accident. Sorry to be OT but just thought you could :teach: cheers..

[macca_779]

Hi macca, nice ride. This may sound like a silly question but i noticed the black steering wheel and column seemed out of place slightly with the colour of the interior and was wondering if this was standard.I was recently looking at two HSV grange's that were the exact same cars and the one in the auction house had a black wheel and the private sellar had a tan/creme coloured wheel that matched the colour of the interior so i assumed the one with the black wheel might have had an accident. Sorry to be OT but just thought you could :teach: cheers..

Not OT at all mate.
Can't comment on the grange's interior colour options. But in the Senators black wheel and column is normal. Its actually not to bad with a two tone sort of interior. My old man has a DL LTD with all tan leather interior. I rekon it looks overpowering. Each to their own I guess

[Cainer]

looking good.

although not a fan of the wood grain

[macca_779]

looking good.

although not a fan of the wood grain

Yeah I get that alot. It grows on you though. One day if I ever put together a car PC I'll have to fabricate the monitor when I do this I'll be picking up a spare dash facia and painting it shale to match the rest of the car. It would be a bit difficult to re create a wood grain one. I'd need an airbrush artist to do it.

Some new higher res pics of my much cleaner engine bay with strut brace. I sealed up my cracked tower finally too.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/SenatorwithBrace001.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/SenatorwithBrace003.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/SenatorwithBrace002.jpg

[macca_779]

Was Diagnosing a work mates ignition issues the other day. So I thought I'd take a few pics of our cars. Its only on a phone so pics aren't that great and it was dark.
For the interest of others I think the problem is the sub loom on the coil pack brackets breaking down. Chucked mine on and it was fine.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/28052007197.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/28052007198.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/28052007199.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/28052007196.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/28052007194.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/28052007195.jpg

[Lloyd1986]

Very nice car, the Senator is the only good looking VT I reckon. Shame you didnt have a better camera to take photos of it with the F-18 :D

Has that strut brace made any difference to the handling?

[DaveHAT]

Very nice car, the Senator is the only good looking VT I reckon. Shame you didnt have a better camera to take photos of it with the F-18 :D

Has that strut brace made any difference to the handling?

Close ... the VT is the best looking Commodore EVER !!!

For the love of ________ PUT THE ORIGINAL WHEELS BACK ON IT !!!

Compared to the HSV rims those 5 spokers look out of place and dress the car down.

[Lloyd1986]

Close ... the VT is the best looking Commodore EVER !!!

For the love of ________ PUT THE ORIGINAL WHEELS BACK ON IT !!!

Compared to the HSV rims those 5 spokers look out of place and dress the car down.

Hmm VX is better, its like VT but modernised. But I agree about the rims, originals were better.

[macca_779]

Very nice car, the Senator is the only good looking VT I reckon. Shame you didnt have a better camera to take photos of it with the F-18 :D

Has that strut brace made any difference to the handling?

I've been meaning to take some photos around a jet for years. Just got to get around to it.

And no the strut brace has made no noticeable difference that I can tell. I only did it to offset the common issue with VT's and VX's cracking strut towers


Close ... the VT is the best looking Commodore EVER !!!

For the love of ________ PUT THE ORIGINAL WHEELS BACK ON IT !!!

Compared to the HSV rims those 5 spokers look out of place and dress the car down.

Yeah I'd love to put the old wheels back on. Problem is two are cracked and leak enough to warrant inflating the tyre every day.

I agree with your VT comment too. All my opinion but I believe the VX lights just look out of place. The hard lines of the VX HSV bodykits combined with the soft lines in the original body just don't mix. I also believe the VX SS Kit looks better than the HSV's in that model.

[macca_779]

I installed HID Xenon Lights last week. Overall these lights rock. See for yourself. But in reality you have to see them in the flesh to get a rear appreciation for them.

I've posted a comparison of my old 55w halogens and the new 6000k Xenon's

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/HID%20Install/th_b0c84060.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/HID%20Install/?action=view&current=b0c84060.flv)
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/HID%20Install/17afc6eb.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/HID%20Install/a0cbb759.jpg

[vsequipey]

They look a hell of a lot brighter and clearer. How much did they set you back?

[macca_779]

They look a hell of a lot brighter and clearer. How much did they set you back?
$260 Delivered.

Guys I need some thoughts on wheels for my car. I currently have two damaged WH Grange wheels and the other three aren't in that great a condition either. I'm undecided weather to replace the granges, get SV99's which I do like alot, or the tuff looking VT GTS's which look good but don't really complement a Senator.
I'm after some opinions on what to get. These three are the ones I've narrowed it down to. Decesions decesions.
http://www.wheelking.com.au/DesktopModules/ShopFront/Image.ashx?fid=657&pid=7&mid=649
http://www.wheelking.com.au/DesktopModules/ShopFront/Image.ashx?fid=681&pid=7&mid=649
http://www.wheelking.com.au/DesktopModules/ShopFront/Image.ashx?fid=661&pid=7&mid=649

[Darkrayne]

bottom rims!

[macca_779]

bottom rims!

Cheers for your opinion dude. They're the SV99's.

VT GTS

http://www.wheelking.com.au/DesktopModules/ShopFront/Image.ashx?fid=657&pid=7&mid=649

WH GRANGE

http://www.wheelking.com.au/DesktopModules/ShopFront/Image.ashx?fid=681&pid=7&mid=649

VT SV99

http://www.wheelking.com.au/DesktopModules/ShopFront/Image.ashx?fid=661&pid=7&mid=649

[vyssbeast]

Mate look at this, if i were you, there would be no other choice...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Commodore/VTSenator0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Commodore/VTSenator1.jpg

[macca_779]

Not really a fan of those dude. To bulky for me and I'm after a colour that will match my car which is one reason the above 3 are options

[Red CV8 R]

On the VT Senator I really like the VT GTS wheels. They were a factory option to.

[vyssbeast]

Not really a fan of those dude. To bulky for me and I'm after a colour that will match my car which is one reason the above 3 are options

No worries mate, in the case i'd vote the grange rims ... class suited to the senator

[IH8FORDS]

Mate you can't go past the sv99's, they are a tough looking rim

[iloveholden]

Yer mate go the bottom rims, the SV99's, they will look hot on ur senator.

[icedcoffee11]

very nice the senators r one of my fav's the interior and power together makes for sweet ride

[macca_779]

SS99's it is. One little cool thing about them is they are the same design as VTII GTS's only in a gold kind of colour which will suit my car. This is cool because I always wanted a VTII GTS. At least now I'll have the shoes.

[macca_779]

Well I got my new wheels delivered today from Wheel King. I'm pretty happy with the colour too as its darker than I remember which suits my car colour well. Should get my rubber on them soon and will post pics on the car when I get that back too.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/DSC00048.jpg

[Dug]

Very bloody nice. Should look a treat.

[macca_779]

I placed one beside one of my grange rims tonight and I rekon they are the same colour. Slightly darker but they are brand new so thats most likely why. Can't wait to get them on the car.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/DSC00049.jpg

[Dug]

They are definatelly going to look the goods on your car. Good choice.

