Moving over to VXR8
Discussion
Just thought I post on here as potentially looking to buy a VXR8
So finally looking to buy something more fun than a 320D so had to look into a vxr8
Drove a 2009 plate manual today with wilkinshaw exhaust. Amazing engine. But few quesions came up in my head.
Car doesnt have xenons was the first just wondering if anyone has retrofitted some and how hard is it.
More importantly since I dont know much about the vxr8 what are they like to live with.
Ofcourse mpg is a low teens but expected with a monster engine. What about common faults , what to look out for. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also any mods worth considering straight off. One thing I could feel is while brakes a decent enough the body roll is something that would need addressing. Also any cars worth avoiding I drove a manual but anyone have the auto how do they compare.
Also since I live in a heavily populated area can anyone recommended a good exhaust system that has a twin stage so I can put on a "stealth" mode when coming home from late or leaving early at stupid oclock. Do a lot of these due to my work and dont want to annoy the neighbours especially as next door I have a right old pair of $"£$"£%$"$!"
thanks in advance
So finally looking to buy something more fun than a 320D so had to look into a vxr8
Drove a 2009 plate manual today with wilkinshaw exhaust. Amazing engine. But few quesions came up in my head.
Car doesnt have xenons was the first just wondering if anyone has retrofitted some and how hard is it.
More importantly since I dont know much about the vxr8 what are they like to live with.
Ofcourse mpg is a low teens but expected with a monster engine. What about common faults , what to look out for. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also any mods worth considering straight off. One thing I could feel is while brakes a decent enough the body roll is something that would need addressing. Also any cars worth avoiding I drove a manual but anyone have the auto how do they compare.
Also since I live in a heavily populated area can anyone recommended a good exhaust system that has a twin stage so I can put on a "stealth" mode when coming home from late or leaving early at stupid oclock. Do a lot of these due to my work and dont want to annoy the neighbours especially as next door I have a right old pair of $"£$"£%$"$!"
thanks in advance
magic77 said:
Just thought I post on here as potentially looking to buy a VXR8
So finally looking to buy something more fun than a 320D so had to look into a vxr8
Drove a 2009 plate manual today with wilkinshaw exhaust. Amazing engine. But few quesions came up in my head.
Car doesnt have xenons was the first just wondering if anyone has retrofitted some and how hard is it.
More importantly since I dont know much about the vxr8 what are they like to live with.
Ofcourse mpg is a low teens but expected with a monster engine. What about common faults , what to look out for. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also any mods worth considering straight off. One thing I could feel is while brakes a decent enough the body roll is something that would need addressing. Also any cars worth avoiding I drove a manual but anyone have the auto how do they compare.
Also since I live in a heavily populated area can anyone recommended a good exhaust system that has a twin stage so I can put on a "stealth" mode when coming home from late or leaving early at stupid oclock. Do a lot of these due to my work and dont want to annoy the neighbours especially as next door I have a right old pair of $"£$"£%$"$!"
thanks in advance
Welcome to the VX/HSV crowd from a fellow owner So finally looking to buy something more fun than a 320D so had to look into a vxr8
Drove a 2009 plate manual today with wilkinshaw exhaust. Amazing engine. But few quesions came up in my head.
Car doesnt have xenons was the first just wondering if anyone has retrofitted some and how hard is it.
More importantly since I dont know much about the vxr8 what are they like to live with.
Ofcourse mpg is a low teens but expected with a monster engine. What about common faults , what to look out for. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also any mods worth considering straight off. One thing I could feel is while brakes a decent enough the body roll is something that would need addressing. Also any cars worth avoiding I drove a manual but anyone have the auto how do they compare.
