Considering buying a Monaro

[AJAS]

Hi all,

I'm starting the process of looking around for a Monaro.

For practicalities sake I would prefer the earlier version with the bigger boot (the later one seems to have one no bigger than my Skyline, which leaves a lot to be desired!). But from a looks and performance perspective I would prefer the later version!

My question, when the facelift came along, was the fuel tank moved at the same time (logic says that it would have been!).

Thanks in advance....

[Scoobaro]

I'm sure that many far better qualified people will be along soon but in short, yes as I understand the fuel tank was moved and hence boot size reduced at the same point as the facelifted (05 variants) were released


(P.S Go for it you'll love it )

[jumplead]

The MY05 cars had the fuel tanks moved into the boot to satisfy the American market.

Getting the best of both worlds would mean going for a MY04 VXR if you can find one.

Good luck with the search, some great information can be found by trawling this forum

[AJAS]

oh and I forgot, I would like tht twin exhaust set up, but I assume this is not possible on the earlier model?

Thanks for the replies

[ringram]

They are both twin exhuast, its just the earlier one has a single side exit.
I wouldnt let that stop you get the 04 VXR though

[jumplead]

Correct, the twin exit exhausts is a result of the tank move, also the filler cap changed position.

[AJAS]

I thought that the earlier one may have had a 2 into 1 then a twin tailpipe, so that's goog news. I would look to replace with a Wortec system.

Thanks again

[anonymous-user]

you could buy the 04 and put on an 05 bonnet as the changes are only cosmetic. To be honest I don't find the small boot that much of a problem in the real world, you just learn to take less and pack more intelligently.

Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 29th September 11:26

[gmarks1]

Ajas - a Monaro is on my (ever changing) list as my next car, and I have just the same dilemma regarding CV8 versus VXR. A couple of things that might be worth considering. The VXR is becoming very rare, and so difficult to find and significantly more expensive than the CV8 which granted is a couple of years older. The older model is more plentiful and less popular in the trade - therefore there are some bargains. My thought is that a good CV8, with Wortec sports pac and even possibly VXR alloys and bodykit could give you something very close to the looks and performance of the VXR, with the practicality of the larger boot (and better handling) and for significantly fewer beer tokens.

.....having said, everytime I see a VXR I think I would regret not going for the full fat 6 litre beast!!!

Gary

Edited by gmarks1 on Saturday 29th September 18:23

[BG54COL]

54 VXR with a supercharger! Big boot and 500 horses!

[broadslide]

Has anyone ever looked at the possibility of relocating the fuel tank back to its original location and enlarging the boot? Personally for two people even my missus would struggle to fill the smaller boot but it does seem to be an issue raised quite often.

[ringram]

broadslide said:

Has anyone ever looked at the possibility of relocating the fuel tank back to its original location and enlarging the boot? Personally for two people even my missus would struggle to fill the smaller boot but it does seem to be an issue raised quite often.

Pure insanity. Cheaper to upgrade an earlier model to same/more power level. If you want the sports kit choose the 04 vxr as mentioned. Hell throw a 427 in and be done with it

[jumplead]

broadslide said:

Has anyone ever looked at the possibility of relocating the fuel tank back to its original location and enlarging the boot? Personally for two people even my missus would struggle to fill the smaller boot but it does seem to be an issue raised quite often.

For fuel tank relocation look up the 427TT install diary thread, although that is taking it to a extreme

[bennno]

wormus said:

you could buy the 04 and put on an 05 bonnet as the changes are only cosmetic. To be honest I don't find the small boot that much of a problem in the real world, you just learn to take less and pack more intelligently.

The 05 MY cars have more than just cosmetic changes, if you are taking about CV8 the brakes are bigger, engine more powerful, different styling F&R and twin exit exhausts. Ditto all of the above for the later VXR but add in the 6L LS2 engine, nicer wheels, bonnet vents and full leather (part lthr only on 5.7VXR).

Bennno

[anonymous-user]

...I meant if he wants the looks of the later car but retain the bigger boot he can swap the bonnet.

[bennno]

its not just bonnet in terms of visuals, the front bumper/ spoiler is sharper and the rear exhausts exit on both sides etc

bennno