[macca_779]

They are definatelly going to look the goods on your car. Good choice.


I'm looking forward to seeing the grange rims on your black Senator Dug, should look hot.

[Dug]

I'm looking forward you seeing the grange rims on your black Senator Dug, should look hot.

So am I. They're the rim's that i've always said i'd put on the car. Gotta find one more of them though, and strap on a new set of shoes before they'll make it to the car though. Black and Champagne i recon will look good though.

[macca_779]

So am I. They're the rim's that i've always said i'd put on the car. Gotta find one more of them though, and strap on a new set of shoes before they'll make it to the car though. Black and Champagne i recon will look good though.

You could buy a new one off Wheel King. Only thing is it will cost more than the 5 I'm giving you... Damm HSV product prices.

[DaveHAT]

Good choice ... anything but those 17's :shock:

Are you calling OZTRACK a street bum? :confused:

[macca_779]

Good choice ... anything but those 17's :shock:

Are you calling OZTRACK a street bum? :confused:

nah dude I'm the street bum. My tune is very different from what Steve first did for me.

[macca_779]

I havent mentioned it in this thread but others that know me will be aware that a couple of weeks ago my Senator was in a bit of an accident. Basically I got cut off by a guy exiting a roundabout. He like a lot of other wankers decided that its too hard to stick in the right lane so procedded to straight cut the exit and hit me as a result. The damage isn't that bad. But its anoying none the less.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/DSC00029_2.jpg
I got a quote done by a panel beater that does all the work cars, so I know his work is good. He quoted me for a new guard, wheel and bar. I thought sweet my bar was a bit crappy so this is awesome. Well I got a call back saying that the insurance company wont authorise a new bar or wheel so we'll have to repair your old ones. I thought o well it was too good to be true. So anyway I go to pick up the car on tuesday and the paint is excellent and up to my high standards. Unfortunately the bar fitment is now really shit. Instead of the bar following the curve in of the guard now it goes straight and under cuts the guard by 1cm. So I knock it back and call my insurance company. I spoke to the guy who assesed it to give him my reasons and I'm waiting to hear back. Hopfully they reliase that the bar isn't going to line up now and I get that new bar I was quoted for in the first place. Considering it not even my insurance company that is paying for it you would think they would have been a bit more considerate and not take short cuts. The bar deformed because the guard was pushed in. This effect caused the bar to go in with it. If I had of released the pressure it probably would have survived but I'm not that silly. Anyone want a genuine HSV bar cheap. If I get the new one that is. Touch wood.

Ok so I think I've gone too far now. Since I've purchased new wheels and those new wheels have come with new nut caps, my old lock nut caps just looked a bit shabby. My solution... Paint the suckers. I used a Wattle Gloss Enamel that I had lying around and the end result looks good I think. What do you guys think... Is it possible that I could start a trend with this.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/DSC00055.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/DSC00054.jpg

[Dug]

DAMN that looks good. I'll definatelly be painting my caps after seeing that.

[macca_779]

Ok boys and girls, since my car has been at the panel beaters for 6 weeks now and I've finally got it back. I thought now would be a good time to post up some new pics with my newly fitted SV99 wheels. For the interest of others, i've been going through an ongoing battle with Lumley General regarding my repair. Basically I'm not happy with the bumper alignment on the car due to the fact that they didn't replace it after the collision for which I was not at fault.

The first Pic shows the area where I'm not happy. The rest are just all over shots of the car. I think the wheels suit the car really well. And considering the colour nearly matches my paint work tops it off even further.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/dc94ab84.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/8de99fb4.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/9e565ec4.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/25d2519a.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/d3d822c4.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/af805008.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/36c4a79a.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/2d74fc58.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/237e4bf7.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/b818df47.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Senator%20SV99/68495afe.jpg

[QIKMIK]

Looks the goods with the new wheels.

Mick

[HRT Stroker]

Very nice, makes me miss my 'ol Senator!

[Dug]

Certainly does look bloody nice.

A freshly painted front bar always looks a treat too. Hope you get the alignment sorted out.

Glad to hear you've got it back too - you'd be loving driving it again i'm tipping! I got mine out of the garage to bring to work today, as a bit of a treat to myself for being so good (Well, any excuse will do these days. It's only done 1600km since february).

[vkstroker]

Very nice !!

[macca_779]

Thanks fellas. I just hope my insurance company comes through with the new bar the car needs. The complaint is in, so we're waiting on that.

Got Good news today. My formal complaint payed off, I'm getting a new bar. Insurance company is paying for the lot weather or not the 3rd party pays for it or not. At least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel of this ordeal. So experience for others. If your not happy with a repair, don't give in until your happy.

[macca_779]

Bit of an update today. I'm going down the cam route soon, so I picked up Jezzab's 42# injectors out of his ute as they weren't up to the task for his TT. Fitted them today. Was a piece of piss to install them. Retuning was more straight forward than I predicted too. i thought the car might have a bit of trouble idleing. But after a few tweaks to an offset table all was good and it idles better than with the stock tiny 26#ers. My Duty cycle has dropped considerably @6500 WOT, and im only using these 42's to just over half their potential.

42's as sent by jez

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/b15800cb.jpg

Old 26ers (actually less when using the standard pressure of 43.5psi instead of the LS1's 58psi) on the right and the 42#ers on the left.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/4b57d339.jpg

Stock injectors in the rails

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/caae0022.jpg

42's in and ready for tuning.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/62171b52.jpg

[macca_779]

off topic of cars.. But I drove one of these today. My car feels like a slug now. Most exciting experience of my life. The power is incredible and no car comes close.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/d58ba9a3.jpg

[BLACK 346]

Nice one mate, I have my name down for a ride in one of the Hawks
during one of the up and coming exercises. Probably not as good
as your ride, but will be a buzz just the same :)
As an inside observer, the show put on by the Hornet and Pig Pilots
at the recent defence airday left thousands of people with a look
on their face like they had never seen a plane, they were that
excited and overawed. Gave me a warm fuzzy that I hadn't had
since my Navy days :)

[macca_779]

Nice one mate, I have my name down for a ride in one of the Hawks
during one of the up and coming exercises. Probably not as good
as your ride, but will be a buzz just the same :)
As an inside observer, the show put on by the Hornet and Pig Pilots
at the recent defence airday left thousands of people with a look
on their face like they had never seen a plane, they were that
excited and overawed. Gave me a warm fuzzy that I hadn't had
since my Navy days :)

Apparently we are doing a short trip to Edinburgh around mid November. I got asked today if I wanted to go, to which I accepted. Will be a good opportunity to meet a few peeps I think.

[BLACK 346]

Apparently we are doing a short trip to Edinburgh around mid November. I got asked today if I wanted to go, to which I accepted. Will be a good opportunity to meet a few peeps I think.

Yes, let us know when you are in town.
You still heading to Tindal next year?

[macca_779]

Yes, let us know when you are in town.
You still heading to Tindal next year?