Also since I live in a heavily populated area can anyone recommended a good exhaust system that has a twin stage so I can put on a "stealth" mode when coming home from late or leaving early at stupid oclock. Do a lot of these due to my work and dont want to annoy the neighbours especially as next door I have a right old pair of $"£$"£%$"$!"
thanks in advance
The MPG is more like high teens, better than you think, depends if you want 6.0 LS2 or 6.2 LS3 as a 2009 should be a 6.2 LS3
The most popular exhausts on VXR8s are - WORTEC and WALKINSHAW, some of these have the optional switchable loud/quiet mode and can be retro fitted on most models. or you could get the car set on quiet mode. There are others like VAREX, MAGNAFLOW but these are either Aussie or U.S. makes
apart from tyres and brakes and std front suspension clonk there are no major worries. check clutch operation that ok on full beans
lights are fine if you don't drive in the dark
there are xenon upgrades available that others may recommendHope this helps
JBThanks, all sounds good by the looks of it. The car is a 6.3 if I recall correctly waiting for all the info on it as had to rush off post testdrive so ask dealer to email me.
This one has the full loud wilkinshaw exhaust so I wonder if it can be altered will need to look into it.
Xenons will be a must as I drive a lot at night so needed. I rather not do the aftermarket ones and fit OEM but I'm sure will be a challenge. Something this oen did not have so will need to consider it or look for another model
Any ideas on Audio by a chance, are their facia adapter kits as it will be a project car so a good audio will be a must as well.
One other question whats the servicing like in terms of frequency and cost.
This one has the full loud wilkinshaw exhaust so I wonder if it can be altered will need to look into it.
Xenons will be a must as I drive a lot at night so needed. I rather not do the aftermarket ones and fit OEM but I'm sure will be a challenge. Something this oen did not have so will need to consider it or look for another model
Any ideas on Audio by a chance, are their facia adapter kits as it will be a project car so a good audio will be a must as well.
One other question whats the servicing like in terms of frequency and cost.
No OEM HID options, but there are some that are easier to fit and more "OEM" look. See HERE
They come in 6.0 (LS2) and 6.2 (LS3) guise.
Servicing isn't hard - they aren't complex cars, but parts can be tricky to get and there are only a few recognised specialists.
They come in 6.0 (LS2) and 6.2 (LS3) guise.
Servicing isn't hard - they aren't complex cars, but parts can be tricky to get and there are only a few recognised specialists.
Edited by mik_ok on Thursday 21st August 15:23
magic77 said:
Xenons will be a must as I drive a lot at night so needed. I rather not do the aftermarket ones and fit OEM but I'm sure will be a challenge. Something this oen did not have so will need to consider it or look for another model
Any ideas on Audio by a chance, are their facia adapter kits as it will be a project car so a good audio will be a must as well.
as said need to look elsewhere if you want factory xenonsAny ideas on Audio by a chance, are their facia adapter kits as it will be a project car so a good audio will be a must as well.
Stereo, its okay considering its std, but you don't buy a VXR8 for fancy BOSE Audi-overpriced stereo, you buy it for the noise of the V8
you cant change the stereo really as it has the AC and heating functions on stereo screenWelcome to the site (both). 
Sorry, but as you come from a BMW background, I have to ask if you have considered a performance diesel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Y-dmRGAkE
Now being more helpful (hopefully), yes you can get switchable exhausts for the cars or you can fit cutouts to the existing pipes. The VXR8 is a cracking car, with plenty of performance. I never found HIDs to be necessary, but some have fitted aftermarket kits. I don't think that even the top of the range HSV cars had HID - certainly none that Vauxhall imported do.
Good luck with the hunt. Preciousmetal is our tame dealer. He runs Elite Cars near Bordon in Hampshire, and probably sells more secondhand VXR8s and Monaros than any other dealer. He can't tell you this himself, as it would be treated as advertising.
Sorry, but as you come from a BMW background, I have to ask if you have considered a performance diesel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Y-dmRGAkE
Now being more helpful (hopefully), yes you can get switchable exhausts for the cars or you can fit cutouts to the existing pipes. The VXR8 is a cracking car, with plenty of performance. I never found HIDs to be necessary, but some have fitted aftermarket kits. I don't think that even the top of the range HSV cars had HID - certainly none that Vauxhall imported do.
Good luck with the hunt. Preciousmetal is our tame dealer. He runs Elite Cars near Bordon in Hampshire, and probably sells more secondhand VXR8s and Monaros than any other dealer. He can't tell you this himself, as it would be treated as advertising.
