Hold(en) my beer - Monaro, Ute and Commodore content
Discussion
The Ute battery was too miserable to start Sheila up this morning (see an earlier post about how I should replace said battery 
) so I decided to just take the wagon and cross my fingers my new and improved sunroof wouldn't evacuate...
It made it to work fine, briefly survived a punt up to 80 when I forgot it was just tape so that's a good sign right? It's also appreciably quieter than the sunroof was as there's no buffeting noise
Anyway, the other evening I noticed the AC didn't appear to turn on, so investigated that a bit more on the way in annnnnnd it also just blows 'cool' air out of the passenger side regardless. Joy of joys!
From some googling I imagine it'll be an actuator, which naturally will be easy enough to find but a nuisance to ship from Aus, there's some breakers over here and fortunately all 4 of them are identical so I'll give them a go first... GM part number is 92192343
This website has a fantastic guide to 2 of the 4 (putting this here for my own reference mostly)
https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/holde...
I will try a relearn first and keep an ear out, fingers crossed it's just a relearn needed, but what are the odds of that eh? It seems to change fan orientation fine (so between demist, feet, face) it's just the left and right (and lack of aircon turning on which is hopefully related) blend that's not working, any experienced suggestions as to which of the 4 it might be?
It has a warranty from the dealer so I shall let them know...
) so I decided to just take the wagon and cross my fingers my new and improved sunroof wouldn't evacuate...It made it to work fine, briefly survived a punt up to 80 when I forgot it was just tape so that's a good sign right? It's also appreciably quieter than the sunroof was as there's no buffeting noise
Anyway, the other evening I noticed the AC didn't appear to turn on, so investigated that a bit more on the way in annnnnnd it also just blows 'cool' air out of the passenger side regardless. Joy of joys!
From some googling I imagine it'll be an actuator, which naturally will be easy enough to find but a nuisance to ship from Aus, there's some breakers over here and fortunately all 4 of them are identical so I'll give them a go first... GM part number is 92192343
This website has a fantastic guide to 2 of the 4 (putting this here for my own reference mostly
)https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/holde...
I will try a relearn first and keep an ear out, fingers crossed it's just a relearn needed, but what are the odds of that eh? It seems to change fan orientation fine (so between demist, feet, face) it's just the left and right (and lack of aircon turning on which is hopefully related) blend that's not working, any experienced suggestions as to which of the 4 it might be?
It has a warranty from the dealer so I shall let them know...
Edited by SturdyHSV on Monday 12th October 09:25
Tried a relearn, can hear various actuators moving, some seem slightly slower than others, they sort of creak ever so slightly when they get to the end of their travel, unsure if that's just standard old age creak or indicative of a failure, it doesn't 'click' as if the gears have sheared teeth or anything.
Either way it hasn't fixed it. It also hasn't broken it any further, it is apparently common that when it finds a fault during the relearn it defaults to demist only etc. as that's the 'safest' option to be stuck on, but I still have full temperature, fan speed and orientation control.
Symptoms are basically only the driver's seat gets the specified temperature, the passenger side face vents and the rear vents in the back of the centre arm rest jobber are just blowing basically ambient air temp.
Will try to find a bit more conclusive info on JustCommodores and such as to which actuator(s) this is likely to be that's causing it...
Sunroof survived another commute in to work with another sprint to 80 where I forgot. The wagon does sort of pile on the speed in a fairly unnoticeable way as it's so quiet, the gearbox is so much better than the 4L60E in the Ute, much nicer to use.
Either way it hasn't fixed it. It also hasn't broken it any further, it is apparently common that when it finds a fault during the relearn it defaults to demist only etc. as that's the 'safest' option to be stuck on, but I still have full temperature, fan speed and orientation control.
Symptoms are basically only the driver's seat gets the specified temperature, the passenger side face vents and the rear vents in the back of the centre arm rest jobber are just blowing basically ambient air temp.
Will try to find a bit more conclusive info on JustCommodores and such as to which actuator(s) this is likely to be that's causing it...
Sunroof survived another commute in to work with another sprint to 80 where I forgot. The wagon does sort of pile on the speed in a fairly unnoticeable way as it's so quiet, the gearbox is so much better than the 4L60E in the Ute, much nicer to use.
grumpy52 said:
My mates . 
Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
That's so cool, I remember reading about those being at Rockingham, there's a team that runs Holdens over in the UK too, they've just bought over a VF Commodore, presumably ex Supercar Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
What does he use that one for, I can't help but notice what looks like a front number plate?
SturdyHSV said:
grumpy52 said:
My mates .
Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
That's so cool, I remember reading about those being at Rockingham, there's a team that runs Holdens over in the UK too, they've just bought over a VF Commodore, presumably ex Supercar Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
What does he use that one for, I can't help but notice what looks like a front number plate?
It is a full race car in process of development ( aren't they all ) .
It needs the suspension sorting , it had some coil overs modified to fit but they were not up to the job so it's all going to come out and be re- configured. The original set up was like a boat in a storm and had been raced and drifted like that .
Once the suspension is sorted the engine will get some development, 450bhp is not nearly enough .
And yes it has been used to commute to and from work .
grumpy52 said:
SturdyHSV said:
grumpy52 said:
My mates .
Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
That's so cool, I remember reading about those being at Rockingham, there's a team that runs Holdens over in the UK too, they've just bought over a VF Commodore, presumably ex Supercar Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
What does he use that one for, I can't help but notice what looks like a front number plate?
It is a full race car in process of development ( aren't they all ) .
It needs the suspension sorting , it had some coil overs modified to fit but they were not up to the job so it's all going to come out and be re- configured. The original set up was like a boat in a storm and had been raced and drifted like that .
Once the suspension is sorted the engine will get some development, 450bhp is not nearly enough .
And yes it has been used to commute to and from work .
Whereabouts is it based? I can't imagine how fantastic that would look heading in to work
So it continues in daily use, and as these things are always of interest, it's looking to be 300 miles to this tank quite easily despite a fair bit of idling / short trips whilst it was parked up not in use and quite a few burnouts
One disappointment compared to the Ute / Monaro, the range readout just stops once you get to the last 1/8th of a tank, whereas the Ute / Monaro will happily keep guessing down to single digits of range.
Also, the trip computer screens are slower to toggle through and the nav / customise pages can't be turned off, just makes it a bit clunky, presumably in the name of progress.
On the plus side the cruise control adjusts in much finer increments
It's such a quiet car inside that I can't help but notice tiny little shuffles or taps or rattles etc, obviously totally drowned out by the stereo (which seems really good) but noises I shall be deploying a rear passenger to investigate at some point.
SturdyHSV said:
So it continues in daily use, and as these things are always of interest, it's looking to be 300 miles to this tank quite easily despite a fair bit of idling / short trips whilst it was parked up not in use and quite a few burnouts
One disappointment compared to the Ute / Monaro, the range readout just stops once you get to the last 1/8th of a tank, whereas the Ute / Monaro will happily keep guessing down to single digits of range.
Also, the trip computer screens are slower to toggle through and the nav / customise pages can't be turned off, just makes it a bit clunky, presumably in the name of progress.
On the plus side the cruise control adjusts in much finer increments
It's such a quiet car inside that I can't help but notice tiny little shuffles or taps or rattles etc, obviously totally drowned out by the stereo (which seems really good) but noises I shall be deploying a rear passenger to investigate at some point.
SturdyHSV said:
grumpy52 said:
SturdyHSV said:
grumpy52 said:
My mates .
Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
That's so cool, I remember reading about those being at Rockingham, there's a team that runs Holdens over in the UK too, they've just bought over a VF Commodore, presumably ex Supercar Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
What does he use that one for, I can't help but notice what looks like a front number plate?
It is a full race car in process of development ( aren't they all ) .
It needs the suspension sorting , it had some coil overs modified to fit but they were not up to the job so it's all going to come out and be re- configured. The original set up was like a boat in a storm and had been raced and drifted like that .
Once the suspension is sorted the engine will get some development, 450bhp is not nearly enough .
And yes it has been used to commute to and from work .
Whereabouts is it based? I can't imagine how fantastic that would look heading in to work
SturdyHSV said:
grumpy52 said:
SturdyHSV said:
grumpy52 said:
My mates .
Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
That's so cool, I remember reading about those being at Rockingham, there's a team that runs Holdens over in the UK too, they've just bought over a VF Commodore, presumably ex Supercar Built by TWR for a race series in support of F1 in the middle east .
Then imported to the UK where it ended up as a drift school car at Rockingham .
