Null's ultimate Dream Car Thread - A CV8 Monaro in Austria
Discussion
Lincsls1 said:
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?
Thank you Lin 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?
The Corvette engine mounts appear to be identical to the LS1 GTO mounts in every dimension, so I am confident they will fit. We will see.
The good thing is the car thankfully does not "need" any of those upgrades as we speak.
So if something won't fit, it is just a minor annoyance, knowing I can just put the old part back in and look for a different upgrade.
Of course, I still love the Monaro and don't ever want to get rid of it!!
I figured a long time ago that it is best to tackle small things step by step before they become big issues.
Everything that I've done to the car in my three years of ownership has improved the overall experience little by little, and the list of other things that I want to upgrade / improve is still preeeeetty long.
There is a whole lot of cosmetic stuff to do, but that is not a big priority before I am done future-proofing the engine, drivetrain and suspension.
How are things going with your VXR?
Yes, they do look to be the same, let us know how you get on fitting them.
My VXR? Yes, its great thank you.
I've just had a professional rust proofing treatment done and I'm about to do a service on it.
Its just about as tidy as a used Monaro can be really, but then like you, I've put a lot of effort in to it.
You can see the work done / spec on my forum profile.
My VXR? Yes, its great thank you.
I've just had a professional rust proofing treatment done and I'm about to do a service on it.
Its just about as tidy as a used Monaro can be really, but then like you, I've put a lot of effort in to it.
You can see the work done / spec on my forum profile.
Hello, it's-a me Null with a late summer update.
Summer hat lots of great summer weather in store this year, perfect for many adventures with and without the car.
Here is a pic of the Monaro at recent a local classic car and sports car meet:
End of May, two mates in their project cars, a 1995 Mercedes-Benz W202 C280 Elegance and a VW Golf MK 2, joined me on a roadtrip to "Pfingsttreffen Schloss Ebenzweier", Austria's most diverse car meet near the shores of beautiful Lake Traunsee.
There were more than 300 cars, ranging from the 1910s to the latest supercars, present, my absolute favorites were this insane Renault 5 Maxi Turbo tribute car, a 1968 Dodge Charger and a fabulous late 1920s Buick.
In July, I took the daily driver Volvo V50 T5 AWD on a 3000 kilometer roadtrip to southern France, destination Gorges du Verdon National Park - sometimes jokingly referred to as "Europe's Grand Canyon".
Well I can tell you one thing - I have been to Grand Canyon twice and Gorges du Verdon beats it. This truly is the most beautiful place I have ever been to!
I am definitely coming back next year. Probably a little earlier as it is super hot there in July and August. The roads in France were in surprisingly good condition even in remote areas, so I am thinking about doing this trip with the Monaro next time, that would be amazing.
Summer hat lots of great summer weather in store this year, perfect for many adventures with and without the car.
Here is a pic of the Monaro at recent a local classic car and sports car meet:
End of May, two mates in their project cars, a 1995 Mercedes-Benz W202 C280 Elegance and a VW Golf MK 2, joined me on a roadtrip to "Pfingsttreffen Schloss Ebenzweier", Austria's most diverse car meet near the shores of beautiful Lake Traunsee.
There were more than 300 cars, ranging from the 1910s to the latest supercars, present, my absolute favorites were this insane Renault 5 Maxi Turbo tribute car, a 1968 Dodge Charger and a fabulous late 1920s Buick.
In July, I took the daily driver Volvo V50 T5 AWD on a 3000 kilometer roadtrip to southern France, destination Gorges du Verdon National Park - sometimes jokingly referred to as "Europe's Grand Canyon".
Well I can tell you one thing - I have been to Grand Canyon twice and Gorges du Verdon beats it. This truly is the most beautiful place I have ever been to!
I am definitely coming back next year. Probably a little earlier as it is super hot there in July and August. The roads in France were in surprisingly good condition even in remote areas, so I am thinking about doing this trip with the Monaro next time, that would be amazing.
A couple of days ago I had the dreaded trunk release mechanism break on me.
I have previously read horror stories of people having to drill through the license plate filler panel to break the lock open, thankfully my emergency release behind the driver's side rear headrest still worked.
