Searching for the right Monaro
Discussion
Hi guys,
I've just sold my S2000 and will now be starting the hunt for a Monaro.
From research I think I'm looking for a 5.7 VXR, to benefit from the facelift, big boot and cheap tax.
I'll also be looking for a car that's had a LS7 clutch and importantly a wortec or similar exhaust.
I'm not in a rush, so should I be considering all the various models: 6.0's and CV8's, or should I take my take a wait for a 5.7 VRX in the right spec?
Looking forward to hearing your advice...
Many thanks, hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of my new p&j soon!
I've just sold my S2000 and will now be starting the hunt for a Monaro.
From research I think I'm looking for a 5.7 VXR, to benefit from the facelift, big boot and cheap tax.
I'll also be looking for a car that's had a LS7 clutch and importantly a wortec or similar exhaust.
I'm not in a rush, so should I be considering all the various models: 6.0's and CV8's, or should I take my take a wait for a 5.7 VRX in the right spec?
Looking forward to hearing your advice...
Many thanks, hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of my new p&j soon!
Janosh said:
Hi guys,
I've just sold my S2000 and will now be starting the hunt for a Monaro.
From research I think I'm looking for a 5.7 VXR, to benefit from the facelift, big boot and cheap tax.
I'll also be looking for a car that's had a LS7 clutch and importantly a wortec or similar exhaust.
I'm not in a rush, so should I be considering all the various models: 6.0's and CV8's, or should I take my take a wait for a 5.7 VRX in the right spec?
Looking forward to hearing your advice...
Many thanks, hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of my new p&j soon!
Welcome to our little part of Pistonheads. I've just sold my S2000 and will now be starting the hunt for a Monaro.
From research I think I'm looking for a 5.7 VXR, to benefit from the facelift, big boot and cheap tax.
I'll also be looking for a car that's had a LS7 clutch and importantly a wortec or similar exhaust.
I'm not in a rush, so should I be considering all the various models: 6.0's and CV8's, or should I take my take a wait for a 5.7 VRX in the right spec?
Looking forward to hearing your advice...
Many thanks, hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of my new p&j soon!
They're all getting a bit old now, so buy on condition first. The 5.7 VXR did look different to the standard Monaro (CV8), but the real facelift was when the boot became smaller and the bonnet had nostrils. This was for later CV8s and 6.0 VXRs.
Some of these can be found, registered before 23rd March 2006, so in the lower tax band (if this is a big stumbling block for you).
Good luck with the search, and post pictures and details of anything you find - but don't link to the advert, as there's too many vultures that watch forums, waiting for others to spot a good thing before buying it out under your nose.
ARAF said:
Welcome to our little part of Pistonheads.
They're all getting a bit old now, so buy on condition first. The 5.7 VXR did look different to the standard Monaro (CV8), but the real facelift was when the boot became smaller and the bonnet had nostrils. This was for later CV8s and 6.0 VXRs.
Some of these can be found, registered before 23rd March 2006, so in the lower tax band (if this is a big stumbling block for you).
Good luck with the search, and post pictures and details of anything you find - but don't link to the advert, as there's too many vultures that watch forums, waiting for others to spot a good thing before buying it out under your nose.
I'v got the cheap tax and with all the looks lol They're all getting a bit old now, so buy on condition first. The 5.7 VXR did look different to the standard Monaro (CV8), but the real facelift was when the boot became smaller and the bonnet had nostrils. This was for later CV8s and 6.0 VXRs.
Some of these can be found, registered before 23rd March 2006, so in the lower tax band (if this is a big stumbling block for you).
Good luck with the search, and post pictures and details of anything you find - but don't link to the advert, as there's too many vultures that watch forums, waiting for others to spot a good thing before buying it out under your nose.
Good call, I've had two S2000's the last a Mugen spec, but my VXR 6 ltr Ro is way more fun. Maybe worth trying some one like James at Elite who is well into Ro's and VXR8's. We brought our first Ro VXR (but probably not the last) off him a few months back and he's been really helpful. Good luck with the search.
I also once had an S2000 and wasn't that keen on it. Was wrong car for me. I now have a 5.7 VXR Monaro and love it. You can get cheaper tax as said above. They are not complex cars but are getting on and you need to budget accordingly. One of the best aspects of ownership is this forum.
Major Monaro said:
ARAF said:
Welcome to our little part of Pistonheads.
They're all getting a bit old now, so buy on condition first. The 5.7 VXR did look different to the standard Monaro (CV8), but the real facelift was when the boot became smaller and the bonnet had nostrils. This was for later CV8s and 6.0 VXRs.
Some of these can be found, registered before 23rd March 2006, so in the lower tax band (if this is a big stumbling block for you).
Good luck with the search, and post pictures and details of anything you find - but don't link to the advert, as there's too many vultures that watch forums, waiting for others to spot a good thing before buying it out under your nose.