It was bought in very broken condition .
What does he use that one for, I can't help but notice what looks like a front number plate?
It is a full race car in process of development ( aren't they all ) .
It needs the suspension sorting , it had some coil overs modified to fit but they were not up to the job so it's all going to come out and be re- configured. The original set up was like a boat in a storm and had been raced and drifted like that .
Once the suspension is sorted the engine will get some development, 450bhp is not nearly enough .
And yes it has been used to commute to and from work .
Whereabouts is it based? I can't imagine how fantastic that would look heading in to work
He is a car restoration expert that specializes in jags but has a leaning towards loud and lairy race and road cars and very fast motorcycles.
There is always plenty to drool over in the workshop providing you're not looking for modern computer or electronic dominated vehicles.
I worked for him for a while and we have been proper friends for almost 30 years .
Jader1973 said:
Have you found night mode yet? Turns off all the instrument etc lights except the speedo.
You press the instrument illumination + and - buttons (the ones above the headlamp switch) at the same time to switch it on and off.
I think the Holden engineers nicked the idea from Saab.
I haven't no, that's very cool!You press the instrument illumination + and - buttons (the ones above the headlamp switch) at the same time to switch it on and off.
I think the Holden engineers nicked the idea from Saab.
monkfish1 said:
The range readout thing is a step backwards. On the monaro, i can confirm its bob on accurate. Had it show zero miles. 15 seconds later under acceleration it stopped!
I've had the Ute down to 3km, running out is good going 
A friend made up a lifting plate as the ebay one the guy said nothing for 2 weeks and obviously it never arrived, will be popping over to Wycombe to pick it up tomorrow and will see if I can get some progress pictures for pulling the engine out!
Anyone know where I could find a (broken in) 320 grit flex hone? Engine builder recommended just a quick flex hone to sharpen the bores up ahead of the new rings etc.
Managed 520km to the tank in the Commo, 70 litres went in so we'll see how the next tank goes
grumpy52 said:
S E Kent , Herne Bay area .
He is a car restoration expert that specializes in jags but has a leaning towards loud and lairy race and road cars and very fast motorcycles.
There is always plenty to drool over in the workshop providing you're not looking for modern computer or electronic dominated vehicles.
I worked for him for a while and we have been proper friends for almost 30 years .
That'd be great to see, once all this mess is over I'd love to have a nose around his workshop! He is a car restoration expert that specializes in jags but has a leaning towards loud and lairy race and road cars and very fast motorcycles.
There is always plenty to drool over in the workshop providing you're not looking for modern computer or electronic dominated vehicles.
I worked for him for a while and we have been proper friends for almost 30 years .
Picked up the lifter plate from my mate, he also lent me a mic and dial bore gauge which I shall have to start practicing with
Valley plate off (those pillars are for the displacement on demand which are just blocked off on an LS2)
Lifting plate on
Will see whether I need any angle fun or if the central hole is enough.
I do think it's such a nice design the wagon. I will probably take the badges off so it's a bit cleaner, but I'm unsure what to do about the chrome strip across the boot lid.
Although black would tie in with the windows and trims etc, I don't think a black line across is any better than the chrome one (which ties in with the tail lights)...
I can't imagine it being blue to match the body would add much, it'd be really nice if it could be smoothed over, maybe something for the future, any thoughts?
(thumbsnap seems to have made a real compression mess of that image, apologies)
Valley plate off (those pillars are for the displacement on demand which are just blocked off on an LS2)
Lifting plate on
Will see whether I need any angle fun or if the central hole is enough.
I do think it's such a nice design the wagon. I will probably take the badges off so it's a bit cleaner, but I'm unsure what to do about the chrome strip across the boot lid.
Although black would tie in with the windows and trims etc, I don't think a black line across is any better than the chrome one (which ties in with the tail lights)...
I can't imagine it being blue to match the body would add much, it'd be really nice if it could be smoothed over, maybe something for the future, any thoughts?
(thumbsnap seems to have made a real compression mess of that image, apologies)
China's finest crank pulley puller has arrived, not entirely convinced it'll work but for the money it was worth a go as the LS specific ones are very overpriced and obviously in the US.
I think I may have enough room to roll the Monaro back to the garage door and get the hoist in front by rotating it under...
