buying a hsv soon.advice please for a newbie!!!!
Discussion
HI,im a newbie on here and need some advice about buying my first holden.
ive had quite a few fast motors with big bhp.but want a v8 this time.
its between a audi rs6 4.2 twin turbo 4x4.
or a holden hsv gts or gts r pref with a super charger.
but 1st what is the difference between a gts and gts-r??
im looking at a 1999-2001 ish model,is there a better year to have??
are there any weak points to look at when buying one??are the engine/gearbox's very strong??
ive never driven one but does a 560 bhp car with a supercharger feel very fast even though there s heavy car??
do they all have rear lsd's??are they a good car for drivng a rear wheel drive car like they should be driven?im very good in a rear wheel drive car so i do like to drive sideways now and then!!
any help and info would be great from you all.
thanks shaun
ive had quite a few fast motors with big bhp.but want a v8 this time.
its between a audi rs6 4.2 twin turbo 4x4.
or a holden hsv gts or gts r pref with a super charger.
but 1st what is the difference between a gts and gts-r??
im looking at a 1999-2001 ish model,is there a better year to have??
are there any weak points to look at when buying one??are the engine/gearbox's very strong??
ive never driven one but does a 560 bhp car with a supercharger feel very fast even though there s heavy car??
do they all have rear lsd's??are they a good car for drivng a rear wheel drive car like they should be driven?im very good in a rear wheel drive car so i do like to drive sideways now and then!!
any help and info would be great from you all.
thanks shaun
Hi Shaun welcome to the forum
Question: but 1st what is the difference between a gts and gts-r??
Ans: the GTS-R has the 300kw engine larger throttle body and extra link in the rear suspension also a 3.91 diff I believe. The GTS has the standard LS1 engine that was rated at 245kw and a 3.73 rear diff ratio and lacks the extra link in the rear suspension.
Question: im looking at a 1999-2001 ish model,is there a better year to have??
Ans: The newer the better IMHO but condition is everything look for the traction control in the compartment below the stereo, if it is race logic you are on to a winner as the later cars came with standard Holden traction control which is not to good.
Question: are there any weak points to look at when buying one??are the engine/gearbox's very strong??
Answer:
Look for rust in the drivers side under the car under the engine and general rust under the car. The engines are strong and should cause no problems. Rust also appears on the surface of the rear arch where the door rubber touches.
The gearbox may be imprecise and noisy, this is in the majority due to incorrect oil. A good quality oil rather than the standard Holden fill should sort this out. Also the gear shift linkage is not too good you may find that the car's you look at have a Ripshifter fitted (this is an aftermarket shift linkage which replaces everthig from the gear box up and transforms the gear shift).
There will be ware on the drivers seat in any car you look at, this is normal and can be sorted by your local leather specialist.
Also look out for the steering rack boots, they can suffer with heat and open up across the top, the parts to fix, and prevent this in the future are available in the UK
Question: ive never driven one but does a 560 bhp car with a supercharger feel very fast even though there s heavy car??
Answer: over 500bhp is needed to feel quick IMHO
Question: do they all have rear lsd's??are they a good car for driving a rear wheel drive car like they should be driven?im very good in a rear wheel drive car so i do like to drive sideways now and then!!
Answer: Yes, although depending on how they have been maintained they may sill have the Holden oil in which will mean the LSD wont lock up properly. This is rectified by filling wit Redline diff oil and friction modifier to suit.
There are a very limited number of GTS's and GTS-R's in the UK and you will have a very unusual car. Be p repaired to make friends with Australians as they will be drawn to the car. If you are about on the 23rd of January come along to the ACE Cafe from 11am as there will be a good collection of cars to look at and owners to chat to. I own a 2001 GTS by the way and have never regretted buying it.
Question: but 1st what is the difference between a gts and gts-r??
Ans: the GTS-R has the 300kw engine larger throttle body and extra link in the rear suspension also a 3.91 diff I believe. The GTS has the standard LS1 engine that was rated at 245kw and a 3.73 rear diff ratio and lacks the extra link in the rear suspension.
Question: im looking at a 1999-2001 ish model,is there a better year to have??
Ans: The newer the better IMHO but condition is everything look for the traction control in the compartment below the stereo, if it is race logic you are on to a winner as the later cars came with standard Holden traction control which is not to good.
Question: are there any weak points to look at when buying one??are the engine/gearbox's very strong??
Answer:
Look for rust in the drivers side under the car under the engine and general rust under the car. The engines are strong and should cause no problems. Rust also appears on the surface of the rear arch where the door rubber touches.
The gearbox may be imprecise and noisy, this is in the majority due to incorrect oil. A good quality oil rather than the standard Holden fill should sort this out. Also the gear shift linkage is not too good you may find that the car's you look at have a Ripshifter fitted (this is an aftermarket shift linkage which replaces everthig from the gear box up and transforms the gear shift).
There will be ware on the drivers seat in any car you look at, this is normal and can be sorted by your local leather specialist.
Also look out for the steering rack boots, they can suffer with heat and open up across the top, the parts to fix, and prevent this in the future are available in the UK
Question: ive never driven one but does a 560 bhp car with a supercharger feel very fast even though there s heavy car??
Answer: over 500bhp is needed to feel quick IMHO
Question: do they all have rear lsd's??are they a good car for driving a rear wheel drive car like they should be driven?im very good in a rear wheel drive car so i do like to drive sideways now and then!!
Answer: Yes, although depending on how they have been maintained they may sill have the Holden oil in which will mean the LSD wont lock up properly. This is rectified by filling wit Redline diff oil and friction modifier to suit.