This tiny piece of rubber coated metal wire is all that pulls your Monaro's trunk latch open... what a pathetic piece of cost cutting bulls
ttery!!!
There was no way I was gonna spend any money on a genuine spare part, as that would inevitably fail again in the future.
After a couple of failed attempts with a clothes hanger and a bicycle brake line, I managed to repair the mechanism with good old cable ties.
You can remove the actuator mechanism and the lock, but in the end you need to mount everything back up to get the length and tension
of the cable tie dialed in perfectly, in order for the mechanism to function properly again.
Tricky as there is barely any room to work and it was suuuper hot outside, so i was absolutely drenched in sweat.
Sorry for the crappy pictures, as i said it is very cramped in there. But maybe this can still be helpful to some of you in the future.
I have previously read horror stories of people having to drill through the license plate filler panel to break the lock open, thankfully my emergency release behind the driver's side rear headrest still worked.
This tiny piece of rubber coated metal wire is all that pulls your Monaro's trunk latch open... what a pathetic piece of cost cutting bulls
ttery!!! There was no way I was gonna spend any money on a genuine spare part, as that would inevitably fail again in the future.
After a couple of failed attempts with a clothes hanger and a bicycle brake line, I managed to repair the mechanism with good old cable ties.
You can remove the actuator mechanism and the lock, but in the end you need to mount everything back up to get the length and tension
of the cable tie dialed in perfectly, in order for the mechanism to function properly again.
Tricky as there is barely any room to work and it was suuuper hot outside, so i was absolutely drenched in sweat.
Sorry for the crappy pictures, as i said it is very cramped in there. But maybe this can still be helpful to some of you in the future.
Null.Performance said:
A couple of days ago I had the dreaded trunk release mechanism break on me.
I have previously read horror stories of people having to drill through the license plate filler panel to break the lock open, thankfully my emergency release behind the driver's side rear headrest still worked.
This tiny piece of rubber coated metal wire is all that pulls your Monaro's trunk latch open... what a pathetic piece of cost cutting bullsttery!!!
There was no way I was gonna spend any money on a genuine spare part, as that would inevitably fail again in the future.
I've not used one yet but aware of the problem so have this bookmarked if the need arises I have previously read horror stories of people having to drill through the license plate filler panel to break the lock open, thankfully my emergency release behind the driver's side rear headrest still worked.
This tiny piece of rubber coated metal wire is all that pulls your Monaro's trunk latch open... what a pathetic piece of cost cutting bulls
ttery!!! There was no way I was gonna spend any money on a genuine spare part, as that would inevitably fail again in the future.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122237885120?mkcid=16&a...
Edited by L2VXR on Monday 28th August 19:32
As in many parts of Europe, this Autumn 2023 pulverized all previously know temperature and sunshine duration records in Austria, but every driving season comes to an end at some point.
I've taken the Monaro off the road until spring (SORNed) and already started removing a bunch of exterior parts that I will freshen up over winter. (B-pillar trim, diffuser, wiper arms, washer nozzles, headlights etc...)
I spent a lot of money on tires, suspension and braking components during my first four years of Monaro ownership, I figured now is the time for some cosmetic TLC.
With a car like the Monaro and an OCD like mine, it's always a never ending project.
Here is a quick cellphone picture form our last drive of the season, a 300 km round-trip to the former mining village of Unterlaussa in the Kalkalpen National Park via Hengstpass,
one of the best roads that I know of.
Plus, I have a question for other Monaro owners - I'll be replacing the tired old battery before spring.
Currently I have a Bosch S5 007 (750A, 74Ah) in the car, thinking about switching to an AGM battery like the Bosch S5 A08. I already have an AGM compatible trickle charger/battery tender.
A downside that I discovered during my research - It seems AGM batteries can be sensitive to high under-bonnet-temperatures (like an LS1 produces...)
Which is not an issue for most car manufacturers today, since a lot of modern cars have the battery in the trunk or under the seats.
Thoughts on AGM batteries in our V8 dinosaurs, please?
