Null's ultimate Dream Car Thread - A CV8 Monaro in Austria
Discussion
I went on quite the shopping spree over the past winter, and the Monaro has finally spent a couple of days with my trusted garage to get the parts installed.
As I am getting more and more comfortable to push the car closer to it's limits, I felt like a brake upgrade was needed.
Also, I figured it would be best to order suspension bushings while they are still available,
for added peace of mind and to pick up some driving and handling improvements along the way.
General maintenance:
AC Delco Oil Filter (GM19210283)
Shell Helix Ultra 10w60 oil
GATES 6PK1965 serpentine belt and AC belt
Brankes:
EBC Bluestuff pads (front / part # DP51162NDX)
Pedders SportsRyder Kevlar Ceramic Pads (rear / part # 6720895)
EBC Turbo Groove Discs (rear / part # GD7301) (car already has upgraded DBA front discs)
AP Racing DOT 4 brake fluid
Chassis:
Whiteline Front lower control arms (WA130AR / WA130A)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar link upper bushing (W22921)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar mount bushing (W22327G)
Pedders Tie Rod Ends (PTE3049)
The whole front subframe was dropped, the surface rust removed / treated and a fresh coat of paint applied.
We will tackle the rear subframe, diff bushing and all the rear suspension and stabilizer bushes at a later point, parts are already ordered.
I already have a Mishimoto radiator and silicone hoses to go onto the car when we engine gets a major service (probably in 2022 or 2023).
As I am getting more and more comfortable to push the car closer to it's limits, I felt like a brake upgrade was needed.
Also, I figured it would be best to order suspension bushings while they are still available,
for added peace of mind and to pick up some driving and handling improvements along the way.
General maintenance:
AC Delco Oil Filter (GM19210283)
Shell Helix Ultra 10w60 oil
GATES 6PK1965 serpentine belt and AC belt
Brankes:
EBC Bluestuff pads (front / part # DP51162NDX)
Pedders SportsRyder Kevlar Ceramic Pads (rear / part # 6720895)
EBC Turbo Groove Discs (rear / part # GD7301) (car already has upgraded DBA front discs)
AP Racing DOT 4 brake fluid
Chassis:
Whiteline Front lower control arms (WA130AR / WA130A)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar link upper bushing (W22921)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar mount bushing (W22327G)
Pedders Tie Rod Ends (PTE3049)
The whole front subframe was dropped, the surface rust removed / treated and a fresh coat of paint applied.
We will tackle the rear subframe, diff bushing and all the rear suspension and stabilizer bushes at a later point, parts are already ordered.
I already have a Mishimoto radiator and silicone hoses to go onto the car when we engine gets a major service (probably in 2022 or 2023).
Null.Performance said:
I went on quite the shopping spree over the past winter, and the Monaro has finally spent a couple of days with my trusted garage to get the parts installed.
As I am getting more and more comfortable to push the car closer to it's limits, I felt like a brake upgrade was needed.
Also, I figured it would be best to order suspension bushings while they are still available,
for added peace of mind and to pick up some driving and handling improvements along the way.
General maintenance:
AC Delco Oil Filter (GM19210283)
Shell Helix Ultra 10w60 oil
GATES 6PK1965 serpentine belt and AC belt
Brankes:
EBC Bluestuff pads (front / part # DP51162NDX)
Pedders SportsRyder Kevlar Ceramic Pads (rear / part # 6720895)
EBC Turbo Groove Discs (rear / part # GD7301) (car already has upgraded DBA front discs)
AP Racing DOT 4 brake fluid
Chassis:
Whiteline Front lower control arms (WA130AR / WA130A)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar link upper bushing (W22921)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar mount bushing (W22327G)
Pedders Tie Rod Ends (PTE3049)
The whole front subframe was dropped, the surface rust removed / treated and a fresh coat of paint applied.
We will tackle the rear subframe, diff bushing and all the rear suspension and stabilizer bushes at a later point, parts are already ordered.
I already have a Mishimoto radiator and silicone hoses to go onto the car when we engine gets a major service (probably in 2022 or 2023).
