Not quite HSV - VT Commodore
Discussion
I’ve just bought a VT Commodore after a few years of waiting patiently for its second owner to part with it........
The story is it was originally an unmarked car in Oz for a fairly high ranking officer. When the car was around a year old, said officer retired and bought the car from the force. At 3 years old, it was bought by my new best friends, Eddie and Margaret. It was used to take them all over Oz for a couple of years and when they decided to return to Wales they brought the car with them.
It was UK registered and MOTd for a year or two, then Eddie fell seriously Ill and the car was laid up while he recovered. Unfortunately that never really happened and, after seeing my old 24V Senator parked outside my shop 10 years ago, Eddie popped in a few weeks ago and, true to his word, offered me the car for an un-turn-downable price! Bear in mind I knew nothing of the cars past, or even what colour it was, I couldn’t say no, so 2 weeks ago I had a friend collect the car from storage and dropped it off at my barn to see what I’d bought......
So, it’s a VT with LS1 and a T56, HSV brakes and suspension and dubious looking bucket seats..... it’s thankfully not rusty, just very dusty and should be a pretty easy project to get back on the road.
When I called in on Eddie last week to sort out paperwork, he took me to his garage to get some bits and bobs for the car. First was an LS6 inlet with Holley throttle body..... win! Then a couple of lengths of stainless pipe and silicone hose.......hmmmmmm....... followed shortly by two massive turbos and all associated bits. HA!!! Result! After a loooong chat with Ed, it turns out he worked as a cam grinder for Burton for years, and was always into modifying cars from the 60s onwards. At the age of 70, back in Oz, he decided the VT wasn’t quick enough so had worked out what was needed for 800hp and started collecting...... the only piece of the puzzle I’m left to find is the engine internals to handle the power....
My question to you guys is what the consensus is on pistons, rods, crank etc to handle this kind of power? I’ve done a lot of reading and Think I’ve sussed the options but would like opinions from UK based Holden fans as to where best to source the bits. I’m not new to GM products, or modifying cars but this is my first yank engined project and the options are a bit baffling for an LS newb!
Pics for the curious......
The story is it was originally an unmarked car in Oz for a fairly high ranking officer. When the car was around a year old, said officer retired and bought the car from the force. At 3 years old, it was bought by my new best friends, Eddie and Margaret. It was used to take them all over Oz for a couple of years and when they decided to return to Wales they brought the car with them.
It was UK registered and MOTd for a year or two, then Eddie fell seriously Ill and the car was laid up while he recovered. Unfortunately that never really happened and, after seeing my old 24V Senator parked outside my shop 10 years ago, Eddie popped in a few weeks ago and, true to his word, offered me the car for an un-turn-downable price! Bear in mind I knew nothing of the cars past, or even what colour it was, I couldn’t say no, so 2 weeks ago I had a friend collect the car from storage and dropped it off at my barn to see what I’d bought......
So, it’s a VT with LS1 and a T56, HSV brakes and suspension and dubious looking bucket seats..... it’s thankfully not rusty, just very dusty and should be a pretty easy project to get back on the road.
When I called in on Eddie last week to sort out paperwork, he took me to his garage to get some bits and bobs for the car. First was an LS6 inlet with Holley throttle body..... win! Then a couple of lengths of stainless pipe and silicone hose.......hmmmmmm....... followed shortly by two massive turbos and all associated bits. HA!!! Result! After a loooong chat with Ed, it turns out he worked as a cam grinder for Burton for years, and was always into modifying cars from the 60s onwards. At the age of 70, back in Oz, he decided the VT wasn’t quick enough so had worked out what was needed for 800hp and started collecting...... the only piece of the puzzle I’m left to find is the engine internals to handle the power....
My question to you guys is what the consensus is on pistons, rods, crank etc to handle this kind of power? I’ve done a lot of reading and Think I’ve sussed the options but would like opinions from UK based Holden fans as to where best to source the bits. I’m not new to GM products, or modifying cars but this is my first yank engined project and the options are a bit baffling for an LS newb!
Pics for the curious......
Congrats on what sounds like a nice solid project at a bargain price!
As for internals that can handle that power, I'm not the man to ask, but a decent search on Google should reveal some answers.
You could try this place...
http://boostperformance.co.uk/
As for internals that can handle that power, I'm not the man to ask, but a decent search on Google should reveal some answers.
