VXR8

Vxr8 numbers:
6.0 Litre LS2 Manual 180
6.0 Litre LS2 Auto 120
6.2 Litre LS3 Manual 164
6.2 Litre LS3 Auto 102

Evoke 76
Red Hot 170
Phantom Black 199
Impluse Blue 25
Nickel Silver 52
Heron White 44

Background
The vxr8 was sold by vauxhall from 2007 and is based on the hsv ve clubsport however the uk sold vxr8 gains the hsv ve gts seats as standard.
the vxr8 was originally sold with an ls2 engine but from april 2008 all cars made used the ls3 engine. at this point the colours silver and blue were dropped and white was introduced. the ls2 vxr8 auto had no gearbox cooler but the ls3 did. despite many adverts saying so no vxr8 come with heated mirrors, heated seats or heated front screen. this is an australian car after all.
vauxhall released a special editon vxr8 called the bathurst edition. All cars produced were ls3 and have above standard walkinshaw fully adjustable suspension,6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers, unique exterior decals and stripes, individually numbered bathurst plaque, alloy effect door sill protectors and fog protectors. also at this time vauxhall produced the bathurst s. this came with a 572ps supercharger. options available for both cars were 20" wheels and a bi-modal exhaust.

most will notice not a great deal of difference between the 2 engines (unless tuning) and the changes to the manual vxr8 are purely the engine of which had the following revisions from the ls2.

gm press announcement
For 2008, General Motors Powertrain engineers have again added a performance kick to the Corvette base engine with introduction of the new LS3 6.2L engine which replaces the LS2. The 2008 6.2L LS3 V8 with 430 Hp @ 5900 rpm and 424 lb.ft. torque @ 4600 rpm is the most powerful Corvette base engine ever and is SAE Certified for 2008 model year.

The LS3 engineering team focused on design elements to increase flow efficiency in addition to the displacement increase to meet the performance enhancement. The bore was increased to a larger 103.25 mm diameter compared to the LS2 bore of 101.6. Engine stroke remains at 92.0mm. Intake flow efficiency was optimized by straightening out and optimizing the flow path from the intake manifold into the cylinder heads. A high flow efficiency induction system is borrowed from the Z06 application. The cylinder head exhaust ports have been modified to increase flow. Also now available in the Corvette with the LS3 is a butterfly valve in the exhaust system which opens at high exhaust flow levels and by-passes the “tri-flow” S-shaped path the exhaust gases normally follow. This reduces exhaust restriction, yet allows the Corvette LS3 to hum at a more muted burble during part-throttle operation. The LS3 also meets the more stringent Bin4 emission standards and again avoids the gas guzzler tax. The small block tradition of more for less continues.

High Flow Cylinder Heads
The intake port shape size and shape have been modified to increase flow. The higher flow intake ports are similar to the L92 6.2L. Casting changes were made to increase the opening at the exhaust face to improve exhaust port flow. A new exhaust manifold opening is required to match the heads.

Enhanced valvetrain
The inlet rocker arm is offset 6 mm between the valve tip and rocker bolt/push rod to enable a more direct intake port. The intake valve diameter is increased from 50.8 to 55.0 mm. Hollow stem intake were implemented to enable the 6600 rpm capability (13% reduction in mass from LS2). The 40.4 mm diameter exhaust valves are carried over from L92. Carryover LS2 high load valve springs are also included for 6600 rpm capability. Intake lift increases from 13.25mm to 14.0mm. Exhaust lobes are carryover LS2. Camshaft timing is revised.
Higher flow intake manifold with acoustic shell
Intake ports revised to match new cylinder head. The new composite intake manifold is manufactured with a lost core process to improve runner to runner variation and to reduce flow losses. Acoustic foam is sandwiched between the outside top of the intake manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell to reduce radiated engine noise. Structural enhancements have been added to the manifold bosses.

Larger bore block with structural improvements
Casting and machining in the bulkheads was revised to improve block structure and to improve bay to bay breathing. The enhanced cylinder block is shared with the the 6.2L truck applications.

New Pistons
A new larger diameter piston design is introduced for which includes design enhancements for the higher engine output.

Higher Flow Injectors
Higher flow 5.0 g/s injectors were used from the LS7 engine.