I've taken the Monaro off the road until spring (SORNed) and already started removing a bunch of exterior parts that I will freshen up over winter. (B-pillar trim, diffuser, wiper arms, washer nozzles, headlights etc...)
I spent a lot of money on tires, suspension and braking components during my first four years of Monaro ownership, I figured now is the time for some cosmetic TLC.
With a car like the Monaro and an OCD like mine, it's always a never ending project.
Here is a quick cellphone picture form our last drive of the season, a 300 km round-trip to the former mining village of Unterlaussa in the Kalkalpen National Park via Hengstpass,
one of the best roads that I know of.
Plus, I have a question for other Monaro owners - I'll be replacing the tired old battery before spring.
Currently I have a Bosch S5 007 (750A, 74Ah) in the car, thinking about switching to an AGM battery like the Bosch S5 A08. I already have an AGM compatible trickle charger/battery tender.
A downside that I discovered during my research - It seems AGM batteries can be sensitive to high under-bonnet-temperatures (like an LS1 produces...)
Which is not an issue for most car manufacturers today, since a lot of modern cars have the battery in the trunk or under the seats.
Thoughts on AGM batteries in our V8 dinosaurs, please?
Good to hear you're well Null. And your Monaro is still going strong.
Regarding the battery question. My answer would be why? An AGM battery just isn't needed for our cars. They are mainly for cars with stop/start technology.
Just replace your battery with a high quality regular battery that actually fits in the tray properly. I know many Monaro owners have fitted a physically bigger battery (096?) that don't fit properly. There is no need.
I fitted a type '027' - this correct size battery. A Exide Premium 64Ah 640CCA. Not as powerful as yours, but it fits correctly and spins the engine over with ease. That was 5 years ago and it is still just fine.
Regarding the battery question. My answer would be why? An AGM battery just isn't needed for our cars. They are mainly for cars with stop/start technology.
Just replace your battery with a high quality regular battery that actually fits in the tray properly. I know many Monaro owners have fitted a physically bigger battery (096?) that don't fit properly. There is no need.
I fitted a type '027' - this correct size battery. A Exide Premium 64Ah 640CCA. Not as powerful as yours, but it fits correctly and spins the engine over with ease. That was 5 years ago and it is still just fine.
Thank you for your valuable input, Lin!
I agree, an AGM battery isn't really necessary in our cars, they were developed in a time were traditional Lead–acid batteries were the norm.
However, the same can be said for most upgrades people like you and me add to our Monaros. They are awesome cars straight from the factory,
yet still we have the desire to personalize and improve certain aspects, don't we?
From what I gathered: AGM batteries are more resilient to battery drain when the car is not in use and almost immune to cold temperatures.
During the season, my Monaro sometimes does not get used for 2 to 3 weeks because of bad weather or work.
Additionally, the first owner of the car fitted an aftermarket alarm system which is responsible for a substantial parasitic draw.
Both these things are bad for a traditional lead-acid battery. I know I should always hook it up to the battery tender during those periods of standstill, but sometimes I simply forget to.
So it's mainly two things that make me think about going AGM:
- The more expensive AGM battery might last longer than the 4 years my current lead-acid battery has lasted in my specific use case.
- It's a piece of more advanced, modern technology. I love my 20 year old manual V8 dinosaur, but time has moved on and significant technological advancements were made within the last two decades.
I love how for example the modern Michelin Pilot Sport tires, autocross-inspired brake pads and the aftermarket-engineered Pedders rack and PU bushes improved my 20 year old car.
Personally, I can live without giant touch screens, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition etc. in my cars.
However, I am a tech nerd, I am always interested in learning about the modern technology and safety features that have come to new cars - Like AGM batteries.
As you know, my Monaro is my dream car and I will keep it forever.
As such, I am always looking for things to refine and improve, while still preserving it's analogue 2000s charm that made me fall in love with it.
I agree, an AGM battery isn't really necessary in our cars, they were developed in a time were traditional Lead–acid batteries were the norm.
However, the same can be said for most upgrades people like you and me add to our Monaros. They are awesome cars straight from the factory,
yet still we have the desire to personalize and improve certain aspects, don't we?