Just a thought I definitely wouldn't be putting in a 10-60 oil think the viscosity maybe a bit to much for the bearing clearances, am sure someone more qualified than me will be along soon to back up my concern.As I am getting more and more comfortable to push the car closer to it's limits, I felt like a brake upgrade was needed.
Also, I figured it would be best to order suspension bushings while they are still available,
for added peace of mind and to pick up some driving and handling improvements along the way.
General maintenance:
AC Delco Oil Filter (GM19210283)
Shell Helix Ultra 10w60 oil
GATES 6PK1965 serpentine belt and AC belt
Brankes:
EBC Bluestuff pads (front / part # DP51162NDX)
Pedders SportsRyder Kevlar Ceramic Pads (rear / part # 6720895)
EBC Turbo Groove Discs (rear / part # GD7301) (car already has upgraded DBA front discs)
AP Racing DOT 4 brake fluid
Chassis:
Whiteline Front lower control arms (WA130AR / WA130A)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar link upper bushing (W22921)
Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar mount bushing (W22327G)
Pedders Tie Rod Ends (PTE3049)
The whole front subframe was dropped, the surface rust removed / treated and a fresh coat of paint applied.
We will tackle the rear subframe, diff bushing and all the rear suspension and stabilizer bushes at a later point, parts are already ordered.
I already have a Mishimoto radiator and silicone hoses to go onto the car when we engine gets a major service (probably in 2022 or 2023).
Null.Performance said:
I went on quite the shopping spree over the past winter, and the Monaro has finally spent a couple of days with my trusted garage to get the parts installed....
Glad I'm not the only one over spending on their Monaro!I've recently renewed the entire front suspension over the last few weeks including the same Whiteline arms you've chosen.
Got a new Pedders quickrack, rack bush and rack ends being fitted next weekend at AAS, so that really will finish the front.
And like you I'll move to the rear later on, but even with what I've already done the car was feeling nice and tight.
Nice work comrade
stu vxr said:
Just a thought I definitely wouldn't be putting in a 10-60 oil think the viscosity maybe a bit to much for the bearing clearances, am sure someone more qualified than me will be along soon to back up my concern.
Appreciate your concern. I was a bit sceptical at first as well, since it is not recommended from the factory. But have had a long chat with the guys at the garage and they run 10w60 on all their LS engines for years now.
They swap LS engines into Jeeps for heavy offroad use, tracks builds, street driven restomods etc and certainly know them like the back of their hand.
Lincsls1 said:
Glad I'm not the only one over spending on their Monaro!
I've recently renewed the entire front suspension over the last few weeks including the same Whiteline arms you've chosen.
Got a new Pedders quickrack, rack bush and rack ends being fitted next weekend at AAS, so that really will finish the front.
And like you I'll move to the rear later on, but even with what I've already done the car was feeling nice and tight.
Nice work comrade
Thank you sir! Your Monaro must be one of the best examples still in existence! I've recently renewed the entire front suspension over the last few weeks including the same Whiteline arms you've chosen.
Got a new Pedders quickrack, rack bush and rack ends being fitted next weekend at AAS, so that really will finish the front.
And like you I'll move to the rear later on, but even with what I've already done the car was feeling nice and tight.
Nice work comrade
Overspending sounds a bit harsh, haha
I like to say that there is a vision / big picture behind everything that I do to my car
Haha yeah, when looking at this front suspension diagram for a Monaro there is little left that has not been swapped for aftermarket parts on my car
Parts from this picture that are not OEM any more:
Steering:
- Pedders #1203 quick ratio steering rack
- Pedders top mounts and bearings (5851 / 5030)
Front chassis and suspension:
- Pedders HD drop links (424209)
- Whiteline Front lower control arms (WA130AR / WA130A)
- Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar link upper bushing (W22921)
- Whiteline Front Anti-Roll bar mount bushing (W22327G)
- Pedders Tie Rod Ends (PTE3049)
- Pedders Strut bar to chassis mount PU bush kit (EP9166)
After 300kms I can conclude that the mods definitely helped make the car even better.
Feeling and feedback is nice and tight and the brakes are a huuuge improvement too!
Only thing that diagram is missing is the spring insulator that sits between the top of the spring and the spring mount/retainer plate thingy.
