Potential Monaro owner.......

Potential Monaro owner.......

Author
Discussion

skinnyman

Original Poster:

1,632 posts

92 months

Monday 8th May 2017
quotequote all
Howdy folks. First off, some background.

Currently got a 2015 Focus ST, but the finance deal ends in June, and the wife now has a battle bus for kid duties (we have a 3yr old and a new born), so this has allowed me to potentially move the ST on and get something a little more exciting before I inevitably end up in a Ford S max or similar, enter, the Monaro. I've had a soft spot for these for years, and an hour spent on Youtube listening to various exhaust setups just furthers the desire.

So I've started tentatively looking, at first I assumed the later VXR was the one to go for, newer/bigger = better, but it seems the earlier VXR's are where its at, with the larger boot and comparative performance to the later models. I haven't ruled out a non VXR model, however I don't like the look of the earlier CV8's, much prefer the newer ones, but then this comes back to the small boot scenario. I guess I really have 2 questions.

Firstly, If I was to purchase a modified CV8 (say, the yellow one in the classifieds) that has had mods such as AP brakes, coilovers, ripshifter, remap etc, would a VXR bring anything to the party that a car like this was missing? Seeing as how the major differences between the CV8 and the VXR has been addressed with the modifications? The list of modifications to a car like this run way into the thousands, and the VXR's seem to command quite a premium over the CV8's.

Secondly, in unmodified form, are the CV8's worth a look? Or is it worth holding out and paying the premium for the VXR's?

Lastly, is there anyone with a Monaro, of any variety, in the East Midlands sort of area, that wouldn't mind me taking a look around theirs? It's not the kind of car I can pop down to Car Giant and take a nosey around, and I don't want to waste the time of an active seller by going to take a look just for interests sake when I'm not in a position to buy yet. Basically I want to get a feel for the car, and get some feedback from an owner, before I actively start looking to buy. (not hoping to test drive someones btw, don't worry)

Cheers for any help

blaineuk

2,614 posts

246 months

Monday 8th May 2017
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Hi I am based in Hinckley if you want to have a look around mine, I have a VXR.

SturdyHSV

10,083 posts

166 months

Monday 8th May 2017
quotequote all
Hi, welcome to the forum wavey

It's a bit quieter than it used to be but there's still plenty of helpful people around, I think they probably just don't check in as often.

You're right that a modified CV8 covers most of the differences, and things like a ripshifter and upgraded brakes are arguably still desirable on a VXR, as the brakes still aren't quite a match for the engine...

One more subtle difference is the CV8 has different (longer) gear ratios, so with similar power can still feel a little slower. Quite a few have had the diff ratio swapped which livens things up a lot.

The CV8 bumpers are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper should you get nudged.

You have more colour options with the CV8, the VXRs were only available in black (which is the fastest colour hehe), red and silver.

Although the CV8 looks milder in pictures, a slightly lowered one in the right colour looks really good in person. It's also a more aerodynamic shape, if you get seriously hooked and start chasing standing mile top speeds hehe

When looking at them just check around for rust, or preferably find evidence of preventative maintenance as Australia's idea of rust proofing mainly revolves around sunshine.

There's only a few hundred of each model in the country, so chances are Monkfish or Walkinshaw or AAS have probably seen the car at some point, or a previous owner is on here, so ask around if you see one you like.

Get one with the mods already done, as trust us, you'll only end up doing them yourself later, the cars get right under your skin cloud9

Also, there's a few baby seats that fit in the back, details are in the FAQs I think, possibly some buggy suggestions that fit in the boot too?

ossiesmonaro

287 posts

155 months

Monday 8th May 2017
quotequote all
skinnyman said:
Howdy folks. First off, some background.

Currently got a 2015 Focus ST, but the finance deal ends in June, and the wife now has a battle bus for kid duties (we have a 3yr old and a new born), so this has allowed me to potentially move the ST on and get something a little more exciting before I inevitably end up in a Ford S max or similar, enter, the Monaro. I've had a soft spot for these for years, and an hour spent on Youtube listening to various exhaust setups just furthers the desire.

So I've started tentatively looking, at first I assumed the later VXR was the one to go for, newer/bigger = better, but it seems the earlier VXR's are where its at, with the larger boot and comparative performance to the later models. I haven't ruled out a non VXR model, however I don't like the look of the earlier CV8's, much prefer the newer ones, but then this comes back to the small boot scenario. I guess I really have 2 questions.