You could try this place...
http://boostperformance.co.uk/
Nice story bud, can’t help with the engine internals but that car looks like a vt calais. Does it have leather interior? The colour coding skirting came on calais.
Also, that front bumper with the fog lights is from Monaro cv8, possibly factory fitted for the cops.
The vt’s had the first ls motors that were known to burn a bit of oil, so keep an eye on that.
Also, that front bumper with the fog lights is from Monaro cv8, possibly factory fitted for the cops.
The vt’s had the first ls motors that were known to burn a bit of oil, so keep an eye on that.
As far as I know your biggest problem with 800bhp will be the block on an LS1. You could get it sleeved but other members on here have had problems previously with sleeving the block, Emma’s old twin turbo springs to mind. That made around 800bhp. You could use an LSA block, a la Wormus, his car’s just over 800bhp if I remember correctly but that’s starts to get expensive, or you could just suck it and see like JamesHSV did with his pro charged LS1 and run it on standard pistons & rods. His car made just over 700bhp I think. As far as I remember the crank is good for high power outputs but you’ll need an LS7 clutch to take the power. I’m sure someone more knowledgeable than I will be along soon to help. There’s a few old members who run twin turbo LS1 conversions on here who could point you in the right direction. My two only made 500Bhp so I didn’t need to change the rods, pistons, crank or block.
I don't think you could get a VTII Calais with a manual gearbox. If it was a Police car it might have the SS seats in it which had cut outs for the Police.
I used to own a VTII Commodore SS which had the LS1 motor in it. Friend of mine used to have a VTII Executive, same colour as your one with an LS1 in it but his was an auto. I know you could get the executives with an LS1 manual, very rare though.
The front is from a VZ Monaro so post 2004, the VT fronts are not expensive just too bulky to send over to the UK.
I used to own a VTII Commodore SS which had the LS1 motor in it. Friend of mine used to have a VTII Executive, same colour as your one with an LS1 in it but his was an auto. I know you could get the executives with an LS1 manual, very rare though.
The front is from a VZ Monaro so post 2004, the VT fronts are not expensive just too bulky to send over to the UK.
Jader1973 said:
Known as a Monadore in Oz because it is a Monaro front on a Commodore.
Nice 
I saw there's a GTO in the states that has put a VZ Maloo front on a Monaro. It's actually quite an interesting looking thing, is this done much in Aus as well, I'd never seen it before? Malaro?
Just build it up on the stock block, on low boost, safe tune. Get it all done and functioning, then get a cheap iron block truck motor and build that ready for big boost.
That's how id go about it.
What year is it ? My 99 hsv has the later ls1 ecu which my tuner said is very good.
That's how id go about it.
What year is it ? My 99 hsv has the later ls1 ecu which my tuner said is very good.
Edited by fred bloggs on Thursday 26th September 11:24
SturdyHSV said:
Jader1973 said:
Known as a Monadore in Oz because it is a Monaro front on a Commodore.
Nice I saw there's a GTO in the states that has put a VZ Maloo front on a Monaro. It's actually quite an interesting looking thing, is this done much in Aus as well, I'd never seen it before? Malaro?
motomk said:
I don't think you could get a VTII Calais with a manual gearbox. If it was a Police car it might have the SS seats in it which had cut outs for the Police.
Pretty sure your right. Would be interested in seeing the id plate on this.The OP could also email Holden the vin number and ask for the history. They will tell you the build specs
fred bloggs said:
Just build it up on the stock block, on low boost, safe tune. Get it all done and functioning, then get a cheap iron block truck motor and build that ready for big boost.
That's how id go about it.
What year is it ? My 99 hsv has the later ls1 ecu which my tuner said is very good.
If it's being built for 800bhp then I would say an iron block is OTT. There seem to be quite a few pushing that sort of power nowadays without resorting to that.That's how id go about it.
What year is it ? My 99 hsv has the later ls1 ecu which my tuner said is very good.
Thanks for the replies chaps. Here’s a pic of the VIN plate showing the options....
I’ll get in touch with Holden and see if they can clarify exactly how it left them......
As for the turbos, the more I read, the more I think I’m inclined to do as Fred Bloggs says and try it with conservative boost first.
First off is to get it MOTd which means sorting a PS leak, finding the source of the clonk on full lock and fitting MPH clocks.
Does anyone know of a UK source who maybe an SS rear spoiler?!