ARAF said:
This is really funny everytime I watch it - Thx Ian Love the vid so true. Bought the E90 about 5 years ago as was meant to do mega miles. Typically things changed and after five and half years only managed 59k. Finally in position to swap, kids, house got in the way. So thought hey what the hell swap on the large scale. Plus will be able to have more fun through hindhead . Right now its between vxr8 or xfr really as was thinking e90 M3 but they are as rare as hense teeth and dont sound nowhere as good as the other two
As you said its all about the engine but at same time I like my audio and its just an excuse to mod. Interior I would say is on par with the E36 BMWs but thats not why I would buy this car. Its something you deal with if you want the LS3 up the front. Few things where the trim has lost its gloss etc are easily fixed with paint and 3M Vinyl wrap. What I did like is the fact I fit nicely into it and the seats are big enough.
With xenons its a must for me as the amount I drive at night its going to be nightmare and as well will need to find some winter tyres but thats an easy search.
I've got a contact is melbourne that will do some digging for me on audio front as from what I could see the controls are in lower half so might be able to transfer them to new facia.
But exhaust mod will be a must as with the wilkinshaw I can see my neighbours the "£"££$"£%"£% just really throwing their towels out. These are people who complain because the kids are playing in the garden or it the culdesac and making some noise. Oh and we live 100 yards from primary school. on second through hmm supercar option please for the exhaust
When buying anything I need to look out for so to avoid a lemon etc.
. Right now its between vxr8 or xfr really as was thinking e90 M3 but they are as rare as hense teeth and dont sound nowhere as good as the other twoAs you said its all about the engine but at same time I like my audio and its just an excuse to mod. Interior I would say is on par with the E36 BMWs but thats not why I would buy this car. Its something you deal with if you want the LS3 up the front. Few things where the trim has lost its gloss etc are easily fixed with paint and 3M Vinyl wrap. What I did like is the fact I fit nicely into it and the seats are big enough.
With xenons its a must for me as the amount I drive at night its going to be nightmare and as well will need to find some winter tyres but thats an easy search.
I've got a contact is melbourne that will do some digging for me on audio front as from what I could see the controls are in lower half so might be able to transfer them to new facia.
But exhaust mod will be a must as with the wilkinshaw I can see my neighbours the "£"££$"£%"£% just really throwing their towels out. These are people who complain because the kids are playing in the garden or it the culdesac and making some noise. Oh and we live 100 yards from primary school. on second through hmm supercar option please for the exhaust
When buying anything I need to look out for so to avoid a lemon etc.
Welcome!
If you're on Facebook, have a look at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/HSV-Holden-UK-Commu...
For some inspiration.
If you're on Facebook, have a look at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/HSV-Holden-UK-Commu...
For some inspiration.
As you do a lot of driving, I assume you do a lot of motorway driving, so you'll probably be in the 20s for MPG
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/vauxhall-wins-f...
Welcome to the fold, hope you find what you're looking for, Gary H there is your man for audio / headlight mod info
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/vauxhall-wins-f...
Welcome to the fold, hope you find what you're looking for, Gary H there is your man for audio / headlight mod info
magic77 said:
Love the vid so true. Bought the E90 about 5 years ago as was meant to do mega miles. Typically things changed and after five and half years only managed 59k. Finally in position to swap, kids, house got in the way. So thought hey what the hell swap on the large scale. Plus will be able to have more fun through hindhead . Right now its between vxr8 or xfr really as was thinking e90 M3 but they are as rare as hense teeth and dont sound nowhere as good as the other two
As you said its all about the engine but at same time I like my audio and its just an excuse to mod. Interior I would say is on par with the E36 BMWs but thats not why I would buy this car. Its something you deal with if you want the LS3 up the front. Few things where the trim has lost its gloss etc are easily fixed with paint and 3M Vinyl wrap. What I did like is the fact I fit nicely into it and the seats are big enough.
With xenons its a must for me as the amount I drive at night its going to be nightmare and as well will need to find some winter tyres but thats an easy search.
