RE: Vauxhall Monaro | The Brave Pill

[samoht]

I think rust is a big problem on these, to the point where there are Monaro rustproofing specialists around. Presumably engineered for the Aussie market where it's not really an issue.

Apart from that, we've established these aren't particularly brave. In fact, I'd suggest we turn it around ... can anyone suggest any used performance cars one could buy that would have a lower expected cost of maintenance than a Monaro? Maybe a Fiesta ST?

[jase_llan]

samoht said:

Apart from that, we've established these aren't particularly brave. In fact, I'd suggest we turn it around ... can anyone suggest any used performance cars one could buy that would have a lower expected cost of maintenance than a Monaro? Maybe a Fiesta ST?

Based on my experience, the MK6 Fiesta ST will cost peanuts but despite being completely different cars they are both quite similar in that they share parts with common models and are relatively basic by modern standards - if I didn't do 25,000 miles a year, then anything with an LS would be of consideration!

Edited by jase_llan on Saturday 24th August 11:37

[ElectricPics]

Mate of mine had a Monaro and was a bit miffed when he discovered the 3.2 Vectra GSi I was driving at the time was nearly as quick and did a whisker below 160. I knew which I'd prefer all day long though and it was red, loud and had two more cylinders.

BTW clicking on the ad gets 'This advert has been withdrawn by PistonHeads'.

[anonymous-user]

I’ve owned mine since 2006, one thing not mentioned is if you get one on a 55 plate, the tax is half. Mine’s an 06 All cars were made in 2004 or 2005.

The engines are also interchangeable with other LS models. Mine’s got a forged LSA with 2300 supercharger producing just over 800hp. It’s superbike fast in a straight line but it’s a muscle car and not really made for the twisty stuff.

Not particularly brave but lots of fun and great if you want one as a second car. Some very ratty ones about which will broken for parts as those get more difficult to source.

[s m]

B'stard Child said:

article said:

There were a couple of issues. Firstly, the speed of the twin-turbocharged Carlton, which was down on power but up on torque and had managed to puff itself to an impressive 159.4mph on the two-mile runway. Secondly, and more significantly, the fact it was raining hard on the day of the event. The result was near chaos as macho journalists got increasingly silly on the slippery access road that led to the main runway, then took increasing liberties with the "must brake by here" board that had been set up to try and ensure the event finished with as many cars as it began with.

It’s funny you mention the down on power heritage car - it’s always a little down on power when it’s up against another car from the GM stable - it’s like they don’t want a dinosaur to beat latest shiny thing......

Most LC’s comfortably beat the book figures of 377 bhp and 419 ft/lb

This is mine

Yes, I remember the test they did in TV mag where ithe Heritage car was the slowest of all the ones tested

[Terzo123]

Loved my old VXR Monaro. The only issue I had with it, was the clutch slave cylinder failing. Luckily it was covered under the network Q warranty. Got a new clutch out of it.

Great cars, if not a bit rudimentary.

Edited by Terzo123 on Saturday 24th August 12:34

[jet_noise]

Terzo123 said:

<snip>

Great cars, if not a bit rudimentary.

Which is kind of the point
Adds to the charm.

One other thing:
Tyres. They're very sensitive to tyres, particularly sidewall stiffness. Soft sidewalls don't work. At all. Oversteer at 30mph, scary.
Original fit Bridgestones or MPSS (I assume MPS4S'll be good too).

[Jamescrs]

Tried to view the advert only to be greated with the response it has been removed by Pistonheads..............

[B'stard Child]

s m said:

Yes, I remember the test they did in TV mag where ithe Heritage car was the slowest of all the ones tested

I found it more fun when someone broke it and they asked the Autobahnstormers club where to source parts to fix it - Vauxhall dropped parts supply like a fking hot potato when they reached 9 years old (commitment was 10 years) but a bunch of us had parts on back order for a year before they said not enough demand and cancelled our orders) - This is why I will never buy another Vauxhall as long as I have a breath in my body (well that and all their current cars, with exception of rebadged Holdens, are crap

[unsprung]

PH article said:

...by some of the loudly clanking commentariat.

We are multi. Millionaires.

https://youtu.be/VRgwbkdoIcY

[LateStarter]

Have to agree with many above that this isn't particularly brave.
My own experience of an HSV/VXR8 was that it was reliable and consumable parts were cheap.
I had the same work done as quoted in the article for a 450bhp fabulous sounding experience, well worth it.

Yes it drank a bit of fuel but so what? Compared to the cost of parts on some equivalent powered German cars the fuel bill was cheap.

[Garystewartdms]

And where is the add????????????????????????? Little point in a feature then Piston heads removes the actual listing

[aka_kerrly]

Love the Monaro, a great blend of Aussie and US engineering. I really need to get my hands on one before it's too late. I'd be content with a 5.7 with a later nostril style bonnet and a fffin big charger.

[Marvib]

Still miss my totally standard '05 CV8.

Had it for 4 years, averaged 13 mpg

[Andy616]

Great cars. I've had mine coming up 5 years now. I didn't expect to keep it so long, but these things really get under your skin.

[Mr Tidy]

I really like them, but don't really see them as "Brave Pill" material - maybe apart from the potential rust issues!

They look great, and there aren't too many RHD V8 manual options until the recent Mustangs.

[FlukePlay]

This one does not belong on the brave pill when compared to a Merc V12 CL of similar vintage.

[Yertis]

Easily the most reliable car I’ve owned, did 130,000 miles in mine over about seven years. Things that went wrong:
A wheel bearing started to sing.
Oil pressure sender stopped sending.
A headlamp bulb popped.
The fuel tank corroded/leaked.
I had it rust-proofed by Monkfish when new, so never had a rust problem, using it every day in all weathers, even snow.

The sidewall thing on the tyres is very important. Made that mistake once, original Bridgestones ever after.

The big thing you must attend to is the gearbox pinion bearing. If you don’t know when it was done, get it done.

I sold mine only because... not sure why really...

[TonyRPH]

There's one just up the road from where I live.

Sounds fantastic each time it passes.

Has an HSV suffix on the reg.

[Wildcat45]

ElectricPics said:

Mate of mine had a Monaro and was a bit miffed when he discovered the 3.2 Vectra GSi I was driving at the time was nearly as quick and did a whisker below 160. I knew which I'd prefer all day long though and it was red, loud and had two more cylinders.

BTW clicking on the ad gets 'This advert has been withdrawn by PistonHeads'.

I remember that Monaro. I forget who owned it but I had a long chat with him when it was new.