From what I gathered: AGM batteries are more resilient to battery drain when the car is not in use and almost immune to cold temperatures.
During the season, my Monaro sometimes does not get used for 2 to 3 weeks because of bad weather or work.
Additionally, the first owner of the car fitted an aftermarket alarm system which is responsible for a substantial parasitic draw.
Both these things are bad for a traditional lead-acid battery. I know I should always hook it up to the battery tender during those periods of standstill, but sometimes I simply forget to.
So it's mainly two things that make me think about going AGM:
- The more expensive AGM battery might last longer than the 4 years my current lead-acid battery has lasted in my specific use case.
- It's a piece of more advanced, modern technology. I love my 20 year old manual V8 dinosaur, but time has moved on and significant technological advancements were made within the last two decades.
I love how for example the modern Michelin Pilot Sport tires, autocross-inspired brake pads and the aftermarket-engineered Pedders rack and PU bushes improved my 20 year old car.
Personally, I can live without giant touch screens, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition etc. in my cars.
However, I am a tech nerd, I am always interested in learning about the modern technology and safety features that have come to new cars - Like AGM batteries.
As you know, my Monaro is my dream car and I will keep it forever.
As such, I am always looking for things to refine and improve, while still preserving it's analogue 2000s charm that made me fall in love with it.
AFAIK AGM batteries need a slightly different charging profile especially from deeper discharges.
e.g. terminal voltage should be higher (than trad. lead acid).
Unless you're charging from an external device with an AGM setting I'd expect you'll have paid the extra without taking advantage of the capability.
Get (and use!) a CTEK or similar with a good quality standard battery.
e.g. terminal voltage should be higher (than trad. lead acid).
Unless you're charging from an external device with an AGM setting I'd expect you'll have paid the extra without taking advantage of the capability.
Get (and use!) a CTEK or similar with a good quality standard battery.
Love your car and your enthusiasm for it!
On the subject of batteries, I’ve just changed the old 027 type in mine as it was at end of life and really struggling to crank.
Replaced it with a much higher rated battery, spins the big lump with no problems now! A Yuasa HSB096. It’s physically a little bigger, but fits no problem.
On the subject of batteries, I’ve just changed the old 027 type in mine as it was at end of life and really struggling to crank.
Replaced it with a much higher rated battery, spins the big lump with no problems now! A Yuasa HSB096. It’s physically a little bigger, but fits no problem.
I've had an AGM battery in mine ever since I moved it into the boot, an Odyssey PC1230.
https://www.plymouthbattery.co.uk/type/vrla-and-ag...
My car would sit (outside) for reasonably long periods and with it being in the boot I wanted a little more oomph.
In the 10 or so years since, I did manage to kill one off, but the car was sat untouched for ~18 months so I didn't think it was unreasonable that the battery died
Mine can still sit for weeks at a time and it always cranks over well. I have a CTEK trickle charger and will occasionally put it on (in the AGM mode) if I think it's been a long time, and about once a year I run the reconditioning cycle that the CTEK has which is supposed to keep the battery in a good state.
https://www.plymouthbattery.co.uk/type/vrla-and-ag...
My car would sit (outside) for reasonably long periods and with it being in the boot I wanted a little more oomph.
In the 10 or so years since, I did manage to kill one off, but the car was sat untouched for ~18 months so I didn't think it was unreasonable that the battery died
Mine can still sit for weeks at a time and it always cranks over well. I have a CTEK trickle charger and will occasionally put it on (in the AGM mode) if I think it's been a long time, and about once a year I run the reconditioning cycle that the CTEK has which is supposed to keep the battery in a good state.
Thanks guys, really appreciate your inputs.
Heat seems to be an issue for AGM batteries. I discovered that over in Australia, companies like Century have develoved high-temperature-resistant AGM batteries specifically for under-bonnet use.
They are expensive, but they do exist. However, not availabe anywhere here.
I'll bin the idea of getting an AGM battery for now.
Luckily, sometimes when you are torn between two options, a third one appears out of nowhere - the EFB (enhanced flooded battery).