I ordered a new pair of SuperPro ones part no.SPF2498K and fitted them, however I will say my originals were perfectly fine, so I wasted £50 really.
I ordered a new pair of SuperPro ones part no.SPF2498K and fitted them, however I will say my originals were perfectly fine, so I wasted £50 really.
Recently did some minor cosmetic work:
Removed the two HSV fender badges that the first owner of the car installed more than a decade ago.
Thanks to Larry Kosilla's "hot water technique" and dental floss, the badges came off without too much effort and did not leave behind a sticky mess.
I lightly polished by hand to get a smooth finish.
On a side note, I now have two HSV badges for sale
Made a custom backing plate for the rear license plate with cutouts that go around all the weird "dimples" in the boot lid filler panel.
The backing plate mounts to the car with two screws that go into the provided holes and the plate is then velcro'ed on.
Now everything finally sits flush and no ugly plate holder frame is visible.
I know it is not exactly a work of art, but it gets the job done and should be a permanent solution
Removed the two HSV fender badges that the first owner of the car installed more than a decade ago.
Thanks to Larry Kosilla's "hot water technique" and dental floss, the badges came off without too much effort and did not leave behind a sticky mess.
I lightly polished by hand to get a smooth finish.
On a side note, I now have two HSV badges for sale
Made a custom backing plate for the rear license plate with cutouts that go around all the weird "dimples" in the boot lid filler panel.
The backing plate mounts to the car with two screws that go into the provided holes and the plate is then velcro'ed on.
Now everything finally sits flush and no ugly plate holder frame is visible.
I know it is not exactly a work of art, but it gets the job done and should be a permanent solution
Here is the first attempt at capturing my Monaro's stock LS1 exhaust sound out in the wild.
Since I only had limited time and I am not quite happy with the outcome, I will take another shot at this in the future.
I learned a lot from playing around this time, so the next video will be better, longer and cover more driving scenarios and environments.
But in the meantime, turn up the volume and enjoy
As you all know, my car is fully stock engine and exhaust-wise, other than the K&N drop in air filter.
I love a cammed and long tubed V8 as much as the next guy, but I have come to like the stock exhaust note a lot too, it is lovely for what I personally use my Monaro for.
I feel it fits it's grand touring character very nicely and you can drive it at any speed, in any scenario, for hours at a time without inconvenience or drone.
It sounds quite subtle and almost civilized around town so I can fly somewhat under the radar, but when you are on that twisty B road and you are able rev it out,
it gets progressively louder and V-Eight-ier as the revs climb.
Since I only had limited time and I am not quite happy with the outcome, I will take another shot at this in the future.
I learned a lot from playing around this time, so the next video will be better, longer and cover more driving scenarios and environments.
But in the meantime, turn up the volume and enjoy
As you all know, my car is fully stock engine and exhaust-wise, other than the K&N drop in air filter.
I love a cammed and long tubed V8 as much as the next guy, but I have come to like the stock exhaust note a lot too, it is lovely for what I personally use my Monaro for.
I feel it fits it's grand touring character very nicely and you can drive it at any speed, in any scenario, for hours at a time without inconvenience or drone.
It sounds quite subtle and almost civilized around town so I can fly somewhat under the radar, but when you are on that twisty B road and you are able rev it out,
it gets progressively louder and V-Eight-ier as the revs climb.
What a beautiful place to play!
The car looks and sounds great, more so on the uphill sections though, where the car is clearly under load.
It is possible to swap out the stock exhaust for something that releases more noise, but doesn't drone. But I can appreciate the stock exhaust too.
The car looks and sounds great, more so on the uphill sections though, where the car is clearly under load.
It is possible to swap out the stock exhaust for something that releases more noise, but doesn't drone. But I can appreciate the stock exhaust too.
Sorry for not posting in a while, but "real life things" happened
I have found a significantly better job in a different State of Austria and jumped at the opportunity.
That job gives me possibilities I've never had before and if feels like the start a new and even better chapter in life.
Finding a new job far from "home" means me and my two cars had to move back in September this year.
We found a new home in the small town of Bad Schallerbach in the State of Upper Austria.