I've got a contact is melbourne that will do some digging for me on audio front as from what I could see the controls are in lower half so might be able to transfer them to new facia.
But exhaust mod will be a must as with the wilkinshaw I can see my neighbours the "£"££$"£%"£% just really throwing their towels out. These are people who complain because the kids are playing in the garden or it the culdesac and making some noise. Oh and we live 100 yards from primary school. on second through hmm supercar option please for the exhaust
When buying anything I need to look out for so to avoid a lemon etc.
I recently nearly decided to sell the VXR8 for the sake of buying an XFR. And I looked at a couple of XFRs and... they are simply not making my heart race. The pulse sits at "idle", nothing special. And although the VXR8 dash is s. Right now its between vxr8 or xfr really as was thinking e90 M3 but they are as rare as hense teeth and dont sound nowhere as good as the other twoAs you said its all about the engine but at same time I like my audio and its just an excuse to mod. Interior I would say is on par with the E36 BMWs but thats not why I would buy this car. Its something you deal with if you want the LS3 up the front. Few things where the trim has lost its gloss etc are easily fixed with paint and 3M Vinyl wrap. What I did like is the fact I fit nicely into it and the seats are big enough.
With xenons its a must for me as the amount I drive at night its going to be nightmare and as well will need to find some winter tyres but thats an easy search.
I've got a contact is melbourne that will do some digging for me on audio front as from what I could see the controls are in lower half so might be able to transfer them to new facia.
But exhaust mod will be a must as with the wilkinshaw I can see my neighbours the "£"££$"£%"£% just really throwing their towels out. These are people who complain because the kids are playing in the garden or it the culdesac and making some noise. Oh and we live 100 yards from primary school. on second through hmm supercar option please for the exhaust
When buying anything I need to look out for so to avoid a lemon etc.
t quality, the XFR one is just boring. But hey, I could live with that. The only massive problem is that I kept confusing XFR for XF diesel. Hardly any different looks. DOn't get me wrong, beautiful car, but it's not for me I decided.As for the headlights, I changed to HIDs, but only because I wanted to be fancy. Nothing wrong with standard lamps and together with Hi-beam they are good for thousands of miles through the Australian outback alone in the dark
Winter tyres, no problem. Just make sure you do not buy narrower ones assuming they cut better into the snow and that smaller footprint would mean more pressure per sq inch of tarmac. The truth is there will never be enough snow in this country and you will smoke the tyres all the time.
As for stereo, as others said don't bother doing the fascia. Just wire in an amp for the speakers and that should give you quite an improvements in sound quality. Add a discreet subwoofer as well and you should be sorted.
As for everything else, as I learned myself, it is not a car for endless thrashing. Everyone will say I can't drive it and I don't respect it and that is why I broke a gearbox on the previous R8 as well as a diff, slave cylinder and the engine
VXR8 is like a child with a down's syndrome. You just have to love it and it will love you back unconditionally.
preciousmetal said:
ARAF said:
This is really funny everytime I watch it - Thx Ian I've owned a few various high end BMWs and have got bored with and moved them on in months
Bought my VXR8 two years ago, never owned a car this long you tend to fall in love with these and couldn't dream of selling mine although have been close. quite frankly it's the best long term car you'll love it hate it but she'll always put a smile on your face and more inportantly everyone else's a few owner points
Avoid black unless you love cleaning them ( although they are known for being the fastest)
Check disc wear front and back as very pricey
And look for rust underneath Some earlier cars are quite bad underneath, also would only look at 6.2 LS3 engines
I don't believe mileage is anything to worry about as these cars are pretty bullet proof
Bought my VXR8 two years ago, never owned a car this long you tend to fall in love with these and couldn't dream of selling mine although have been close. quite frankly it's the best long term car you'll love it hate it but she'll always put a smile on your face and more inportantly everyone else's a few owner points
Avoid black unless you love cleaning them ( although they are known for being the fastest)
Check disc wear front and back as very pricey
And look for rust underneath Some earlier cars are quite bad underneath, also would only look at 6.2 LS3 engines
I don't believe mileage is anything to worry about as these cars are pretty bullet proof
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