They offer some of the benefits of AGM batteries, but can cope with high under-bonnet temperatures like a traditional lead-acid battery.
I've gone ahead and ordered a VARTA EFB 570 (70 Ah, 760 A). Going to pick it up at my local auto parts store next week.
Going forward, I'll make sure to always use my battery tender so it won't die a premature death.
Heat seems to be an issue for AGM batteries. I discovered that over in Australia, companies like Century have develoved high-temperature-resistant AGM batteries specifically for under-bonnet use.
They are expensive, but they do exist. However, not availabe anywhere here.
I'll bin the idea of getting an AGM battery for now.
Luckily, sometimes when you are torn between two options, a third one appears out of nowhere - the EFB (enhanced flooded battery).
They offer some of the benefits of AGM batteries, but can cope with high under-bonnet temperatures like a traditional lead-acid battery.
I've gone ahead and ordered a VARTA EFB 570 (70 Ah, 760 A). Going to pick it up at my local auto parts store next week.
Going forward, I'll make sure to always use my battery tender so it won't die a premature death.
Just scanned through your thread. You have stuck with the standard gearing? I'm one of the 35 who has a silver 05 CV8.
I'm the only one as far as I know who has a car correct to the UK brochure spec with the M12 gearbox. Vauxhall messed up and put the wrong one in all the others the MM6. The M12 has shorter ratios as was fitted to the 05 VXR 6.0 and well worth "correcting" your car I would say.
I've just fitted my 4th battery though the second didn't last very long so the original and the third have provided most of the service. £60 for a basic Yuasa one 027, Yuasa YBX3027. The 3rd one which lasted 9 years also a basic Yuasa. My first vehicle a Honda cub 50 cc motorcycle had a Yuasa battery so don't se the need to go elsewhere now.
I'm the only one as far as I know who has a car correct to the UK brochure spec with the M12 gearbox. Vauxhall messed up and put the wrong one in all the others the MM6. The M12 has shorter ratios as was fitted to the 05 VXR 6.0 and well worth "correcting" your car I would say.
I've just fitted my 4th battery though the second didn't last very long so the original and the third have provided most of the service. £60 for a basic Yuasa one 027, Yuasa YBX3027. The 3rd one which lasted 9 years also a basic Yuasa. My first vehicle a Honda cub 50 cc motorcycle had a Yuasa battery so don't se the need to go elsewhere now.
Hello Granada 203028
I too have a VZ Monaro like yours but mine is still fitted with the wrong factory gear box. I do remember reading how you converted your car back to the correct specifications.
I was wondering what the overall performance and top speed are since the conversion?
I eventually got fed up with gearing on my car and fitted a 3.9 differential.
Now as far as I can tell it’s not as good as your upgraded gearbox but probably a close second. The mod has transformed the car and im glad I did it.
I must admit the thought of fitting a Tremec super magnum gearbox is very tempting, but my Mrs is rather against the idea
The bad news was I swapped out the standard factory LSD for a Truetrac which was rubbish, 20,000 miles later I changed it for a Wavetrac which is so much better.
Null if you’re reading this…..start saving
I too have a VZ Monaro like yours but mine is still fitted with the wrong factory gear box. I do remember reading how you converted your car back to the correct specifications.
I was wondering what the overall performance and top speed are since the conversion?
I eventually got fed up with gearing on my car and fitted a 3.9 differential.
Now as far as I can tell it’s not as good as your upgraded gearbox but probably a close second. The mod has transformed the car and im glad I did it.
I must admit the thought of fitting a Tremec super magnum gearbox is very tempting, but my Mrs is rather against the idea
The bad news was I swapped out the standard factory LSD for a Truetrac which was rubbish, 20,000 miles later I changed it for a Wavetrac which is so much better.
Null if you’re reading this…..start saving
Edited by mfp4073 on Tuesday 19th December 20:07
improvement with the 3.9 diff in my CV8None of the options are quite ideal I would say. In an ideal world I would have the M12 ratios but with the 5th from the MM6 and a shorter still 1st say 3.3:1. Presumably the gear would be too big to fit in the case.