Just trying to avoid having to push the car in and out if possible, or at least enable myself to pull engine out with the doors closed and thus do that any time without having to rely on the weather and being able to get it finished so I can shut the garage up again...
Supporting the bellhousing will involve ingenious use of the creeper and some wood I suspect to allow it to roll in case I do need to push the car back to get the engine out
Definitely feels like momentum is gathering either way, have been reading various assembly guides etc., have found a couple of places locally that look like they could give the block a quick hone just to deglaze it as well.
Ordered HVAC actuators for the wagon from ebay Aus and they'll be covered by the dealer warranty so that's alright.
Wagon is looking to get comfortably over 600km to this tank even with 2 days of crap traffic on the M1, definitely proving even more frugal than I expected.
Must remember to check to see if it's thrown the AC belt off, I know it was a thing on these and would account for why the AC won't turn on if it isn't related to the actuators.
The actuators were £32 each. Although then you have to ship them from Australia of course. I bought 2 just in case, shipping wasn't combined (the b
ds!) so ended up being £96 ish all in.
Doubtless I'll get stung by duty one way or another and then a fking admin fee for sending me the letter about the duty, but such is life
As an example of how peaceful the exhaust is on the wagon, here's 6 litres whispering away on a full launch
I think I may have enough room to roll the Monaro back to the garage door and get the hoist in front by rotating it under...
Just trying to avoid having to push the car in and out if possible, or at least enable myself to pull engine out with the doors closed and thus do that any time without having to rely on the weather and being able to get it finished so I can shut the garage up again...
Supporting the bellhousing will involve ingenious use of the creeper and some wood I suspect to allow it to roll in case I do need to push the car back to get the engine out
Definitely feels like momentum is gathering either way, have been reading various assembly guides etc., have found a couple of places locally that look like they could give the block a quick hone just to deglaze it as well.
Ordered HVAC actuators for the wagon from ebay Aus and they'll be covered by the dealer warranty so that's alright.
Wagon is looking to get comfortably over 600km to this tank even with 2 days of crap traffic on the M1, definitely proving even more frugal than I expected.
Must remember to check to see if it's thrown the AC belt off, I know it was a thing on these and would account for why the AC won't turn on if it isn't related to the actuators.
The actuators were £32 each. Although then you have to ship them from Australia of course. I bought 2 just in case, shipping wasn't combined (the b
ds!) so ended up being £96 ish all in.Doubtless I'll get stung by duty one way or another and then a f
king admin fee for sending me the letter about the duty, but such is life As an example of how peaceful the exhaust is on the wagon, here's 6 litres whispering away on a full launch
Edited by SturdyHSV on Thursday 22 October 16:06
Well that went well!
Fit perfectly, took the pulley straight off with zero effort
Would heartily recommend, solid feeling piece and did the job for £40 as opposed to 150usd form the states before shipping / duty etc.
Ebay link for future reference is https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174448127827
It's sold by Autool or Autotool or some such, top stuff
Fit perfectly, took the pulley straight off with zero effort
Would heartily recommend, solid feeling piece and did the job for £40 as opposed to 150usd form the states before shipping / duty etc.
Ebay link for future reference is https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174448127827
It's sold by Autool or Autotool or some such, top stuff
SturdyHSV said:
I do think it's such a nice design the wagon. I will probably take the badges off so it's a bit cleaner, but I'm unsure what to do about the chrome strip across the boot lid.
Although black would tie in with the windows and trims etc, I don't think a black line across is any better than the chrome one (which ties in with the tail lights)...
I can't imagine it being blue to match the body would add much, it'd be really nice if it could be smoothed over, maybe something for the future, any thoughts?
(thumbsnap seems to have made a real compression mess of that image, apologies)
Here is one with a body colour strip - looks quite good.Although black would tie in with the windows and trims etc, I don't think a black line across is any better than the chrome one (which ties in with the tail lights)...
I can't imagine it being blue to match the body would add much, it'd be really nice if it could be smoothed over, maybe something for the future, any thoughts?
(thumbsnap seems to have made a real compression mess of that image, apologies)
I think smoothing it would make the tailgate a bit of a featureless slab, which is presumably why design put the chrome on in the first place.
Black looks quite good too
And was standard fit on VF HSVs
A couple of hours with some vinyl wrap and you'll be sorted, and can always go back to chrome if you want
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