I have my two beloved cars in the garage now and commute by train - Yes, I am totally serious.
That means even more smiles per driven miles from now on, as both of my vehicles are now mostly for enjoyment.
Only downside to this is I can't keep my cool vanity plate, but maybe I'll get a new one if the future.
I took it to the local Nissan / Land Rover dealer for it's annual "§57 Überprüfung", where it turned a lot of heads!
The Monaro is in winter hibernation since last weekend and "SORNed" (i think that's what you call it in the UK?) until Spring.
We have covered a little more than 3000 kilometers / 1900 miles full of joy this year. I still love this car as much as ever!
I have since taken the first bunch of parts that will get a refresh over the winter out of the car, including the the rear seats, headrests, wiper arms, battery tray, skid plate.
I also plan on doing something to all the faded black exterior plastics and the headlights could also do with a bit of a polish.
There are a lot of things that I have planned for next year once spring is around. Will keep you posted.
I have found a significantly better job in a different State of Austria and jumped at the opportunity.
That job gives me possibilities I've never had before and if feels like the start a new and even better chapter in life.
Finding a new job far from "home" means me and my two cars had to move back in September this year.
We found a new home in the small town of Bad Schallerbach in the State of Upper Austria.
I have my two beloved cars in the garage now and commute by train - Yes, I am totally serious.
That means even more smiles per driven miles from now on, as both of my vehicles are now mostly for enjoyment.
Only downside to this is I can't keep my cool vanity plate, but maybe I'll get a new one if the future.
I took it to the local Nissan / Land Rover dealer for it's annual "§57 Überprüfung", where it turned a lot of heads!
The Monaro is in winter hibernation since last weekend and "SORNed" (i think that's what you call it in the UK?) until Spring.
We have covered a little more than 3000 kilometers / 1900 miles full of joy this year. I still love this car as much as ever!
I have since taken the first bunch of parts that will get a refresh over the winter out of the car, including the the rear seats, headrests, wiper arms, battery tray, skid plate.
I also plan on doing something to all the faded black exterior plastics and the headlights could also do with a bit of a polish.
There are a lot of things that I have planned for next year once spring is around. Will keep you posted.
TheWidget said:
Is your vanity plate restricted to living/working in a certain state of Austria?
Although, "grr, f** y**" is how I read the new plate and it works well enough!
Yes, that is unfortunately the case with all of our plates, be it vanity or regular. There are a whole bunch of regulations, I will try to explain them a bit. Although, "grr, f** y**" is how I read the new plate and it works well enough!
The first two letters designate the County that you live in. You must register your car in that County, you ain't got no choice.
The big cities only have one letter to designate them, like "W" for Wien/Vienna, "S" for Salzburg, "G" for Graz.
This is followed by the coat of arms of the respective State your County is situated in (again, you've got no choice).
The only part that you can choose (if you pay a substantial amount) is what comes after the County code and the coat of arms - Can be a maximum of 5 letters, minimum of 2, and must be followed by at least 1 number (which can't be a "0").
If you don't want to pay extra (like me), you will be issued a random combination of numbers and letters by your local DMV.
There are quite a few combinations of letters, numbers, letters+numbers that are banned, for example "SS" or "88" for obvious reasons...
With my new plates, GR designates the County of "Grieskirchen", followed by the coat of arms of the State of Upper Austria.
The "908 FU" bit is a random combination I was issued by the local DMV (I swear).
I was really surprised to find out that apparently "FU" is not a banned combination
Time for a little Spring update!
The car was off the road for almost six months during Winter.
I had high hopes, but it unfortunately this Spring was (yet again!) one of the wettest on record and I have not even driven 300 kilometers so far...
I have spent lots of time doing research over the winter and at the end of it, there was another big parts haul with the help of good old RockAuto.
It's mainly engine and drivetrain related maintenance items like:
GATES 34702 Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet
GATES 45002 Water Pump
GATES 38041 Idler Pulley
2x GATES 36220 Tensioner Pulley
GATES 38196 Belt Tensioner
2x GM GENUINE 15254700 Motor Mount
MACKAY T56 Gearbox Mount
DORMAN 934670 (934-670) Drive Shaft Center Support / Bearing
I also still have the rear suspension bushes yet to overhaul, a Mishimoto radiator and silicone hoses lying around.