I’ll get in touch with Holden and see if they can clarify exactly how it left them......
As for the turbos, the more I read, the more I think I’m inclined to do as Fred Bloggs says and try it with conservative boost first.
First off is to get it MOTd which means sorting a PS leak, finding the source of the clonk on full lock and fitting MPH clocks.
Does anyone know of a UK source who maybe an SS rear spoiler?!
Edited by entwistlecymru on Saturday 28th September 21:42
Do you have the plate that starts with the 6H8 number.
Looks like this https://images.app.goo.gl/TQXTE5UJN9TQ6KCb7
Holden will need that number with the body identification you posted.
The mm6 is for the six speed manual box so at least you know it came with that factory. Diff is the same as the V2 Monaro, 3.46/1 ratio
Couldn’t figure out how to decider your model codes.
Looks like this https://images.app.goo.gl/TQXTE5UJN9TQ6KCb7
Holden will need that number with the body identification you posted.
The mm6 is for the six speed manual box so at least you know it came with that factory. Diff is the same as the V2 Monaro, 3.46/1 ratio
Couldn’t figure out how to decider your model codes.
So, I’ve finally had some time to work on the car...... thankfully after putting it on my 2 poster, pulling the bumpers and skirts off there’s no rot, not even surface rust anywhere. I’ve cleaned underneath and given it a dose of Schultz and used Fertan rust killer and cavity wax in the sills and chassis members.
Mechanically I knew it needed the PS system looking at. It had a new pump a few years ago but whoever fitted it left a hose clamp loose which is why it p**sed all its fluid on my nice, clean floor! I fitted a mishimoto PS cooler an routed all the pipe work properly so it’s now ATF-tight.
The clocks were removed by the previous owner as he had plans to fit GTO clocks (they’re in MPH not KPH). In doing so he cut the original connector off and junked the clocks, and despite him working out what wires should go where, it quickly became clear the GTO unit isn’t compatible at all with the VT loom! Thankfully eBay.au came up trumps so that’s what I’m now waiting on for an MOT
I’ve identified the brakes as a Harrop kit, it’s had Koni shocks fitted, a quick shifter, alloy rad and a stainless exhaust.
A couple of questions for you guys........ I notice the LS1 doesn’t take a lot of oil so I was looking at fitting a remote filter and oil cooler to up the capacity - any recommendations on a kit?
Also, on the subject of oil, are there any tricks when changing sump gasket and F&R crank seals - it’s dripping engine oil from front and middle of the engine so I’m guessing they’ve dried up from sitting for years....
Mechanically I knew it needed the PS system looking at. It had a new pump a few years ago but whoever fitted it left a hose clamp loose which is why it p**sed all its fluid on my nice, clean floor! I fitted a mishimoto PS cooler an routed all the pipe work properly so it’s now ATF-tight.
The clocks were removed by the previous owner as he had plans to fit GTO clocks (they’re in MPH not KPH). In doing so he cut the original connector off and junked the clocks, and despite him working out what wires should go where, it quickly became clear the GTO unit isn’t compatible at all with the VT loom! Thankfully eBay.au came up trumps so that’s what I’m now waiting on for an MOT
I’ve identified the brakes as a Harrop kit, it’s had Koni shocks fitted, a quick shifter, alloy rad and a stainless exhaust.
A couple of questions for you guys........ I notice the LS1 doesn’t take a lot of oil so I was looking at fitting a remote filter and oil cooler to up the capacity - any recommendations on a kit?
Also, on the subject of oil, are there any tricks when changing sump gasket and F&R crank seals - it’s dripping engine oil from front and middle of the engine so I’m guessing they’ve dried up from sitting for years....
Edited by entwistlecymru on Sunday 23 February 22:18
DumDeDumDeDum...…………… No idea where this came from...
Queensland ...There is a Queensland rego but I won't put that up, and a VIN but I won't put that up either...although it is not hard to guess.
