5.8 or 6.0 VXR ?? Lots of questions.
Discussion
Looking for some advice. I currently own a BMW Z4 supercharged with between 360-370BHP, but I am looking for a bigger car now. I've always had a big itch for an M3, but after an extensive test drive on Saturday it was a huge disappointment, just didn't feel any more special than a 325i until above 6000rpm when things get going. I love using low down grunt to move things along. Also drove a 350Z but again not my cup of tea, stunning visually though.
So next on the list is a Monaro. Before I go further I haven't actually driven one yet, but hope to do so in the next couple of weeks. I can stretch to £24K which could get a mint, low mileage 6.0. However I am put off by the size of the boot, mainly as I do a lot of mountain biking and car of that size should easily swallow up a bike in the boot. I assume getting a rack over that big spoiler isn't a problem??
So, do I go for an earlier of 5.8 (bigger boot) or a 6.0? What's the main difference? I read the suspension has been updated and obviously the car has more power, bonnet is different. What else? The 6.0 look stunning inside. Even better if you can change the Vauxhall badges out for Holden
Running costs seem very reasonable, ok fuel economy is worse than an M3, but insurance is cheaper and I would imagnie servicing is lower since the M3 needs valve clearance checked every second service costing £600-£900 by a dealer. How much is a rear set of tyres?
When were the 6.0's first out in the UK. I am just thinking if I can get a Pre March 06 then it'll still have the cheaper road tax scheme.
I thought there were only two Monaro's released, the original 360BHp and 400BHP but I see some are around 380, what model is that?
So next on the list is a Monaro. Before I go further I haven't actually driven one yet, but hope to do so in the next couple of weeks. I can stretch to £24K which could get a mint, low mileage 6.0. However I am put off by the size of the boot, mainly as I do a lot of mountain biking and car of that size should easily swallow up a bike in the boot. I assume getting a rack over that big spoiler isn't a problem??
So, do I go for an earlier of 5.8 (bigger boot) or a 6.0? What's the main difference? I read the suspension has been updated and obviously the car has more power, bonnet is different. What else? The 6.0 look stunning inside. Even better if you can change the Vauxhall badges out for Holden
Running costs seem very reasonable, ok fuel economy is worse than an M3, but insurance is cheaper and I would imagnie servicing is lower since the M3 needs valve clearance checked every second service costing £600-£900 by a dealer. How much is a rear set of tyres?
When were the 6.0's first out in the UK. I am just thinking if I can get a Pre March 06 then it'll still have the cheaper road tax scheme.
I thought there were only two Monaro's released, the original 360BHp and 400BHP but I see some are around 380, what model is that?
the 04MY base monaro had 333bhp, the 04MY vxr had about 370bhp (both 5.7L), big boot, plain bonnet, half leather in vxr
the 05MY base monaro had 354bhp (5.7L), the 05MY VXR had 400bhp (6L) + full leather + bonnet vents + different wheels + dual exit rear exhausts. the only downside is smaller boot, but we just managed a 2 week family holiday in ours
you wont get a adult mountain bike in either but roof racks are available for the monaro is Auz. You would probably also get one to fit on a boot rack....
Bennno
the 05MY base monaro had 354bhp (5.7L), the 05MY VXR had 400bhp (6L) + full leather + bonnet vents + different wheels + dual exit rear exhausts. the only downside is smaller boot, but we just managed a 2 week family holiday in ours
you wont get a adult mountain bike in either but roof racks are available for the monaro is Auz. You would probably also get one to fit on a boot rack....
Bennno
Welcome. Take a look on the FAQ page for a lot of the answers. Basically there were 4 models imported to the UK - the 04 CV8/VXR, both of which were 5.7 litre and the 05 CV8 (still 5.7) and VXR (6.0). The 05 models have the "nostrils" in the bonnet and the silly small boot. The early ones have the big boot but no nostrils (although you can change the bonnet easily enough). 24k should get you a slightly used, late VXR which is a sportier version of the CV8 (better brakes, big spoilers etc). I own an 06 CV8 (which has no rear spoiler) and these are cheaper and I'm quite happy, especially as I'm spending the extra money on a supercharger which should give about 550 - 580bhp
My advice would be go to a few garages and try some out. They are really fun cars to drive and the urge to modify them is irresistable - good luck!
My advice would be go to a few garages and try some out. They are really fun cars to drive and the urge to modify them is irresistable - good luck!
Wow, thanks for the prompt responses.
That was going to be my next question. How much would you see from a remap on a 6.0VXR? Just improved drivability I guess.
I really fancy a 6.0 VXR, will need to go along and drive one next weekend, not many for sales this far north in Scotland though.
Good to hear about the roof bars, will make an enquiry although it would be shame to spoil such a good looking car.
Will let you know how it goes.
G
That was going to be my next question. How much would you see from a remap on a 6.0VXR? Just improved drivability I guess.
I really fancy a 6.0 VXR, will need to go along and drive one next weekend, not many for sales this far north in Scotland though.
Good to hear about the roof bars, will make an enquiry although it would be shame to spoil such a good looking car.
Will let you know how it goes.
G
madazrx7 said:
Don't forget the biggest difference; the CV8 is a Holden Monaro and the VXR is an HSV coupe. Makes a big difference here, although you get both as Vauxhalls.
What does the difference mean for mean, are we talking build quality or what?Any other good forums you guys hang around in??
Any problems getting VXR parts in the UK, or do most Vauxhall dealers keep a good stock?
