Relibility of HSVs

[count duckula]

Now my beloved chim is up for sale I am more seriously looking at a HSV GTS as an option, all was looking good till I came across this thread
[url]here|www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=124394 [/url]

Can I expect problems if I got one, I know no one can predict the future, but what are people experiences ?

Malc

edit, sorry for my bad spelling in the title.

>>> Edited by count duckula on Thursday 5th May 09:42

[A57 HSV]

Did 32k miles in HSV GTS (VT), 1x loose spark plug, n/s front brake caliper seized due to rusty anti- squeal shim.
HSV GTS (VX) has clocked up 33k miles, slight leak on s/charger oil pump (£100 to replace)1x snapped belt(my fault as I delayed in changing it, knowing it was frayed!)
The cheapest cars I've owned for servicing/repairs(fingers crossed). I could just be lucky, but I am fairly fastidious on servicing. Also compared to cars of similar performance HSV's are really pretty basic, the LS1 engine is an evolution of an engine that has been in service since the dark ages & I think is the most produced engine ever.
Agree with UKHSV, I have heard of problems with the Calloway tuned GTS-R (Aus. GTS).

>> Edited by A57 HSV on Thursday 5th May 11:17

>> Edited by A57 HSV on Thursday 5th May 11:25

[uk hsv]

"count duckula" the thread you mention is about a GTS-R not a GTS...........

The GTS-R had a few issues when new if it was not treated well but most cars have been through that stage and the ones left have been rebuilt or were treated well from the start (like "SJC")

The GTS has been very reliable with only ever minor problems so you will be safe with them.

[count duckula]

Thanks for putting me straight,I have not fully ruled out an GTS-R (In fact I would prefer one, but it depends what is available when the Chim goes).
I was thinking ( like uk hsv said )that the problems stated were encountered early on in there life and should now be okay.

Thanks

Malc

[powerdrift]

Yer it was me who posted that!! and yes it was the GTS-R.. at the moment its running fine apart from a front wheel baering!! cant seem to find one!! which is a pain as i am driving up and down the country most of the time!! and the prop shaft doughnut is on the way out again!! anyone know where i can get them quickly?? still apart from that!! i still love it!!!

[V8HSV]

My GTS is over 60k and no real service/reliability issues apart from bit of leakage all round (engine/pwr steer rack/diff)and general ageing

[count duckula]

Well you have convinced me know. As soon as the Chim sells I will be out looking, I ordered some old magazine from ebay with reviews of the GTS-R in ( top gear and autocar ) from 2000. They all say good things.

Malc

[A57 HSV]

Count, I'd reccomend that you have a chat with Mark at LSV (see above links). He was the mechanic that Rod from HSVUK/GIV who imported these cars used. As such, he is probably the most experienced mechanic in the U.K on the GTS/R & knows all their potential faults.
What I have often heard, is that if you wish to have a car more powerful than the approx.400bhp GTS/R, then it is easier to start with a GTS & modify that to over 400bhp. I can't remember the exact reasons behind this ,but it is to do with the Calloway tuning on the GTS/R.
Of course if you want the Red/Black interior the improved rear suspension & diff. then the R is the one.

[count duckula]

Thanks for the tip off, not matter which one I get I am not planning on upgrading it with a super charger or such like. It will stay standard ( give or take a louder exhaust )
I love the red interior of the R.

Malc

[A57 HSV]

If you love the interior then the R is for you, if you can find one. I'd still chat with Mark either way though.
I had the HSVUK press/demo. car GTS/R (W188 YBM I think its reg. was) for a few days in 2002 unfortunately it was a little tired, having been thrashed around the Nurburgring & then all the mags. & Top Gear (Vicki.B-H).
Performance & feel wise on fast road use (I did about 300 miles) was little different to my approx. 380bhp GTS (VT) that I owned at the time. I seem to remember it drank a lot more fuel though. Higher spec. Hi-Fi & Climate control than fitted to GTS (VT).
I think I've got most of the press articles somewhere, let me know if you want copies.

[count duckula]

A57 HSV
hopefully YHM.


Malc

[uk hsv]

[quote] front wheel baering!! cant seem to find one!![/quote]

Its still waiting for you here........... any time

[powerdrift]

Hi mate!! you still got it? would be a life saver!! cant remember where abouts you are tho. lets us know i i might be able to pick it up if its near one of my destinations!

Ta.

[jagsy]

I'd like to add to this.

The only items that needed mechanically replacing are:
-battery (4 years old)
-rubber donut (2nd in 5 years @ 64k miles)
-tyres and zorst
-regular servicing

The other things I have done are by choice to improve the car, not just for performance but for appearance.


Lastly I will mention brakes on this post, but keep an eye on my other brake thread.