There are a very limited number of GTS's and GTS-R's in the UK and you will have a very unusual car. Be p repaired to make friends with Australians as they will be drawn to the car. If you are about on the 23rd of January come along to the ACE Cafe from 11am as there will be a good collection of cars to look at and owners to chat to. I own a 2001 GTS by the way and have never regretted buying it.
Welcome to the forum
I think Island Boy HSV is pretty much spot on with his comments. Its worth mentioning that the 99 cars (VT 1) have a heavier Oz built engine and not the alloy LS1 one fitted to the official UK imports (VT2) and later Monaros. Don't believe the 570bhp hype either you're probably looking 500-530ish.
In terms of on the road performance a supercharged HSV feels quick but ultimately its a big heavy car so feels "blunt" compared to later European saloons / Evos etc. Steering and gearchange is quite vague so I'd budget for poly bushes and a rip shifter. And maybe some uprated brakes while you're at it....
I've driven an RS6 and in many tangible ways its a better car than the HSV. But it left me cold. The bottom line is that they "feel" so different you can't make a direct comparison. My advice would be to try both before deciding.
In terms of on the road performance a supercharged HSV feels quick but ultimately its a big heavy car so feels "blunt" compared to later European saloons / Evos etc. Steering and gearchange is quite vague so I'd budget for poly bushes and a rip shifter. And maybe some uprated brakes while you're at it....
I've driven an RS6 and in many tangible ways its a better car than the HSV. But it left me cold. The bottom line is that they "feel" so different you can't make a direct comparison. My advice would be to try both before deciding.
Hi Shaun,
I've looked at your profile - if you have had a 700bhp Evo, then any Maloo isn't going to be quick...
However, since Mark @ Rapid GB fettled mine, 522bhp and 550lbs ft from 2000revs is definitely quick. It overwhelms the tyres if you want it to. Mind you, Evo can't match the sound of a loud V8! L.o.l.
I've looked at your profile - if you have had a 700bhp Evo, then any Maloo isn't going to be quick...
However, since Mark @ Rapid GB fettled mine, 522bhp and 550lbs ft from 2000revs is definitely quick. It overwhelms the tyres if you want it to. Mind you, Evo can't match the sound of a loud V8! L.o.l.
HI everyone,thanks for the great advice.you have all been a great help.the audi repairs arent a problem,i do all the work myself including tuning parts and engine building etc.the only thing i dont do realy are gearbox repairs!
i need to try and have a drive of both cars and see,but i do fancy a nice rwd car sat in the garage for those sunday blasts!!
i think the audi will be too boring as it will be very hard braking traction as its 4x4 with traction etc.
i do like a real in ya face hard drive monster!! the holden sounds just up my street!!
i need to try and have a drive of both cars and see,but i do fancy a nice rwd car sat in the garage for those sunday blasts!!
i think the audi will be too boring as it will be very hard braking traction as its 4x4 with traction etc.
i do like a real in ya face hard drive monster!! the holden sounds just up my street!!
seahaven shaun said:
HI everyone,thanks for the great advice.you have all been a great help.the audi repairs arent a problem,i do all the work myself including tuning parts and engine building etc.the only thing i dont do realy are gearbox repairs!
i need to try and have a drive of both cars and see,but i do fancy a nice rwd car sat in the garage for those sunday blasts!!
i think the audi will be too boring as it will be very hard braking traction as its 4x4 with traction etc.
i do like a real in ya face hard drive monster!! the holden sounds just up my street!!
i need to try and have a drive of both cars and see,but i do fancy a nice rwd car sat in the garage for those sunday blasts!!
i think the audi will be too boring as it will be very hard braking traction as its 4x4 with traction etc.
i do like a real in ya face hard drive monster!! the holden sounds just up my street!!
Hi Shaun,
The Holden's deffo the way to go, IMHO nothing comes close!
My mates making noises about letting his go if you're serious about one,
it won't be the cheapest but its mint,best I've ever seen.
HI J J,thats right,built the whole thing myself,only thing i dont do is the mapping,that was done by ma developments and it was using an auz ecu!!! autronic!!!
i do always have trouble finding a new car as i have had some pretty fast motors already!!but i do have a family now and want something bit more refined and better comfort etc.and your right,you cant beet the sound of a proper v8!!!
previous cars.
330 bhp sierra cosworth.
435 bhp escort cosworth
280 bhp subaru legacy
190 bhp 105e anglia
435 bhp r32 rwd skyline
685 bhp r33 gtr 4x4 skyline (now in norway)
200 bhp rear wheel drive mk1 golf!!!
and my best car to date.
718 bhp/610 lbft evo 5 rs.(now in norway)
meatloaf,please pm or email me details of his car.even if its not for sale,would be nice to hear the full spec and some piccys please.
thanks for everyones input so far.just what i need!!
i do always have trouble finding a new car as i have had some pretty fast motors already!!but i do have a family now and want something bit more refined and better comfort etc.and your right,you cant beet the sound of a proper v8!!!
previous cars.
330 bhp sierra cosworth.
435 bhp escort cosworth
280 bhp subaru legacy
190 bhp 105e anglia
435 bhp r32 rwd skyline
685 bhp r33 gtr 4x4 skyline (now in norway)
200 bhp rear wheel drive mk1 golf!!!
and my best car to date.
718 bhp/610 lbft evo 5 rs.(now in norway)
meatloaf,please pm or email me details of his car.even if its not for sale,would be nice to hear the full spec and some piccys please.
thanks for everyones input so far.just what i need!!
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