I'll drop you a PM when dates are solid.
Yep still going to TDL at years end.. 4 weeks left in Newcastle then off to Melbourne for a month off. Then we'll leave for TDL from there.

[macca_779]

Bit of an update. My cam package arrived from Texas-Speed the other day. I've also flushed my diff oil with Royal Purple and that has significantly improved the performance of my LSD. Last night was my first try of it in the wet and it performed flawlessly. Some picks of my cam gear, and one of my car on the hoist at work. But yeah cam is probably going to go in once I hit Melbourne in the next 2 weeks.. I've just got to much going on at the moment to have something not go to plan and be without a car.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/41afd8d0.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/496c183f.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/9f51d7f9.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/f4fb0442.jpg

And as usual always a bit of this going on.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/45cd7787.jpg

[macca_779]

Installed my Dual PRC springs today with a mate. First time I've done valve springs on an OHV engine. Piece of piss to do with the right tools. My trusty crane spring compressor was a god send and made the job so easy. The air tool I just pieced together with a spare air hose connection and one of the extensions out of my compression tester.

The Air tool
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/58aa194b.jpg

Rocker cover off on the left side.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/ff10e463.jpg

Off on the Right side. I was quite pleased with how clean the heads were actually.. I've seen some shockers over time but mine was nice with no sludge at all present.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/f755507d.jpg

The rocker covers themselves were abit yuck. My misses wanted to help so off she went de-yukafying them.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/66fd73b0.jpg

Half way through pulling the rocker gear off here.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/012a18bd.jpg

Rocker gear out. Rods were holding up fine as were the springs on inspection.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/ead9c2a0.jpg

First one ready to go. Bit of rag because we were a bit worried about dropping collets. But after using my magnetic pen to remove them we realised that you would have to do something pretty silly for them to drop. Its quite a strong magnet on that tool
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/9c2be335.jpg

First set of new springs in. Piece of piss only 14 more to go
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/7844cefc.jpg

Right bank springs all in
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/e92f342c.jpg

One side stock one side not
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/48bb2f47.jpg

Got tired of taking shots by then.. All back together now and she drives well. I'm upping my limiter because she feels like she can take more now. 6800RPM for now will be fine as the stock cam aint making power by then anyway. One thing I wasn't expecting is for the idle to change. Its fine just sitting there doing its thing but as soon as I backed out my driveway I stalled it, thought it was just me till it did it again. So I'll do a bit of idle tweaking and she'll be good to go.

All in all piece of piss job to do when you have the right tools. I wouldn't say its a necessity on a stock cammed car, but it doesn't hurt and it gives the engine a bit more stability at high revs.. Only the cam to shove in now which is certainly the job I'm looking forward to doing.

[JezzaB]

Good work mate. Ya "done good"! Bit of grease on the collets before you put em on, helps em from falling off and sticks em to the valve stem,etc. Little bastards! Pen magnet is a MUST! Next comes the cam!

Jez

[macca_779]

Good work mate. Ya "done good"! Bit of grease on the collets before you put em on, helps em from falling off and sticks em to the valve stem,etc. Little bastards! Pen magnet is a MUST! Next comes the cam!

Jez

We had grease ready to go but didn't really need it. Once we done a couple in we were all over how much we had to compress the springs to get the collets in nicely.. but your right about the pen magnet.. absolute ripper tool

[macca_779]

ok cam has been in for a week now.. Really easy job to do if you have the right tools and the balls to play with your engine. I street tuned it for the first few days and it was feeling quite strong but I knew it had more in it. So off to Pakenham Performance to use their dyno. Jez ran the car and the dyno while I tuned it, we ended up making progress learning where the tune liked to sit for this cam. Peak power we got was 254.7rwkw. The car is really screaming for a set of pipes and a manifold upgrade. I'm loosing 3kpa to Baro so there is certainly a noticeable restriction there.. Still though the cam has cost me less than what a full exhaust system would so in that sense its better bang for your buck to do a cam swap than to do an exhaust system.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/a8414ab4.jpg

Here is a couple of the car going back together after the cam swap

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/105389fe.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Spring%20Install/8d22f7fb.jpg

[JT]

nice ride you have there Macca

[macca_779]

nice ride you have there Macca


Thanks mate


Well LS1 manifold is off and I have late model coolant line on order to pick up tomorrow before I fit the LS6. Will be interesting to feel the difference.

[macca_779]

Well a bit has happened since I last posted. The LS6 manifold is on which feels like ages ago. Power noticeable increased with that on and it required quite a bit of work to my VE table to dial the fuel back in. I've also relocated to Katherine in the N.T and the car has received quite a few changes to its tune to cope with the weather up here. I tell you what heat is certainly not power friendly up here. My decision not to install an underdrive pulley with my cam turned out to be a good idea too as the heat up here means my cooling system is working overtime as it is. My car also goes through a major transformation with the different temperatures throughout the days up here. Its all good though. I've learnt a lot about tuning for heat up here and its improved my skills for it. I've also made contact with a few LS1 enthusiasts up here to share my tuning skills with which they appreciate as I'm literally the only person up here with the gear. One guy up here works at the local Holden dealership which coexists with a Ford dealership. Weird when you walk into a service department and your confronted with people wearing both Holden shirts and Ford shirts.. And ordering parts from either. Lastly their is only one 98 Octane fuel bowser up here. And surprisingly its not as expensive as I originally presumed. Still though I'm not doing nearly as many k's so fuel expense has gone down. It's nice... I like it.

New Plates rocked up today.. Got to love the N.T pricing. $140 once off for up to 7 letters. Couldn't help myself with the name.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/adf71eef.jpg

[macca_779]

Just completed a recent mod today. I upgraded my Rear View Mirror because my old one shat itself leaving a pool of LC fluid sitting at the bottom. This one that I got is the newest model available and features a solid polymer display so it wont leak, a compass and a Temp Sensor input. I'm still up in the air with what I'm going to do with the Temp Sensor. Currently I have it in the bar and properly routed reading ambient which in reality I don't need as I already have that in the climate control. What I'm thinking of doing is mounting it in my OTRCAI so that I can get IAT on the mirror. But once again this isn't really something I need as I can log that in EFI LIVE anyway. We'll see how I go with it after a few weeks of living with it.