Tag is L583583
Engine number VF000621684
Series : VT Commodore Executive sedan
Model : (8VK69)
Engine: 5.7 litre V8 Cyl
Trans : 6 speed manual
Trim : 17I - Pewter - Interior trim
Paint : 29L Dark Blue Paint - Exterior Bermuda Blue
Build Date : 02/05/2000
Warranty Date : 30/5/2000
Selling Dealer (163) - Doug Barton Holden Wynnum
Pack : (126) Pack - LS1 - MM6 - 8VK
MM6 Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
Options
1EE - Executive Aircon Cruise ABS Pack - 8VK
A31 - Power operated side windows front and rear
A8C - Delete bolt on reinforcement rear floor - From 01/02/2000 - L552349
A9L - Body changes - Front floor pan selector enlarged - Ls1 introduction
A9W - Series 2 Vehicle upgrade - From 26/5/99
AH6 - Description not available
AQ9 - Front seat - Bucket Passenger and Driver reclining
C60 - Air conditioner - Manual control
FE2 - Suspension pack
G80 - Limited Slip Differential
GS9 - Axle ratio - Rear 3.46:1 \
JL9 - Anti-lock Brake system
K30 - Cruise Control
LS1 - Engine V8 5.7 litre - EFI Gen 3
MM6 - Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
N40 - Power Steering
PG1 - Wheel - 6.00J x 15 Steel
QWH - Tyre 225/60R15 96V
U4C - Side impact requirements from Jan 2000
V9R - Description not available
VA1 - Standard Radiator
XW6 - Paint - Metallic finish
You should be able to get hold of the workshop manual online somewhere.
Which Harrop brakes does it have? They still have service parts for them on their website.
Stock front end
Queensland ...There is a Queensland rego but I won't put that up, and a VIN but I won't put that up either...although it is not hard to guess.
Tag is L583583
Engine number VF000621684
Series : VT Commodore Executive sedan
Model : (8VK69)
Engine: 5.7 litre V8 Cyl
Trans : 6 speed manual
Trim : 17I - Pewter - Interior trim
Paint : 29L Dark Blue Paint - Exterior Bermuda Blue
Build Date : 02/05/2000
Warranty Date : 30/5/2000
Selling Dealer (163) - Doug Barton Holden Wynnum
Pack : (126) Pack - LS1 - MM6 - 8VK
MM6 Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
Options
1EE - Executive Aircon Cruise ABS Pack - 8VK
A31 - Power operated side windows front and rear
A8C - Delete bolt on reinforcement rear floor - From 01/02/2000 - L552349
A9L - Body changes - Front floor pan selector enlarged - Ls1 introduction
A9W - Series 2 Vehicle upgrade - From 26/5/99
AH6 - Description not available
AQ9 - Front seat - Bucket Passenger and Driver reclining
C60 - Air conditioner - Manual control
FE2 - Suspension pack
G80 - Limited Slip Differential
GS9 - Axle ratio - Rear 3.46:1 \
JL9 - Anti-lock Brake system
K30 - Cruise Control
LS1 - Engine V8 5.7 litre - EFI Gen 3
MM6 - Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
N40 - Power Steering
PG1 - Wheel - 6.00J x 15 Steel
QWH - Tyre 225/60R15 96V
U4C - Side impact requirements from Jan 2000
V9R - Description not available
VA1 - Standard Radiator
XW6 - Paint - Metallic finish
You should be able to get hold of the workshop manual online somewhere.
Which Harrop brakes does it have? They still have service parts for them on their website.
Stock front end
Edited by motomk on Tuesday 25th February 04:51
motomk said:
DumDeDumDeDum...…………… No idea where this came from...
Queensland ...There is a Queensland rego but I won't put that up, and a VIN but I won't put that up either...although it is not hard to guess.
Tag is L583583
Engine number VF000621684
Series : VT Commodore Executive sedan
Model : (8VK69)
Engine: 5.7 litre V8 Cyl
Trans : 6 speed manual
Trim : 17I - Pewter - Interior trim
Paint : 29L Dark Blue Paint - Exterior Bermuda Blue
Build Date : 02/05/2000
Warranty Date : 30/5/2000
Selling Dealer (163) - Doug Barton Holden Wynnum
Pack : (126) Pack - LS1 - MM6 - 8VK
MM6 Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
Options
1EE - Executive Aircon Cruise ABS Pack - 8VK
A31 - Power operated side windows front and rear
A8C - Delete bolt on reinforcement rear floor - From 01/02/2000 - L552349
A9L - Body changes - Front floor pan selector enlarged - Ls1 introduction
A9W - Series 2 Vehicle upgrade - From 26/5/99
AH6 - Description not available
AQ9 - Front seat - Bucket Passenger and Driver reclining
C60 - Air conditioner - Manual control
FE2 - Suspension pack
G80 - Limited Slip Differential
GS9 - Axle ratio - Rear 3.46:1 \
JL9 - Anti-lock Brake system
K30 - Cruise Control
LS1 - Engine V8 5.7 litre - EFI Gen 3
MM6 - Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
N40 - Power Steering
PG1 - Wheel - 6.00J x 15 Steel
QWH - Tyre 225/60R15 96V
U4C - Side impact requirements from Jan 2000
V9R - Description not available
VA1 - Standard Radiator
XW6 - Paint - Metallic finish
You should be able to get hold of the workshop manual online somewhere.
