Thinking about a HSV

[Steameh]

In my quest of looking for a fun performance oriented saloon I have keenly eyed up the HSV GTS or the Clubsport R8. With about 17 to 18,000 to spend I was wondering on recommendations (its either one of these or a M5)

I am just wondering what issues any of you have had, how difficult servicing and parts are to come by etc. I love the looks of the z series r8 and the YII GTS.

How difficult is it to import and SVA Z series cars. I should imagine its impossible with the new E Series since the model report will be a chore to come by.

Can anyone recommend any importers if there are any? Sorry if these questions have been asked before and thank you in advance,

Chris

[ringram]

You can get a VX R8 Clubsport locally for a bit less than that.
Importing you would probably only get a VY1 for that after shipping vat etc.

Id consider a local VX as an alternative. Check the classifieds out here.

[hsv_rulz]

FYI Steamah. I Imported my YII Clubsport 12 months ago and had no problems with SVA. Firstly, if it is a personal import then a vehicle report is not reqd. Only issues I had to deal with for SVA were front window tint (remove), speedo in MPH (thanks to Ringram for sorting this for me), rear foglight, and a couple of sharpish edges on exhaust and radio aerial (!!) to be rounded off. If you are not bringing it in as a personal then ,Im afraid, you may be up against it - AFAIK a vehicle report for these cars does not exist and you will be required to have an Enhanced SVA (which Im told, may even require crash testing!!) - it would prob be cheaper to move to Oz and live there for 12 months in order to qualify for personal import. I think people like Monkfish and LSV have experience with importing HSVs and other cars from Oz, so may be able to offer soome advice.

[Rob K]

Didn't Kiwihsv have a big problem with important his car? Something about crash tests?

[Steameh]

Am I right in assuming the YII GTS and the Z Series R8 Clubsport have 400bhp, the GTS a tuned 5.7 litre and the R8 a 6 litre ls2?

[motomk]

Sorry in kilowatts here! Off the top of my head.

1997-1999 VT GTS 5.7 litre Holden iron block 220kw
1997-1999 VT Clubsport 5.0 litre Holden iron block 195kw
1999-2000 VTII SS 5.7 LS1 220kw
1999-2000 VTII Clubsport/R8(GTS in UK) 250kw
2000 VTII HSV GTS (GTS-R in UK) 5.7 LS1 C4B version 300kw
2000-2002 VX/VXII SS 5.7 LS1 225kw
2000-2002 VX/VXII Clubpsort/R8 5.7 LS1 255kw
2000-2002 VX GTS 5.7 LS1 C4B 300kw
2002-2003 VY SS 5.7 LS1 235kw
2002-2003 VY Clubsport/R8 LS1 260kw
2003-2004 VYII SS 5.7 LS1 245kw
2003 VY GTS 5.7 LS1 C4B 300kw
2003-2004 VYII Clubsport/R8 LS1 285kw
2004-2005 VZ SS 5.7 LS1 250kw
2004-2006 VZ HSV Clubsport/R8 6.0 LS2 297kw
2006 VZ SS 6.0 L76 260kw
2006- VE SS 6.0 L98 270kw
2006- VE HSV R8/GTS 6.0 litre LS2 307kw

motomk

Edited by motomk on Thursday 25th January 11:00

[ringram]

Yep thats my understanding. VYII GTS 5.7 and Z Series+ (VZ) Use LS2's

[motomk]

ringram said:

Yep thats my understanding. VYII GTS 5.7 and Z Series+ (VZ) Use LS2's

I think the VYII GTS still had the C4B thing in it? It was a 300kw motor. It is a bit vague there with when they swapped from VY to VYII GTS as I think the VYII GTS had to be ordered. Not sure they could be found on a dealers lot.