Temp Sensor hear mounted onto the power steering cooling line bracket. I also water proofed the conduit via teflon tape and biseal.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Mirror%20Install/100_0018-1.jpg

Wiring coming up into the car.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Mirror%20Install/100_0019-1.jpg

Through the unused hole in the Firewall with a Bi-Seal built up to a taper to keep a seal from the cabin

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Mirror%20Install/100_0023.jpg

Compass calibrated via driving around in slow circles and a ambient temp displayed.. The temp correlates with the other 3 temp sensors in the car, so it appears reliable.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Mirror%20Install/100_0022-1.jpg

Job Done

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Mirror%20Install/100_0021-1.jpg

[macca_779]

Took a few photo's after giving the car a bit of a bath today... If only there was a way to keep them clean all the time

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0035.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0036.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0037.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0038.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0039.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0040.jpg

[SmickSS]

Hey mate, looking great as always, dont go much on the tow bar lol

[michaels1v8]

I never tire looking at your car Macca :drool:

Timeless shape I reckon

[ls1pds]

Noice Mate. I Always Thought The Senator And Calais Were Always Auto. That Must Be Rare Ass

[j_o_e_l_05]

Looks good dude! i like it

[macca_779]

Noice Mate. I Always Thought The Senator And Calais Were Always Auto. That Must Be Rare Ass

Its one of only 8 Manual Senators for my Model and two for my year. The other manual for my year is owned by fourm member DUG. I've both cammed and tuned his car. Its nice to be able to say that I've worked on every 99 Manual Senator ever made.

BTW Calais' haven't had the option of a manual since the VL days.

[macca_779]

Went fishing on the weekend so I thought I would put some shots up of my car doing the towing duties. Its a very rare site to see a HSV towing a boat up here.

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889279_9146.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889281_932.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889282_1262.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889283_1837.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889285_3096.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889296_7367.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889289_4684.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889300_9860.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v316/221/66/656946341/n656946341_889317_7791.jpg

Bit of trivia. For the 500k round trip I averaged 20.2L/100km@84km/h. The majority of the run to Yellow Waters is on the highway with legal speeds up to 130km/h. I wasn't stuffing around caring for fuel economy on this run and I wanted to really work the engine hard. The run was done on 95RON fuel (98 not available for the whole trip so I ran 95 for a change). I was actually quite surprised how well the car took the load and it shows that my tune is very flexible and that the work I have put into it up here has payed off. Running on 95 with total weight of about 3500kg it experienced no knock except for 1 situation during a WOT 2-3 change@6500rpm, so a bit of Burst knock in the tune would fix that but considering I never run on 95 normally and hardly ever tow anything I'll let that 1 case slide.

Other than that the car performed very well in the 39c heat and it really showed the strong low down torque of my cam. A larger cam would have had next to zero chance of accelerating from 80-130 in 6th gear in the way that you can with the smaller cams.

Anyway now that I've blown the cob webs out and burnt just over 100L of 95RON fuel its back to 98RON and my daily driver duties to work and back.

[j_o_e_l_05]

cool, cant belive you towed your boat with her though! its too clean!
but o well you might as well use em,
sounds like you had a good trip
congrats

[macca_779]

cool, cant belive you towed your boat with her though! its too clean!
but o well you might as well use em,
sounds like you had a good trip
congrats

Its sealed roads all the way except for the caravan park where its just dirt so no big deal there.. If we were going pretty much any other place though my car would not have been doing the towing duties. I would have used the OUTBACK instead.

[davox7]

Beautiful car mate,
Jelous of the 6 speed too by the way.

I have to ask, that rear view mirror, where do you get one!!
Ive got a big bubble in mine and i cant see through it at all.

-Dave

[macca_779]

Beautiful car mate,
Jelous of the 6 speed too by the way.

I have to ask, that rear view mirror, where do you get one!!
Ive got a big bubble in mine and i cant see through it at all.

-Dave

I can't remember the exact store but I googled it for you and came up with this site.
http://salestores.com/don19autdimc.html

[mickeyVX350]

I saw it when I was up in Katherine, sounded nice, looked shiney!

[huggies]

good to see an update Macca
and i love the plates
keep up the good work:)

[macca_779]

good to see an update Macca
and i love the plates
keep up the good work:)

plates have well and truly paid for themselves.


I saw it when I was up in Katherine, sounded nice, looked shiney!

Thanks mate.. I do try to keep it clean.

[macca_779]

I decided to install a Power Steering Cooler today. I've made a How To for it located here. The reason for me doing this is because the standard setup is a joke and I was suffering degradation due to temperature.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=109137

In the end this is how it came up.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Power%20Steering%20Cooler%20Install/100_0559.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/Power%20Steering%20Cooler%20Install/100_0561.jpg

[macca_779]

Picked up the latest MOTOR Magazine today and what do I find in the readers cars section. A very nice VTII Senator.
Pitty the stuffed the year up

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/SenatorinMotor.jpg

[EXCESSV]

good work on the MOTOR mag Macca..

love the car..manual senator :drool:


dont know about those crocs mate...ur braver than i am :eek:
any royalties for the EFILive hat advertising?? :lol:

[Dug]

G'd onya.

How long ago did you send the pic's in?

And to answer the question: No, It doesn't get any better.

[macca_779]

Thanks for the words fellas..

She's not exactly the most suitable Territory car. But she sure gets some looks at the boat ramp.

[WOMBIE]

Wow what a great read and i have to agree with what's already been said.......it's a really nice ride you have there mate.......i just love it! Nicely modded and not over done......just a real classy package :)

And it's a nice little piece of recognition to get a spot in the mag as well....reward for effort so to speak :goodjob:

Cheers

[macca_779]

Wow what a great read and i have to agree with what's already been said.......it's a really nice ride you have there mate.......i just love it! Nicely modded and not over done......just a real classy package :)

And it's a nice little piece of recognition to get a spot in the mag as well....reward for effort so to speak :goodjob:

Cheers

Thanks mate. My objective has always been to keep the luxury essence of a Senator. That's why I don't have a big grumpy cam and a massive exhaust.. Well yet anyway.

[WOMBIE]

Haha mate i recon 'less is more' with regard to your ride but hey......you gotta do what you gotta do ;)


Cheers

[macca33]

And to answer the question: No, It doesn't get any better.


YES it does - step up to a VX Senator M6!!! :bow: :hide: :lmao: :lol: :teach: :goodjob: :xmas:

Nice work Ryan.

Cheers,

Macca

[macca_779]

YES it does - step up to a VX Senator M6!!! :bow: :hide: :lmao: :lol: :teach: :goodjob: :xmas:

Nice work Ryan.

Cheers,

Macca

Macca only if its got Coulsons, Performance Suspension and a Sunroof. :flip3:
I'm the only one with the whole package so nerrrr. Its ok to be Jealous. :jester:

[macca_779]

Gave the car a bath today only to be caught by the rain. O well it is Wet Season. While I was at it I gave the engine bay a bit of a detail and anti corrosion application.

Ummm Shiny isn't it.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0614.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0615.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0616.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0617.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0618.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0619.jpg


Also a walkaround video of my car idleing.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/th_100_0620.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/?action=view&current=100_0620.flv)

[macca_779]

Got a new toy in the mail today. An iTrip Auto Pilot from Griffen. Its the upgraded version of the original iTrip and is designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

So far I've been quite impressed with the audio quality of the FM transmitter. The on plug controls are a handy addition, but I think I will use them more in my Subaru than in my Senator due to the location.

This unit has RDS transmission which with compatible head units will display track info.