My other near factory mod was to fit a Pontiac GTO exhaust which is identical to the CV8 system but without the small centre boxes. So better noise without spoiling refinement.
My other near factory mod was to fit a Pontiac GTO exhaust which is identical to the CV8 system but without the small centre boxes. So better noise without spoiling refinement.
granada203028 said:
None of the options are quite ideal I would say. In an ideal world I would have the M12 ratios but with the 5th from the MM6 and a shorter still 1st say 3.3:1. Presumably the gear would be too big to fit in the case.
My other near factory mod was to fit a Pontiac GTO exhaust which is identical to the CV8 system but without the small centre boxes. So better noise without spoiling refinement.
Thanks for the reply.My other near factory mod was to fit a Pontiac GTO exhaust which is identical to the CV8 system but without the small centre boxes. So better noise without spoiling refinement.
I never thought about putting on a factory gto exhaust. I did however fit a Magnaflow cat back for the 6ltr gto.
The system is quite good but with headers it was a bit noisy….so I fitted sound deadener to tone the noise down in the cabin……and add weight
Null I hope you are paying attention….you could save yourself some costly mistakes
Thanks for the heads up guys
It says MM6 on my build plaque under the hood, so that's what was put in at the assembly line in Australia in 2005.
I enjoy the powertrain as it is right now, some say you can never have enough power and noise, but 354 hp fits my car perfectly.
With stock power, gearing and diff I can floor it for 2 to 3 seconds without breaking every speed limit in the country and it still MOVES up on the mountain roads
I posted a few sound clips of the original exhaust last year - I think it's very fitting for a summer weekend grand tourer - which is how I mainly use mine.
Love all the Walkinshaw VX8s, HSV GTSes, Hellcats, SRT 392s, LS7 Corvettes and so on, but in my scenario, a subtle, stately V8 rumble is preferable.
Personally, if I wanted a pure muscle car or a track car, I would have gotten something else, there are much lighter and much more focused cars out there.
To each their own, the aftermarket is endless for LS engines and I love seeing all the different builds! Do you have a build thread of yours anywhere, granada?
It says MM6 on my build plaque under the hood, so that's what was put in at the assembly line in Australia in 2005.
I enjoy the powertrain as it is right now, some say you can never have enough power and noise, but 354 hp fits my car perfectly.
With stock power, gearing and diff I can floor it for 2 to 3 seconds without breaking every speed limit in the country and it still MOVES up on the mountain roads
I posted a few sound clips of the original exhaust last year - I think it's very fitting for a summer weekend grand tourer - which is how I mainly use mine.
Love all the Walkinshaw VX8s, HSV GTSes, Hellcats, SRT 392s, LS7 Corvettes and so on, but in my scenario, a subtle, stately V8 rumble is preferable.
Personally, if I wanted a pure muscle car or a track car, I would have gotten something else, there are much lighter and much more focused cars out there.
To each their own, the aftermarket is endless for LS engines and I love seeing all the different builds! Do you have a build thread of yours anywhere, granada?
I bought mine from new so the gearbox and exhaust are the only mods. I would like a remap as this is discussed allot or at least used to be but would like to see the the results quantified on a rolling road. Not sure I would trust my senses, I would want to know it is better not just be told its better.
I comprehensively documented the gearbox issue in 2007 which you may have seen, to a mixed reception on this forum.
I comprehensively documented the gearbox issue in 2007 which you may have seen, to a mixed reception on this forum.
granada203028 said:
I bought mine from new so the gearbox and exhaust are the only mods. I would like a remap as this is discussed allot or at least used to be but would like to see the the results quantified on a rolling road. Not sure I would trust my senses, I would want to know it is better not just be told its better.
I comprehensively documented the gearbox issue in 2007 which you may have seen, to a mixed reception on this forum.
I remember well your journey and applaud your considerable efforts to get the gearbox ratio issues sorted.I comprehensively documented the gearbox issue in 2007 which you may have seen, to a mixed reception on this forum.
I read somewhere that the Vauxhall version of CV8 needed a ridiculously high top gear ratio in order to pass the UK authority's drive-by exhaust decibel test. Who knows though, how the VXR managed to pass?
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