Firstly, If I was to purchase a modified CV8 (say, the yellow one in the classifieds) that has had mods such as AP brakes, coilovers, ripshifter, remap etc, would a VXR bring anything to the party that a car like this was missing? Seeing as how the major differences between the CV8 and the VXR has been addressed with the modifications? The list of modifications to a car like this run way into the thousands, and the VXR's seem to command quite a premium over the CV8's.

Secondly, in unmodified form, are the CV8's worth a look? Or is it worth holding out and paying the premium for the VXR's?

Lastly, is there anyone with a Monaro, of any variety, in the East Midlands sort of area, that wouldn't mind me taking a look around theirs? It's not the kind of car I can pop down to Car Giant and take a nosey around, and I don't want to waste the time of an active seller by going to take a look just for interests sake when I'm not in a position to buy yet. Basically I want to get a feel for the car, and get some feedback from an owner, before I actively start looking to buy. (not hoping to test drive someones btw, don't worry)

Cheers for any help
Yellow CV8 is mine. Its got everything on it, coming off the market once ad has run out and going back into the garage. Just don't get time to drive it over the last 3 years. Its a shame for a car like the CV8

Powermaster1

138 posts

84 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
Hi I own a 5.7 vxr ls1 in silver and I find having the big boot a real advantage. We've been on holiday a few times and managed to fit all kit in the boot although the large hinge arms take up room. I suppose each model has there advantages cv8 - large boot , slightly cheaper model to the vxr. 5.7 vxr - large boot , vxr enhancements, slightly less power than 6.0 litre. 6.0 vxr small boot , most powerful of the 3 . That's all I can comment on really.

Janosh

1,735 posts

166 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
I would (did) go for a modified CV8, the big boot was essential for me as I had very similar buying criteria.

Take your time to find a car with the mods you want and you won't be disappointed.

skinnyman

Original Poster:

1,632 posts

92 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
I do think I'd need to buy one already modified, to a degree, if I head over to the fish website and note down everything id want (coilovers, Wortec, AP brakes, ripshifter etc etc) it quickly mounts up to £5-6k, and if I had £15k to splash on a VXR and then another £5k in mods, tbh I'd just go out and buy a Lexus ISF from the start.

One question, can the switchable valve mod be added to a pre-existing wortec system? I love the noise, but working a 3 shift pattern I don't think my neighbours would. Some days I leave @ 5:30am, other days I come home @ 4am.

Lastmin

89 posts

209 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
Similar situation to me 6 years ago, I bought a cv8 as had a new baby and the big boot is a massive bonus we used it for weekends away as had more space than the alfa hatchback the wife had at the time.

Agree on mods mine has what you would say are the essentials which add up to quite a lot of money if you buy a std one and do it yourself you could easily spend 50% purchase price of the car, the parts aren't cheap but with there being quite a low volume of monaros the market hasn't been flooded with cheap low quality parts.

Now my lads 6 my monaro is going up for sale as I have a 911 itch that needs scratching.

Red cv8 , 2 owners and on 49k advert will go up soon on PH.

L2VXR

973 posts

212 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
skinnyman said:
One question, can the switchable valve mod be added to a pre-existing wortec system? I love the noise, but working a 3 shift pattern I don't think my neighbours would. Some days I leave @ 5:30am, other days I come home @ 4am.
I think there are 3 variants of the wortec exhaust
Mk1 = single sided for early 2004 big boot cars with interchangeable silencers/loud pipes
Mk2 = dual tailpipes for later 2005 small boot cars with interchangeable silencers/loud pipes
Mk3 = dual tailpipes for 2005 small boot cars with manually switchable blanking plates for loud and quite these plates can be replaced with electric valves to switch over without the need to get under the car.


MrBaker

323 posts

129 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
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I recently bought a standard CV8, bought a second hand cat back to make it sound better.

Other than that I'm happy with it, plenty fast enough for me.

You'll love owning one, I grin every time I drive it

Greg VXR

367 posts

186 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
OP, I too had this drama in 2008.....my god nearly 10 yrs ago....

I preferred the look of a VXR vs CV8.....hands down for me its looks like a true muscle car where as the CV8 is a bit bland (in standard trim, sorry, no offence CV8 owners). I have seen a few on here after the fact that has changed my opinion but I still prefer the VXR look. I didn't find this forum until after the purchase, but managed to get probably the right one for me (luckily). The boot wasn't an issue at the time, it is really small.

AP brakes are a must. As is an exhaust. Mine is the interchangeable 2005 wortec and I removed the mid boxes. The syphony of cylinders is now correctly heard. When leaving for work at 5:30am your neighbours love it. I sneaked out on tick over in the old estate I lived at and it was ok. The switchable wortec part cannot be retrofitted to my exhaust, you need the full cat back system to do it so another load of cash circa £1k.