These parts will likely keep collecting dust in the garage for a bit, because sometimes things just don't go as planned
I am still busy setting up my new apartment, and making my own furniture together with my dad. I am dedicated to making this place feel nice and welcoming, like a real home.
Adding to that, my daily driver (a 2006 Volvo V50 T5 AWD M66) developed a significant power loss which was tracked down to a turbo on it's way out!
We caught it in time and decided to replace it straight away before it could possibly grenade itself and take the glorious 5 cylinder petrol engine with it.
That happened just a few weeks after i decided to treat the car to a brand new clutch...
Well, that's the story of how I dumped more than 5k € into the daily driver within a few weeks
Here is a quick cellphone picture of the daily driver on the first spirited winter drive with a new turbo and clutch:
Back to the Holden - I did get a hold of some small random bits and bobs like a new dipstick and oil filler cap, a PCV hose that started to crack, trunk lift supports and new black wheel nuts, all of which are already on the car.
Since the front (yes, the front) Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires were very worn on the inside edges, I had to replace them after less than 10k kilometers of spirited driving and followed up with a new alignment.
Let's hope the new front tires will last much longer!
On a very positive side note, on one of the few nice and warm Spring days so far, I visited the Season Opening event of the biggest American Car Club in Austria
for some much needed time with like-minded petrol heads. I love hearing other peoples stories of how they got their dream car and seeing their builds.
The car was off the road for almost six months during Winter.
I had high hopes, but it unfortunately this Spring was (yet again!) one of the wettest on record and I have not even driven 300 kilometers so far...
I have spent lots of time doing research over the winter and at the end of it, there was another big parts haul with the help of good old RockAuto.
It's mainly engine and drivetrain related maintenance items like:
GATES 34702 Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet
GATES 45002 Water Pump
GATES 38041 Idler Pulley
2x GATES 36220 Tensioner Pulley
GATES 38196 Belt Tensioner
2x GM GENUINE 15254700 Motor Mount
MACKAY T56 Gearbox Mount
DORMAN 934670 (934-670) Drive Shaft Center Support / Bearing
I also still have the rear suspension bushes yet to overhaul, a Mishimoto radiator and silicone hoses lying around.
These parts will likely keep collecting dust in the garage for a bit, because sometimes things just don't go as planned
I am still busy setting up my new apartment, and making my own furniture together with my dad. I am dedicated to making this place feel nice and welcoming, like a real home.
Adding to that, my daily driver (a 2006 Volvo V50 T5 AWD M66) developed a significant power loss which was tracked down to a turbo on it's way out!
We caught it in time and decided to replace it straight away before it could possibly grenade itself and take the glorious 5 cylinder petrol engine with it.
That happened just a few weeks after i decided to treat the car to a brand new clutch...
Well, that's the story of how I dumped more than 5k € into the daily driver within a few weeks
Here is a quick cellphone picture of the daily driver on the first spirited winter drive with a new turbo and clutch:
Back to the Holden - I did get a hold of some small random bits and bobs like a new dipstick and oil filler cap, a PCV hose that started to crack, trunk lift supports and new black wheel nuts, all of which are already on the car.
Since the front (yes, the front) Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires were very worn on the inside edges, I had to replace them after less than 10k kilometers of spirited driving and followed up with a new alignment.
Let's hope the new front tires will last much longer!
On a very positive side note, on one of the few nice and warm Spring days so far, I visited the Season Opening event of the biggest American Car Club in Austria
for some much needed time with like-minded petrol heads. I love hearing other peoples stories of how they got their dream car and seeing their builds.
Good to hear you and the car are keeping well Null.
Sounds like you still love it and are looking after it real well!
I note the part number for the engine mounts are actually for a Corvette. They are also much cheaper.
I'm guessing you already know this though. What's the thought process here? They must be a little different?
Sounds like you still love it and are looking after it real well!
I note the part number for the engine mounts are actually for a Corvette. They are also much cheaper.
I'm guessing you already know this though. What's the thought process here? They must be a little different?
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