G
wormus said:
forgot to mention, a CV8 with a cat back exhaust and remap will produce the same bhp as a 6.0VXR. Both will keep up with an M3 up to 100mph, after that it's bye bye M3 all the way up to 160mph!
If that was the case then you would have to ask why GM spent millions developing the 6L LS2, if they could just remap the 5.7 and change the exhaust to simply release 65bhp....VXR is a HSV product as opposed to Holden and therfore a very different car to the CV8, its like comparing an AMG to a Mercedes or a M to a standard BM. The car has bigger brakes, different shocks / springs/ anti roll bars, different diff (04 vxr) different exhaust, bigger wheels, aero kit etc etc
Bennno
Well, depends what you are looking for really, but mine is better than the standard VXR. It is a 5.7 Litre, but a calloway built engine, (only one in a monaro in the country), supprising how much more punch they have. It has all the good bits, and comes with better suspension, (rides like a dream), has AP Brakes as standard. Also sounds the business as well. It has pacemaker extractors on it, which doesn't as far as I am aware doesn't come with the VXR.
Going to be up in Edinburgh on sunday I think at this stage for a little run. While it does have a few miles than the others around, wouldn't let that worry you, cause these engines are basically only just run in. A calloway tuned engine has more get up and go than a 6.0 VXR.
Going to be up in Edinburgh on sunday I think at this stage for a little run. While it does have a few miles than the others around, wouldn't let that worry you, cause these engines are basically only just run in. A calloway tuned engine has more get up and go than a 6.0 VXR.
gwatson said:
madazrx7 said:
Don't forget the biggest difference; the CV8 is a Holden Monaro and the VXR is an HSV coupe. Makes a big difference here, although you get both as Vauxhalls.
What does the difference mean for mean, are we talking build quality or what?G
S600VXR said:
Look for one with a supercharger fitted - once driven never forgotten and you will end up fitting it anyway!
Hee hee... yeah well I fitted one to my Z4 and it's now truely awesome. But I want a car I can keep standard(ish). They made a supercharged one out the factory didn't they?? Insurance must be hell and fuel consumption isn't exactly great as standard.... otherwise I probably would :-) 550bhp would be stunning. Edited by gwatson on Thursday 6th September 10:41
bennno said:
wormus said:
forgot to mention, a CV8 with a cat back exhaust and remap will produce the same bhp as a 6.0VXR. Both will keep up with an M3 up to 100mph, after that it's bye bye M3 all the way up to 160mph!
If that was the case then you would have to ask why GM spent millions developing the 6L LS2, if they could just remap the 5.7 and change the exhaust to simply release 65bhp....VXR is a HSV product as opposed to Holden and therfore a very different car to the CV8, its like comparing an AMG to a Mercedes or a M to a standard BM. The car has bigger brakes, different shocks / springs/ anti roll bars, different diff (04 vxr) different exhaust, bigger wheels, aero kit etc etc
Bennno
Also, let's not kid anyone here - it's doesn't matter what brakes, suspension or big wings you have, a VXR will still handle crap compared to an M3.
There's nothing wrong with the CV8, I'm very happy with mine as are many others on this forum. Let's not confuse the poor bloke by getting all snobby about the models.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 6th September 11:05
gwatson said:
S600VXR said:
Look for one with a supercharger fitted - once driven never forgotten and you will end up fitting it anyway!
Hee hee... yeah well I fitted one to my Z4 and it's now truely awesome. But I want a car I can keep standard(ish). They made a supercharged one out the factory didn't they?? Insurance must be hell and fuel consumption isn't exactly great as standard.... otherwise I probably would :-) 550bhp would be stunning. Edited by gwatson on Thursday 6th September 10:41
As for insurance I was very supprised as to how cheap relitively speaking it was for so much performance. No factory ones apart from the 15 VXR500 ones which were Vauxhall approved and warenteed and 1 VXR600... (thanks again Brian!) Get bigger brakes as well if your going to drive fast on those lovely Scotish roads!
S600VXR said:
635bhp pleeeessse! and fuel consumption out of town is 20+ easy!
As for insurance I was very supprised as to how cheap relitively speaking it was for so much performance. No factory ones apart from the 15 VXR500 ones which were Vauxhall approved and warenteed and 1 VXR600... (thanks again Brian!) Get bigger brakes as well if your going to drive fast on those lovely Scotish roads!
Jeez... makes my car look "quick" not fast, although it is a hell of a lot lighter I guess. As for insurance I was very supprised as to how cheap relitively speaking it was for so much performance. No factory ones apart from the 15 VXR500 ones which were Vauxhall approved and warenteed and 1 VXR600... (thanks again Brian!) Get bigger brakes as well if your going to drive fast on those lovely Scotish roads!
So who makes\supplies these kits in the UK then? I know all about BMW supercharging but no idea who is a reputable Vauxhall supercharger or indeed tuner full stop.
What kind of supercharger is used, I assume it's the old fashioned Centrifugal?
What boost is it running?
Is the charger water or air cooled?
gwatson said:
I really fancy a 6.0 VXR, will need to go along and drive one next weekend, not many for sales this far north in Scotland though.
G
My '06 5.7 CV8 is currently up for grabs and resides in Scotland (well it's in Germany with me at the moment but normally stays back there now), I'm looking to relocate 100% to Germany in the coming months so to save all the import hassle, swapping of headlights etc to meet the EU requirements out here I'm prepared to let her go and pick up something with the steering wheel on the wrong side...G
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