Bumper.....VXR.....always reverse into spaces, you lose the front bumper on a curb its £1400 for the part alone....probably more now. That said there are a few breakers on here but prices are high (supply and demand problem).

Mine came with a rip shifter, its better maybe not essential. I have also fitted Peddars suspension and would recommend them......highly. The car is now less of a maniac that wants me dead as the std dampers are awful and cannot settle the std springs quickly so traction was lost on the bumpy UK roads in the dry. The peddars give you a lot of confidence even in the wet.

Tyres.....as people will say on here, the wrong rears on the back of the ro will make it an unpleasant experience. For me is Michelin Super Sports (or its replacement).

Hope this helps. Its smiles per mile with these and now oil is cheap, the fuel bill is not a massive headache.....mine doesn't get enough use to be honest.

skinnyman

Original Poster:

1,632 posts

92 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
So that's an 05 VXR, with the wortec, uprated suspension, AP brakes & a rip shift kit, and it doesn't get used enough, next question, when are you selling......

siovey

1,632 posts

137 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
Hi mate, I've had my '06 CV8 for just over 12 months and I love it! I too was only considering 6.0 vxr models until I spotted (and heard!) mine .
It has the small boot, which is a PITA!

However, the car has all of the bits you'd want, ripshifter, pedders, AP's , quick steering rack, wortec exhaust system, engine remap and supercharger. It goes rather well!

I got lucky and got it with 52k on it for just under £13k last year (i'm sure it would cost more now...)
Although it's had it's issues, like a new steering rack and it needs a new throttle body and I've paid to replace the brakes and tyres all round - not cheap!

Don't discount the CV8 as , with the right mods, it's a fantastic car!

steve2568

159 posts

89 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
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Hi fella

I have a small boot facelift CV8 2005 (nostril bonnet), it came with LS7 clutch, ripshifter, wortec remap, full wortec exhaust with sports cats and headers and Pedders poly bushes all round. Sounds fantastic, goes well and looks great. Try joining the facebook group to see different cars, the only thing I would like to do with mine now is AP brakes but the cost is £2k so not a current achievable goal.

The smaller boot isn't that much of an issue and will take more than you think (I have 2 young kids), as someone else said more choice colour wise and good ones can be had for decent money with cash to spare for Mods if you buy smart. The engines are bullet proof so mileage wise its not too much of an issue if its been well looked after, don't discount the later CV8`s (brakes are only 5mm difference to the (VXR)
Rough idea of budget may help with the advice offered too

Happy hunting

Edited by steve2568 on Tuesday 9th May 18:26


Edited by steve2568 on Tuesday 9th May 18:26

wormus

14,502 posts

202 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
I'm biased but I prefer the CV8 over the VXR. As said above, the VXR is just a CV8 covered in plastic tat. Yes they will tell you it's a "proper HSV" like that gives it provenance but it's really just a shed where a bloke screws/glues the body kit on.

My advice is find a car with a supercharger, rip shifter, exhaust and brakes. You'll bloody love it.

skinnyman

Original Poster:

1,632 posts

92 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
Oooohhh I like that colour, small boot CV8?

As for budget, without trying to sound too smug, I haven't really got one, I'd rather fit the budget to the right car, rather than find a car to fit a budget.

steve2568

159 posts

89 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
skinnyman said:
Oooohhh I like that colour, small boot CV8?

As for budget, without trying to sound too smug, I haven't really got one, I'd rather fit the budget to the right car, rather than find a car to fit a budget.
Its called Odyssey blue and there are only about 20 or so in the country, its the same car as mine but with better wheels. There is an odyssey blue project car at 7k on fleabay in the North East, its a Cat D with parts to fix (minor) if you fancy a cheap one with the chance to add plenty of mods (already has an aftermarket exhaust and suspension.



Edited by steve2568 on Tuesday 9th May 19:25

skinnyman

Original Poster:

1,632 posts

92 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
Is it my monitor, or does the first one look like a gunmetal grey, and the second one has a greenish tint?

wormus

14,502 posts

202 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
skinnyman said:
Oooohhh I like that colour, small boot CV8?

As for budget, without trying to sound too smug, I haven't really got one, I'd rather fit the budget to the right car, rather than find a car to fit a budget.
Yes, VZ CV8. Quite modified in the engine department (forged LSA), running VXR8 wheels, peddlers suspension and AP brakes.


wormus

14,502 posts

202 months

Tuesday 9th May 2017
quotequote all
skinnyman said:
Is it my monitor, or does the first one look like a gunmetal grey, and the second one has a greenish tint?
The second one does look green! It's a weird colour that looks anywhere from blue to grey, never green though!