The only glitch I've found and this has been noted by others too. Is that the coloured ring doesn't flash yellow when charging. Rather it stays red which is meant to indicate the un connected state. Fully charged it glows green though which is fine by me.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/100_0622.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/100_0621.jpg

[Dug]

YES it does - step up to a VX Senator M6!!! :bow: :hide: :lmao: :lol: :teach: :goodjob: :xmas:

Nice work Ryan.

Cheers,

Macca

C'mon D, that's just being plain nasty. haha.

[vyc4b]

Car looks and sounds great Ryan, and doing most of the work yourself, it's a real credit too you.
Cheers.

[macca_779]

Car looks and sounds great Ryan, and doing most of the work yourself, it's a real credit too you.
Cheers.

Cheers Brian. I do like to do all my own work. Its more satisfying that way I believe.

[macca33]

The rig is looking good mate!

cheers

[macca_779]

Took this video today of my idle.

YouTube - VTII M6 Senator 220/220 .581 .581 113LSA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMeSNtqIr5I)


The rig is looking good mate!

cheers

You know yourself mate.. Its hard to improve on the Perfection that is SENATOR.

[surfwagon]

Having come across your posts many times thought I better come and have a look at your rig and I'm impressed with what I see.
One well kept and modified senator, like the SV99 wheels on it, give it a tougher look than the grange wheels.
The SV99's probably better suit the manual trans character of the car.
Are you an Airforce mechanic, saw how you went for a ride in a hornet, that must have been a hoot.
Keep up the good work.

Cheers Col.

[macca_779]

Thanks for the comments mate. I do try to keep my mods tasteful while keeping true to the Senator image.
And yeah I fix Jets for a living.. But my hands stay clean most days.

[macca_779]

Just a quick update to show the new engine covers I fitted today. GTS covers and the Elite Catch Can aren't the best combo but I got it to work eventually. The covers are only temp fitted at the moment as I have to clean them up a little to make them look new again.

Best things about these covers I like are;
They fit better than any after market bullshit cover or even my old VZ OEM covers
You can't see anywhere near as much of the power steer bottle,
The Throttle cable is now hidden once more.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/GTSCovers001.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/GTSCovers002.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/GTSCovers003.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/GTSCovers004.jpg

[troytroy]

Nice car and pretty well the cam combo I would like to get eventually.

Nice HSV 300 covers, where'd you get them from?

Keep up the posts

[macca_779]

Nice car and pretty well the cam combo I would like to get eventually.

Nice HSV 300 covers, where'd you get them from?

Keep up the posts

Thanks mate.
The covers were for sale on the forum for ages from Duck73 off his VY GTS. At less than half the price of a new set I couldn't refuse as I've always wanted a set but couldn't justify $800 just for covers.

[macca_779]

Bit of an update. The car had an unexpected hickup a couple of weeks ago while heading home from Darwin. As I was just casually cruising down the highway at 130km/h (remember legally kiddies) I hear a loud bang which sounds like a tyre. I pulled up to investigate to find my gearbox pissing oil from the output shaft.

Due to being 250km from home with not much around I had two options. Call the misses and tow the car back with the Subi. Or see how far she'll go with no oil in the box. In the end I choose the latter knowing full well that it would completely shag the box. The box had a few syncro issue as long as I've had the car so I just used this as an excuss to warrant getting a new one. In the end the car made it home fine (tuff suckers these boxes). The syncros in all gears are completly stuffed requiring double clutching (good skill to know for such situations) just to get any gear at crawling speed.

From there I did some research by calling Mal Wood to see what he could offer and a few of my contacts around the traps too. I ended up sourcing a brand new M12 close ratio box cheaper than what Mal could do a Reco MM6 for from my local dealer. :confused:

Here is the new perty M12 box. For guys that are ever planning to fit one be advised you need the VZ HSV spigot bearing to complement the fatter spigot.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/IMG_0220.jpg

While I was there it was a good opportunity to inspect the my 2 year old Tex Z grip. Just as I expected over 75% of meat is still on the pads and its not like I give it an easy time which is apparent below.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/IMG_0221.jpg

As mentioned I do give my car a work out but even this surprised me. Some how I've managed to snap a piece off the tail shaft yoke. Opps. It does explain the vibration I was getting at times though.

Have got TORQUE. :smilesandbanana:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/IMG_0218.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/IMG_0219.jpg

[macca33]

Nasty stuff there mate - glad you're getting it sorted out.

Can you please PM details re the new gearbox.

cheers

[macca_779]

Well the M12 is in and loving its new home after a few initial teething problems. Originally the car was meant to be ready on Monday but upon initial fire up she was banging around so was shut down and pulled apart. My phone call to the workshop basically went like this.

Me: Hows the car going
Shop: Ahh yeah bad news its the clutch not the gearbox.
Me: WTF Bullshit
Shop: There was no gearbox oil under the car at all.
Me: Yeah thats because I cleaned it.
Shop: O well your clutch has no material left on it.
Me: Bullshit I'm coming down don't touch it.
Hang up.

So after that I went down to Holden to look at my shit. First thing was to inspect the Z Grip. They said "See there is hardly anything left on it". I said "Have you guys ever seen one of these clutches before", to which they replied, "Of Course". A quick call to Peter Haylock (Textralia) to get some data about the Z grip (Damm he is a good bloke with after sales support) and I learnt that new a Z grip has 8mm of pad width front to back. Mine had 7.72mm so she's only a quarter used. From there we ruled out the clutch being stuffed (surprise surprise) and then I started to troubleshoot the possible issue with the banging noise. The head mechanic there is actually a good bloke. Just a bit inexperienced with aftermarket LS1 gear I think.

Now the M12 Gearbox runs a considerably shorter input shaft (about 25mm I reckon). Because of that it needs a different spigot bearing which was fitted. What we thought could be an issue was that due to the tex's thinner pad width that the clutch plate might not be fully over the input shaft spline. So a few measurements were taken from block to flywheel and then bellhousing to clutch plate to see how far the clutch plate actually goes on the input shaft when clamped up. This turned out to be fine.. Bloody close to the end of the spline but none the less completely on there and completely fine.

Next was to measure pressure plate distance which was always going to be fine as the bell housing on the M12 and MM6 are identical, but we did it anyway. So as I was lining up the pressure plate my eyebrow tweaks.. "Why is there a hole in the flywheel that looks like a Dowel should be there" I say. Bingo.

The missing dowel explained the punch mark looking marks on the pressure plate and also the noise the car was making. How the hell that came out without the clutch being removed has got me absolutely stumped as the dowels are tapered on both ends and subsequently locked in between the flywheel and pressure plate. But anyway no damage other than cosmetic to the pressure plate done so no foul..

Car was put back together yesterday and all is fine. I picked it up today and the smile is still on my dial. These boxes are so much better than the old MM6. Yes my old box was getting on in the years but still I've driven new VE's that didn't feel this good and even VZ's with the same box and I'm convinced that with my 3.73 gears these things bloody rock. To give guys an idea running out 2nd at 6800 used to top out at 120km/h.. Now its 102km/h and every other gear except for 4th is shorter too. Its made the car alot snappier and I love having brand new syncros that allow you to bang through the gears without hitting a brick wall again.