New Acoustic / Beauty Cover
The new beauty cover has a revised appearance and new acoustic treatment

LS2:
Engine: V8, 5967cc
Max power: 411bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 406lb ft @ 4400rpm
0 - 60mph: 4.9sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)

LS3:
Engine: V8, 6162cc
Max power: 425bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 405lb ft @ 4400rpm
0 - 60mph: 4.9sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)


Buying advice:

• when cold you may hear piston slap. this is nothing to worry about.
• when driven aggresively the air con belts can get thrown off. there is a fix available from monkfish at approx £100. when in the car just check the air con works.
• normal operating temperature is 110 or just above.
• check all panels for damage. a replacement bumper is not cheap.
• when looking to purchase your vxr8 do not be put off by high miles. These cars do get better with the miles and due to the nature of the beast the engine will go on and on. Also the ones that have been driven should have hadd all the warranty niggles sorted.
• be sure to have a good look at the underside of the car checking for signs of rust. the vxr8 comes with very limited protection. if you are planning on keeping the car for a long time it is advised to get the car rustproofed. this can be done professionally at the likes of monkfish or can be done as a diy.
• the gearbox on the vxr8 isnt the smoothest around but that said all gears should have a strong selection and a posotive feel to it. dont be alarmed if the car is a bit of trouble to select reverse immediatly after start up. this is common and is as simple as selecting a forward gear before reverse to fix.
• be sure to listen out for a knocking noise on the front end of the car over slight bumps. control arms are known to fail on these and are around 200 pounds to fix. they can last as little as 10k but also as long as 50k.
• the vxr8 is known to have a weak clutch as standard. this costs approx £1000 to fix so ideally select a car that has allready had this done. the warranty fix is an ls7 clutch. no known problems on this clutch
• in the cold indicators are known to fast flash. this is a relatively simple fix. widely regarded as the best contact is Chris Power at picador plc. he has helped many in the past and the problem will be known well to him. if the indicator is fast flashing at temps above 5 degrees centigrade this is more likely to be highlighting a failed light unit. these are around £550 each so be carefull. also on some examples the cold causes the centre guages to stop working. this will return to normal when warm.
• if you hear a light knocking noise coming from around the passenger side pillar this is likely to be a rear brake line. it is a very easy diy fix. back wheel off, drill a hole and cable tie securely.
• do not be alarmed to see modifications on cars. these cars are very sedate in standard form and most cars now should have at least an exhaust on them to release the brilliant v8 growl this engine produces.
• running costs are very good when comparing to other performance cars the vxr8 gets favourable insurance prices with the bathurst editions even more so. servicing is cheap and parts are not too bad. tyres vary between £150 and £300 depending on choice with brakes the most common big expenditure.
• economy varies and does change massively depending on driving style.There is no guarantee of a specific mpg but expect around a 17-24 average.
• with emissions of 320g/km the vxr8 is in tax band M and costs £475 per year in road fund license.

Once purchased tips, common questions:

• what battery?

S5008 096 BOSCH Car Battery 12V 77Ah
http://www.boschcarbatteries.co.uk/index.php/bosch...

• will these wheels fit?

vxr8
PCD 5 x 120mm
Wheels studs M14 x 1.5
Hub flange 67mm
Standard wheel nut 22mm
Front wheel 8J x 19" ET48
Rear wheel 9.5J x 19" ET57
oem tyres:
Bridgestone potenza RE050A TZ. front, 245/40R19 98Y. rear, 275/35R19 96Y

• what wiper blades do i need?

AM15U Bosch Aerotwin Car Specific Multi-Clip Single Wiper Blade 15"
SKU: AM15U

AM26U Bosch Aerotwin Car Specific Multi-Clip Single Wiper Blade 26"
SKU: AM26U

Normally cheapest when bought as a pair (Bosch A218S Aerotwin)

AM380U is also perfect fit for passenger side
Bosch AM single wiper blades are now AP ie AP15U & AP26U

• VXR8 Main Lamp (Dipped Beam) - H7 12V/55W
• VXR8 LS2 & LS3 Oil Filter OEM 89017524 AC Delco PF48, K&N 1017
• radio facia colour changing. Vxr8 radios known to have bad soldering and causes battery drain and random colour change. to fix colour change push the face of the stereo just above the screen.
• the vxr8 auto starts. turn the key to the the starting position then release. the car will start automatically. you need to keep your foot on the clutch until started.
• the secondary boot release is located in the glove box
• multiple taps of the lock button toots the horn
• holding the left thumbwheel and turning the key to position 2 brings up hidden options/menus.
• there is a button under the rear headrest to drop the seats to open the boot when you have a flat battery. alternatively there are charging points under the bonnet.
• pressing both instrument light dimming buttons while the lights are on will turn off all das lights except the speedometer.
• to reset the service reminder:

ignition off and hold down trip for 3 seconds,ignition on, release trip,hold down left roller.

• in dash CD Changer will play MP3 CDs and display track info
• the vxr8 has a "camel mode" known as limp mode to most uk owners meaning even if the car loses all engine coolant you will still make it home.

useful links
http://www.monkfishperformance.co.uk/
http://www.walkinshawperformance.co.uk/wp/uk/
http://jhp.com.au/holden.php
http://www.wortec.co.uk
http://www.hsv.com.au/e3/home/
http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/microsite/vxr/vxr8/index...
http://shop.partsworldperformance.com/
http://www.lsxv8.co.uk/
http://www.carmodder.com/search_doc.php?make_id=9&...