Which Harrop brakes does it have? They still have service parts for them on their website.
Stock front end
I’m guessing the EPC?Queensland ...There is a Queensland rego but I won't put that up, and a VIN but I won't put that up either...although it is not hard to guess.
Tag is L583583
Engine number VF000621684
Series : VT Commodore Executive sedan
Model : (8VK69)
Engine: 5.7 litre V8 Cyl
Trans : 6 speed manual
Trim : 17I - Pewter - Interior trim
Paint : 29L Dark Blue Paint - Exterior Bermuda Blue
Build Date : 02/05/2000
Warranty Date : 30/5/2000
Selling Dealer (163) - Doug Barton Holden Wynnum
Pack : (126) Pack - LS1 - MM6 - 8VK
MM6 Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
Options
1EE - Executive Aircon Cruise ABS Pack - 8VK
A31 - Power operated side windows front and rear
A8C - Delete bolt on reinforcement rear floor - From 01/02/2000 - L552349
A9L - Body changes - Front floor pan selector enlarged - Ls1 introduction
A9W - Series 2 Vehicle upgrade - From 26/5/99
AH6 - Description not available
AQ9 - Front seat - Bucket Passenger and Driver reclining
C60 - Air conditioner - Manual control
FE2 - Suspension pack
G80 - Limited Slip Differential
GS9 - Axle ratio - Rear 3.46:1 \
JL9 - Anti-lock Brake system
K30 - Cruise Control
LS1 - Engine V8 5.7 litre - EFI Gen 3
MM6 - Manual Trans - 6 spd - T56
N40 - Power Steering
PG1 - Wheel - 6.00J x 15 Steel
QWH - Tyre 225/60R15 96V
U4C - Side impact requirements from Jan 2000
V9R - Description not available
VA1 - Standard Radiator
XW6 - Paint - Metallic finish
You should be able to get hold of the workshop manual online somewhere.
Which Harrop brakes does it have? They still have service parts for them on their website.
Stock front end
Edited by motomk on Tuesday 25th February 04:51
I pulled the same data on my Ute. I got a lot more from a different system, including time stamps for all the build stages, transport, delivery etc
No comment.........
No idea what it is to be honest. Somebody loaded it on one of my old computers a long time ago. So old it is Windows 98. It took me this long to find a keyboard to work it, and then I had to photo it, as that computer doesn't like my printer either. It was only a one shot of cars pre 2001, ie it was not updated. So no use for cars I bought after that or any of my current cars.
No idea what it is to be honest. Somebody loaded it on one of my old computers a long time ago. So old it is Windows 98. It took me this long to find a keyboard to work it, and then I had to photo it, as that computer doesn't like my printer either. It was only a one shot of cars pre 2001, ie it was not updated. So no use for cars I bought after that or any of my current cars.
I tried to get a break down of options etc from Holden for my ute but they said they couldn't help as they didn't have the info. The guy that bought my ute new from NZ was on this forum for a minute but hasn't been on since, I tried to pm him but wasn't able to at the time as he won't have enough posts on the forum.
Thanks motomk 
The brakes are branded HSV but appear to be made by Harrop..... is that likely?
My clocks arrived from fuscars in Oz today so I’ll be fitting them tomorrow night, and as long as they work properly I can book it for an MOT....
Speaking of clocks, does anyone have experience of programming them? It looks like it’s just calibrating the speedo to account for a change in diff ratio. It seems a snap on Solus will do it....
The brakes are branded HSV but appear to be made by Harrop..... is that likely?
My clocks arrived from fuscars in Oz today so I’ll be fitting them tomorrow night, and as long as they work properly I can book it for an MOT....
Speaking of clocks, does anyone have experience of programming them? It looks like it’s just calibrating the speedo to account for a change in diff ratio. It seems a snap on Solus will do it....
Edited by entwistlecymru on Tuesday 25th February 19:46
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