So this mod while not a cheap one has proven to be well worth it. I can see why HSV didn't retain 3.73 gears in the VZ as it is quite a bit angrier off the line on the old tyres. 3.9's or 4.11's now as an option for me would be overboard I think as the box ratios feel shorter than a 3.9 equipped MM6 would be. So if anyone is going to get a new box. Don't bother with an MM6. The M12 is shed loads better from WOT to idling alone at 100km in 6th. Which BTW is at about 1800rpm now. So approx a 150rpm rise but I'll know for sure when I log next.

[macca_779]

Parked the car in backwards today then whilst having a beer I looked over and thought thats not a bad angle.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0984.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/100_0986.jpg

[macca_779]

Brakes are all done now after a few teething issues with regard to supply and an unforeseen booster failure.

Now that I've had a few days to drive on them I can comfortably say these are the best most powerful brakes I've ever experienced on a Commodore. I drove a Mercedes AMG C63 with massive brakes at the start of the year and these things are just as capable. Can't say they are more or less capable as in both my car and the Merc if you smash the brake pedal at 190km/h you get ABS doing its thing to prevent lockup all the way down to zero.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/P3133996.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/P3133994.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/P3133995.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2243698.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2183637.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2183655.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2183646.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2243701.jpg

[Rub]

Nice work macca.. Now all you need is those heads..

[macca_779]

Nice work macca.. Now all you need is those heads..

And Pipes... And Teins.. Then I should be pretty much done.

[Rub]

All in good time..

Brakes and suspension are on my to-do list, a long way off though!

[surfwagon]

Brakes are all done now after a few teething issues with regard to supply and an unforeseen booster failure.

Now that I've had a few days to drive on them I can comfortably say these are the best most powerful brakes I've ever experienced on a Commodore. I drove a Mercedes AMG C63 with massive brakes at the start of the year and these things are just as capable. Can't say they are more or less capable as in both my car and the Merc if you smash the brake pedal at 190km/h you get ABS doing its thing to prevent lockup all the way down to zero.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/P3133996.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/P3133994.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/P3133995.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2243698.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2183637.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2183655.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2183646.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/M%20Series%20Brakes/P2243701.jpg


Tha brakes look absolutely awesome, great work.

[macca_779]

Tha brakes look absolutely awesome, great work.

Thanks mate. Trust me they work even better than they look. Pitty I'm not at home to use them, which is typical of me when I do a mod as it always seems I have to go away for work.

[SEN SIG 250LS1]

hey nice work macca.

dont think u can go past the vt senator yours is in very good condition. i too have a vt 250ls1 in manual with a sunroof unfortunately though im missing a few of the little extras that make it a senator (ie very jealous of the coulson front seats). would love to post pics up but dont know how to.

curious to know where you sourced your rear vision mirror from???

Cheers Chris

[macca_779]

hey nice work macca.

dont think u can go past the vt senator yours is in very good condition. i too have a vt 250ls1 in manual with a sunroof unfortunately though im missing a few of the little extras that make it a senator (ie very jealous of the coulson front seats). would love to post pics up but dont know how to.

curious to know where you sourced your rear vision mirror from???

Cheers Chris

Chris great to see another VT M6 Senator on here. There is 3 of us now, Dug being the other one.
Mine was indeed a rare find being that its a Hamburger with the lot bar the Sat Nav and Harrop Brakes (more than made up for that one anyway). Funny thing is I wasn't even looking for one. Had my heart set on a VTII GTS but mine came up about 10k cheaper than the average GTS was at the time and the rest is history. The intent was always to just get it up to GTS power levels. ie a Tune. Yeah well as you can see in this thread it went a bit further than that and I ended up getting into tuning because of it.

Speaking of which, if you want a free tune I'd be more than happy to give you one. I've always looked after the Senator boys and since tuning now costs me nothing I'm more than happy to do it.
I'd really like to see yours, to post pics set up a photobucket account (google it). From there when your looking through your uploaded pics you will see a Direct Link under every photo. That link is what you put in a post on here by selecting the insert image icon.

[dawkinsdisciple]

delish... farkin love the VTII senator and a manual just makes it the pick
beaut car mate

[sv300 - 75]

Thanks mate. Trust me they work even better than they look. Pitty I'm not at home to use them, which is typical of me when I do a mod as it always seems I have to go away for work.

i know what you mean about great brakes.

when you go from crappy brakes (Ford work ute) to good brakes (BA FPV GT) to great brakes (harrop 4pots) there are big differences between them.

i can only imagine what yours feel like when you need to stop in a hurry

cars looking amazing

[macca_779]

i know what you mean about great brakes.

when you go from crappy brakes (Ford work ute) to good brakes (BA FPV GT) to great brakes (harrop 4pots) there are big differences between them.

i can only imagine what yours feel like when you need to stop in a hurry

cars looking amazing

I haven't found their limit yet, but not for lack of trying. At well past the old $1.20 where I need to be in 5th ;) if I jump on the anchors the nose drops to its knees and its ABS all the way down to 0. I've never been in any other commodore with what ever brake package be it AP or Harrop that has as much braking power as these PBR's. They are a bloody good thing and it still annoys me people are spending 6k+ on the OEM AP's when a cheaper Australian product is better. The general public isn't aware of this package which doesn't help. But hey I guess having that HSV embossed on the callipers is a nice touch.

[SEN SIG 250LS1]

Chris great to see another VT M6 Senator on here. There is 3 of us now, Dug being the other one.
Mine was indeed a rare find being that its a Hamburger with the lot bar the Sat Nav and Harrop Brakes (more than made up for that one anyway). Funny thing is I wasn't even looking for one. Had my heart set on a VTII GTS but mine came up about 10k cheaper than the average GTS was at the time and the rest is history. The intent was always to just get it up to GTS power levels. ie a Tune. Yeah well as you can see in this thread it went a bit further than that and I ended up getting into tuning because of it.

Speaking of which, if you want a free tune I'd be more than happy to give you one. I've always looked after the Senator boys and since tuning now costs me nothing I'm more than happy to do it.
I'd really like to see yours, to post pics set up a photobucket account (google it). From there when your looking through your uploaded pics you will see a Direct Link under every photo. That link is what you put in a post on here by selecting the insert image icon.
very lucky to find one with those options macca. the VTII GTS are extremely nice cars but i think i have fallen in love with the senators. i actually stumbled accross my senator. i had a vt ss which unfortunately to say was written off and upon looking for a new car came across my senator. had never driven a manual before and decided that was the go. its become and obsession to try and add the little bits and pieces which the first owner neglected include upon purchasing the vehicle. am keen to get a set of coulsons for the front seats and also upgrade the tiny standard brakes to the vz ap racing kit without blowing the budget however have come to realise thats gonna be a difficult task.

Thanx for the offer on the tune but i currently have a mafless tune along with duspeed otr and D&T stanless exhaust. am in the process of gettin a new cam from brad at enhanced automotive with all the goodies and upgrading to the ls6 intake manifold.

will get up some picture asap.