I'v got the cheap tax and with all the looks lol They're all getting a bit old now, so buy on condition first. The 5.7 VXR did look different to the standard Monaro (CV8), but the real facelift was when the boot became smaller and the bonnet had nostrils. This was for later CV8s and 6.0 VXRs.
Some of these can be found, registered before 23rd March 2006, so in the lower tax band (if this is a big stumbling block for you).
Good luck with the search, and post pictures and details of anything you find - but don't link to the advert, as there's too many vultures that watch forums, waiting for others to spot a good thing before buying it out under your nose.
Major Monaro said:
Vxr ls2 and with cv8 tax that's me (05) . I think the extra in the tax is the lest of any owners worrys, I think that the only thing that matters is just getting a good well looked after example of one of these rear beasts
also you can pay by direct debit from next month 007 VXR said:
Major Monaro said:
Vxr ls2 and with cv8 tax that's me (05) . I think the extra in the tax is the lest of any owners worrys, I think that the only thing that matters is just getting a good well looked after example of one of these rear beasts
also you can pay by direct debit from next month 
5.7 runs a 3.73:1 ratio. 6.0 is 3.46:1. While the 5.7 diff is lower the actual box itself is longer.
So there isn't a huge difference. Although if going flat out the ratios on the 5.7 work out better. It'll top out in 5th at a higher speed than the 6.0.
Not not much between them standard, they are both pretty performance wise. The 5.7 comes with some different unique bits as well. Interior is different. Comes with a set of shorty headers. Big boot and other minor changes. Boot was my reason for wanting one mainly. Couldn't manage with the 6.0 as my everyday car.
Personally I wouldn't worry so much about an LS7 clutch if all you want is an exhaust. The clutch only becomes an issue when pushing more power. Which is why many tend to have them on here. Lot of people run cams, superchargers etc. Where they are adding a fair bit of power and torque.
Most of them will have an exhaust now. But even that can be done cheapish.
Think the main thing to ask is, are you going to be modifying it or not? If not then get the nicest VXR you can find. If you are, then even a CV8 might be a decent choice. As you will likely replace everything apart from the bodykit if it gets under your skin.
My 5.7 VXR I wasn't going to do much too, now I'm thinking heads, cam, possibly supercharger etc.
So there isn't a huge difference. Although if going flat out the ratios on the 5.7 work out better. It'll top out in 5th at a higher speed than the 6.0.
Not not much between them standard, they are both pretty performance wise. The 5.7 comes with some different unique bits as well. Interior is different. Comes with a set of shorty headers. Big boot and other minor changes. Boot was my reason for wanting one mainly. Couldn't manage with the 6.0 as my everyday car.
Personally I wouldn't worry so much about an LS7 clutch if all you want is an exhaust. The clutch only becomes an issue when pushing more power. Which is why many tend to have them on here. Lot of people run cams, superchargers etc. Where they are adding a fair bit of power and torque.
Most of them will have an exhaust now. But even that can be done cheapish.
Think the main thing to ask is, are you going to be modifying it or not? If not then get the nicest VXR you can find. If you are, then even a CV8 might be a decent choice. As you will likely replace everything apart from the bodykit if it gets under your skin.
My 5.7 VXR I wasn't going to do much too, now I'm thinking heads, cam, possibly supercharger etc.
Edited by wozzza on Monday 8th September 09:38
wozzza said:
...
Personally I wouldn't worry so much about an LS7 clutch if all you want is an exhaust. The clutch only becomes an issue when pushing more power. Which is why many tend to have them on here. Lot of people run cams, superchargers etc. Where they are adding a fair bit of power and torque.
...
The LS1 clutch is more prone to the soggy pedal/bad fluid problems than the LS7 clutch, and if still on the LS1 clutch that implies original clutch slave which would now be a ticking time-bomb. You can't get an LS1 clutch any more, the LS7 is the standard replacement. Personally I wouldn't worry so much about an LS7 clutch if all you want is an exhaust. The clutch only becomes an issue when pushing more power. Which is why many tend to have them on here. Lot of people run cams, superchargers etc. Where they are adding a fair bit of power and torque.
...
As stated above, the reason for the LS7 clutch would be remidial rather than coping with extra power. Any car on the original will likely need doing soon.
Aside from the exhaust and other light mod's, I won't be going crazy with the modifications, so I'll take everyone's advice and focus on VXR's but look at some 6.0 cars as well.
I should add that this is all wishful thinking as there seems to be almost no cars available at the moment!
Aside from the exhaust and other light mod's, I won't be going crazy with the modifications, so I'll take everyone's advice and focus on VXR's but look at some 6.0 cars as well.
I should add that this is all wishful thinking as there seems to be almost no cars available at the moment!
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