[SEN SIG 250LS1]

ok so was able to set up the photobucket account however apparently my post count isnt high enough to post links yet grrr so frustrating...

[macca_779]

ok so was able to set up the photobucket account however apparently my post count isnt high enough to post links yet grrr so frustrating...

Just post the links in your thread with the link broken. ie w . w .. w. photobucket etc etc. I or someone else will then re post them fixed up.

[SEN SIG 250LS1]

ok here goes

heres a couple shots with the old rims...
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285635_9131.jpg
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285633_7988.jpg

And couple with the new rims...
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/26756_1398902014977_1305081380_3111.jpg
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/26756_1398902054978_1305081380_3111.jpg
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/23595_1426912515222_1305081380_3118.jpg
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285637_23.jpg
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285636_9580.jpg
h.t.t.p://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/10634_1236485794673_1305081380_3068.jpg

[whitels1ss]

heres a couple shots with the old rims...
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285635_9131.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285633_7988.jpg

And couple with the new rims...
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/26756_1398902014977_1305081380_3111.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/26756_1398902054978_1305081380_3111.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/23595_1426912515222_1305081380_3118.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285637_23.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285636_9580.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/10634_1236485794673_1305081380_3068.jpg

Here you go..

[SEN SIG 250LS1]

cheers whitels1ss

[macca_779]

Very nice example you have their mate.

Nice choice in engine covers :) I have genuine ones aswell.. Little tip for you. Paint the nuts black and source the outer brackets to secure it properly.
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/23595_1426912515222_1305081380_3118.jpg

I like these rims alot. Never really been a fan of VY Sig's.. Too much wheel I reckon and they hide the brakes too much.
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/n1305081380_30285633_7988.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac276/sensig/26756_1398902014977_1305081380_3111.jpg

[SEN SIG 250LS1]

cheers for the tip about the engine covers.

i had the chromies on there for a couple of years and decided i would rather go for a set of genuine rims. i hadnt decided which rims i wanted and was telling myself not to get senators because every man and his dog has got the fake ones on their car now, however, my brother stumbled across this brand spanking new set which hadnt even had tyres for only $1300!!! from just commodore spares at gilles plains. raced down there the next day to make sure they had the hsv and roh logos cast in the back and when i saw that handed over the money. its a bit of a difference and i dont think the pictures do it justice. will have to clean her up and take her out for a proper shoot with the new rims and plates.

[macca_779]

Thought I'd throw a few newer pics up of my engine bay after I gave her a bit of a clean.

New addition is the TBA 78mm Throttle Body.

Who would of thought fitting a different TB would result is big changes to idle behaviour. Partly my fault as my old one was slightly modified, but I think I've almost got this one nutted out in the tune now to display better idle characteristics than ever.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/cf89cdfa.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/81ef4841.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/25c12fd7.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/c2ef407e.jpg

[kaneo11]

beautiful car you have there mate! love the manual senators... hence why i brought one!!!

[macca_779]

beautiful car you have there mate! love the manual senators... hence why i brought one!!!

Indeed they are tuff to beat as they are a hamburger with the lot.

[cosmo vyss]

Shit box..........................................
















Looking good macca. The tb should be silver not try hard hsv red. ..:)

[macca_779]

Shit box..........................................

Looking good macca. The tb should be silver not try hard hsv red. ..:)

Good thing its a HSV then hey JB.

[macca_779]

Bit of an update. I just finished off a nice little Stereo upgrade on the Sig. Nothing to out of control, just a head unit.
A few things I demanded I have if I did this were;

Retain Steering Wheel Controls
No stupid IR extenders. It had to be hardwired
Full iPhone integration
Bluetooth Integration
Retain Antenna Height Controls


So with those in mind I settled on a Clarion CZ500A. Picked one up for $300 from Autobahn Melton VIC. Second thing I got was the pocket for under the head unit. I choose the one I did because it has a slight taper in towards the middle which would give me more room for the next part. That part was some flush mount switches from JayCar to take over AE Height Control.
Last piece of the puzzle was a CAT10 Steering Wheel Interface. Took me quite a while to track one down, but ended up finding one at JB Highpoint for $175 (ouch).

As far as the install goes I didn't do it the conventional way. Rather I utilised the bracket that comes with most head units to mount it. There were a few fitment issues that conflicted with the modified pocket that brought that on. Namely the pocket has to go in first which would make it difficult to them mount the head unit as the switches protrude outside the cradle which is why all the Goop is there.

Mounting it all became less and less straight forward the more I looked into it. But I got there in the end even though I had to pull 3/4 of the dash apart to get access to the cradel so I could work on it outside the car.

In the end everything came up a treat. Major pain in the arse but with my qualification it would be a personal insult for me to pay some dumb shit kid with next to zero electronics knowledge to install it for me.. Plus there is no way they would have taken the care to fit everything perfectly not only externally, but where you can't see too.

YouTube - Clarion CZ500A

Here are some pics of the job.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/ddcca6aa.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/a2e83e1b.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/6877a4b1.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/978cbcf3.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/ffa76f3a.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/7f9c792d.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/81264870.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/7f84aa29.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/575660e3.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/fe5d8cd9.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/53a9c908.jpg

[gavlotic]

Looks good mate :goodjob:
You going to do speakers as well ?
I've never come accross a commodore that was an easy install for a head unit.
I remember my ol VS had to take apart half the dash as well.

cheers,

Gav

[macca_779]

No speakers or amp upgrades planned for the moment. Always amazing how a aftermarket head unit still makes the stock speakers sound better

[fishla]

Too much spare time on ya hands :p

Looks good mate!!

[macca33]

Nice mate!

I just have to get 'round to mine now.

[VYClubby]

Hey Macca,
I am just wondering if your car has been on a dyno since your 220 cam went in? Seeing as you are a "tuner" I would expect you have had plenty of time to play with your settings, and 240+rwkw seems very low for one of these cams in an LS1 through a manual these days?

[macca_779]

Hey Macca,
I am just wondering if your car has been on a dyno since your 220 cam went in? Seeing as you are a "tuner" I would expect you have had plenty of time to play with your settings, and 240+rwkw seems very low for one of these cams in an LS1 through a manual these days?

Made 255rwkw stock exhaust and an LS1 manifold. Ie nothing but the cam. Hasn't been on a dyno since the cam went in over 3 years ago. I really don't need a dyno for my car. But even if I did it's not like I have one readily available in Katherine.


Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk

[macca_779]

Just a couple of recent Pics I thought I'd throw up from today whilst out Caching. Light and surroundings were a good match for the Tungsten Gold. Shots are from my iPhone so nothing to flash.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/IMG_0841.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/IMG_0842.jpg

[macca_779]

Been a while since I posted. But since I did something worthwhile on the weekend I thought I'd post it up.

Raced at Temora on the weekend for the 1000m event. Had a good time and it was a good turn out with quite a few members from the OZ Lsx Club coming.

Didn't get many shots but here are a few of the pits

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/AF32E190-305E-4AE3-9CA2-E721E9F8EF52-259-0000001A3C3FC473.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/BA697A3D-9D3F-4C1D-B5A3-9FCFE1B06E9C-259-0000001A355696CE.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/78BB36D4-D042-484C-9605-A5CD43906E2B-259-0000001A2DC39FD2.jpg

My best trap speed too. Pretty stoked about it too considering the company.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/EE4F9319-27D2-4296-8D02-29564548AB37-259-0000001A21A7F8CC.jpg


Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk

[QIKMIK]

Top job, Ryan. Only 1kph slower than the W427 and walked all over the slow-arse Fazza F360!!

Mick

[whitels1ss]

Nice result Macca:goodjob:

[skidmarx]

Nah its not for sale and I'd love to post pics. But I can't yet cause of the 10 post rule.

My god, I thought you were just 'always here', and never a humble newbie...

[macca_779]

Top job, Ryan. Only 1kph slower than the W427 and walked all over the slow-arse Fazza F360!!

Mick

Yeah that W427 did well ET wise. Rules stated street tyres. He changed them in the paddock. He subsequently trapped well at 22sec. Asked the guy in the morning what was done to it and he said nothing. This mind you while another guy was sitting in the car on the laptop. Yeah stock my arse.


Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk

[macca_779]

Well 12 months later and another Temora 1000 down and I did a little better this year.

Nearly got 2nd in 2E (basically modified N/A) only getting pipped for it by a cammed E3 by 1 tenth, but I smashed his terminal speed by 5km/h. And a modified W427. So yeah pretty happy to beat every other head cam LSx in the pack running my little 216/226 cam that Jarrod Mills and I speced earlier this year

Luis@APS and I were having a chat about changing a few things and I finally relented for the last run leaning on the old girl and dropping 1.5º of timing. I was running a blend of United E85 and Caltex 98 to make an E60 blend. Needless to say it loved it beating my previous best time by 0.040 which I could easily feel in the car (probably more in it leaning on it some more). Pitty I didn't have another run as I would got that E3 I reckon as I already had the Horsepower going off my terminal speed, but o well.

Martin Donnan's team smashed 312km/h in their GTR which I was stocked to see and congratulate him.

Will be going back next year and trying a few more things, but it goes to show big cams and auto's aren't the bee all and end all when your doing 1000m racing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvayBNMuxcg&feature=c4-overview&list=UUpu7abdZ0G83ArdS-TV1_qQ

[Drizt]

Thanks for posting the vid. You certainly were excited by that run ;) Pretty slick gear changes too.

[C4B]

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i39/macca_779/MY%20GEAR/Senator016.jpg






It's a pity when they do the cream interiors they don't do anything about the Steering Wheel and steering column. The Grey in amongst all the lovely cream leather stands out like dogs balls.

[macca_779]

Thanks for posting the vid. You certainly were excited by that run ;) Pretty slick gear changes too.

Thanks mate, stock shifter too.

Here is a vid with all my runs.. Except the ones I forgot to record :DOH:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmA7sVY_B2g&feature=youtu.be

[seedyrom]

It's a pity when they do the cream interiors they don't do anything about the Steering Wheel and steering column. The Grey in amongst all the lovely cream leather stands out like dogs balls.
A cream steering wheel is soooo annoying ;)

It dirties up so quickly

http://users.tpg.com.au/vtcalais/Interior.jpg

[macca_779]

Well it’s the end of an era for me. My old Senator is off to a new owner on Tuesday. She’ll be garaged next to some very rare Brocks and HSV’s.

Hard to believe I’ve had this car for 14 years. She’s been a good rig and I’ve had lots of fun over the years in it.

This forum back in the day drove a lot of the inspiration in what I did to it and taught me a lot over the years. But as with most we grow and change priorities. Keeping multiple vehicles in the shed I don’t drive I just can’t justify anymore. This will be the first time I haven’t owned a V8 since I was 19. I still love my performance cars and now drive a Performance Tesla Model 3 while the other car in the house is a Hybrid RAV4. Yep. I’ve changed to electric power as will most of you in the next few years I can assure.

No doubt I’ll regret selling it to some degree down the track. But for now I’m just glad it’s going to a new owner who respects what it is and will return it back to it’s for more glory.

[SASLS1]

Do you still have your BMW S1000RR?

[macca_779]

Do you still have your BMW S1000RR?

Nah sold that 2 years ago. Only bike I have now is an old 2012 VFR800. The last of the under tail pipe models. It’s got a pair of Leo Vince carbon pipes to compliment the V4

[Pickles]

ahh yes of course VYII it ran up to. They stopped optioning it when the LS2 came out. As I've said to you before your's is mint in the red. But I'm not a fan of the wheels.

Very nice example, and welcome to the Forum.
Pickles.

[white lie]

Very nice example, and welcome to the Forum.
Pickles.Macca certainly isn't new around here Martin, his original post is 14 years old!

I'll admit I've been tempted to sell mine on a few occasions, doesn't get out much at all but I don't know what will replace it. As good as the Tesla's are, I can't see myself owning one. Not that I'm "anti-EV" or anything, they just don't do anything for me. Anyway, best of luck Macca, it seems to be the end of an era for a lot of us.

[Micks]

A seven year thread dig FFS :lmao: Will be keepin my V8's till there's no fuel!! :lol:

[macca_779]

Macca certainly isn't new around here Martin, his original post is 14 years old!

I'll admit I've been tempted to sell mine on a few occasions, doesn't get out much at all but I don't know what will replace it. As good as the Tesla's are, I can't see myself owning one. Not that I'm "anti-EV" or anything, they just don't do anything for me. Anyway, best of luck Macca, it seems to be the end of an era for a lot of us.

Thanks mate. Yep back in the day we spent much of our lives on this forum and actually talk about cars. I see that’s not happening much anymore. Shame really as the people on Facebook groups have no idea how much good info is on this forum from all of us.

I can say If you told me 5 years ago that id be driving an electric car I’d say you’re crazy. But after driving one I was sold. I could see the value in the performance they provide and freedom from the pump. It’s inevitable they will take over as they are just better in most way that count.

I would of liked to keep the old girl. But it was a little run down and I’m fairly confident only the mint ones are going to be worth anything in the next few years. So I was kinda capitalising on the bogan buying spree at the moment.

[whitels1ss]

I would of liked to keep the old girl. But it was a little run down and I’m fairly confident only the mint ones are going to be worth anything in the next few years.
So I was kinda capitalising on the bogan buying spree at the moment.

I actually don't think it is just a "bogan buying spree" at the moment,
I think all these things are going to go up further over the future.

Personally, I think we will see quite a few VT-VZ HSV's selling for over $100,000 in five years time.

Anyway, I am guessing you will not be posting on here as much as you did a few years ago so I would like to wish you all the very best. :cheers:

[macca_779]

Time will tell I guess. I really can’t see it. The demise of Holden showed people weren’t interested anymore even though the last Aussie built cars were actually quite good. Like I said. The good ones will hold some value. I lost the passion so was happy to move mine on