Discussion
The intention was to get a small, light roadster as my next car. After viewing an MG TF, some Mx5s and a Porsche 924, I got somewhat side-tracked…
I figured that petrol wasn’t getting any cheaper, that Monaros were unlikely to depreciate much further, and that I needed a V8. So here’s my CV8
The car looks larger in the metal than it does in photos – it is a surprisingly large car (lengthwise in particular). Personally I like the subtle styling of the CV8, and think the car has a fairly elegant shape overall.
The first point of contact with the car is unsurprisingly the key fob, which in the Monaro’s case is an ugly looking plastic lump. Once inside, the roofline is low and the cabin feels cosy, though I feel the seat doesn’t go low enough. A comfortable driving position is easy to find thanks to the (extremely comfy) electric seats and reach/ rake adjustable steering wheel. Space up front is ample, and the two individual rear seats can accommodate a six footer easily.
The clutch is on the heavy side, as is the long throw gearbox which doesn’t like to be rushed. Twist the key, and the car rocks up from left to right as the 5.7l LS1 V8 rumbles into life. It’s certainly smile inducing
First driving impressions are dominated by the torque. The car happily potters around town in 5th gear at 1k rpms with 30mph on the speedo. Engine braking is quite strong too. When the road opens up, the car pulls strongly to the red line with a suitable muscle car soundtrack, although the linear nature of the power delivery means it’s faster than it feels. The car also fully lives up to the expectations of fun in the corners that contemporary Top Gear reviews had instilled in me.
The ride is firm but well dampened, and with the soft well-padded seats and long gearing, the car makes a good GT. 70mph equates to just over 1,500rpm for example.
The car is completely standard at the moment, though I will need to upgrade the exhaust at some point as the standard system is far too quiet. Other than that, I’m really enjoying V8 motoring
I figured that petrol wasn’t getting any cheaper, that Monaros were unlikely to depreciate much further, and that I needed a V8. So here’s my CV8
The car looks larger in the metal than it does in photos – it is a surprisingly large car (lengthwise in particular). Personally I like the subtle styling of the CV8, and think the car has a fairly elegant shape overall.
The first point of contact with the car is unsurprisingly the key fob, which in the Monaro’s case is an ugly looking plastic lump. Once inside, the roofline is low and the cabin feels cosy, though I feel the seat doesn’t go low enough. A comfortable driving position is easy to find thanks to the (extremely comfy) electric seats and reach/ rake adjustable steering wheel. Space up front is ample, and the two individual rear seats can accommodate a six footer easily.
The clutch is on the heavy side, as is the long throw gearbox which doesn’t like to be rushed. Twist the key, and the car rocks up from left to right as the 5.7l LS1 V8 rumbles into life. It’s certainly smile inducing
First driving impressions are dominated by the torque. The car happily potters around town in 5th gear at 1k rpms with 30mph on the speedo. Engine braking is quite strong too. When the road opens up, the car pulls strongly to the red line with a suitable muscle car soundtrack, although the linear nature of the power delivery means it’s faster than it feels. The car also fully lives up to the expectations of fun in the corners that contemporary Top Gear reviews had instilled in me.
The ride is firm but well dampened, and with the soft well-padded seats and long gearing, the car makes a good GT. 70mph equates to just over 1,500rpm for example.
The car is completely standard at the moment, though I will need to upgrade the exhaust at some point as the standard system is far too quiet. Other than that, I’m really enjoying V8 motoring
S800VXR said:
You mean 4.7ltrs less... 
Get yourself a rip shifter, wortec, ap brakes and remote clutch bleed line. Use Monkfish only, donnot pass go, do not collect £200 and do not use El Es VeeEight Power.....
Then enjoy it.
Engine math fail - the bike doesn't have quite so few cc Get yourself a rip shifter, wortec, ap brakes and remote clutch bleed line. Use Monkfish only, donnot pass go, do not collect £200 and do not use El Es VeeEight Power.....
Then enjoy it.
Sadly it's not as large an engine as you figured either. 5,665cc minus 599cc = 5,066cc defecit!Rip shifter is on the maybe list (I quite like the theatrics of the current gearshift), but a Wortec "Essential Pack" and exhaust are most definitely on the wanted list. What's the remote clutch bleed line for?
Thanks for the kind words chaps
Clutch uses a donut release unit and when you get it hot with fast or hard use the clutch pedal goes limp till things cool down. Loads of b
ks about sucking out the reserviour, pumping 50 times etc etc, all bks as been there done that. Remote bleed line moves the utterly ridiculas bleed location from just inside the bell housing to a place within the engine bay so you can easily bleed the system on a regular basis to save any issues. Speak to Roger at Monkfish who copies my location placement now when he fits them. Don't bend over whilst there otherwise you will come out very sore financially as loads you can do to these!
PM me if you want more details on stuff and who not! to use as the PH massive get all excited when names are mentioned.
Nice to see a stock CV8 as well!
ks about sucking out the reserviour, pumping 50 times etc etc, all bks as been there done that. Remote bleed line moves the utterly ridiculas bleed location from just inside the bell housing to a place within the engine bay so you can easily bleed the system on a regular basis to save any issues. Speak to Roger at Monkfish who copies my location placement now when he fits them. Don't bend over whilst there otherwise you will come out very sore financially as loads you can do to these! PM me if you want more details on stuff and who not! to use as the PH massive get all excited when names are mentioned.
Nice to see a stock CV8 as well!
Cheers for the info S800VXR 
I've just seen in your profile you owned the VXR600 - it's a real shame all the problems you went through with it 
What was the cause of the original engine letting go if you don't mind me asking?
I'll bear the remote bleed line mod in mind, but hopefully with a standard LS1 the clutch shouldn't overheat in the first place.
I've just seen in your profile you owned the VXR600 - it's a real shame all the problems you went through with it What was the cause of the original engine letting go if you don't mind me asking?I'll bear the remote bleed line mod in mind, but hopefully with a standard LS1 the clutch shouldn't overheat in the first place.
S800VXR said:
Nice to see a stock CV8 as well!
I think only an exhaust and possibly the Wortec remap are on the cards for this car. If I decide I want a faster Monaro at a later date, I'd probably sell this one and buy a pre-modified car as it tends to be more cost effective Codswallop said:
I think only an exhaust and possibly the Wortec remap are on the cards for this car. If I decide I want a faster Monaro at a later date, I'd probably sell this one and buy a pre-modified car as it tends to be more cost effective
Shyte stock pistons, hot day, drag racing. All combined to melt 2 of the slugs! Mind you I still drove it home (150 mikes!) but all below 1200rpm!Great cars and full of caracter. My current RS6 is a way better car but does not have the same feeling about it and costs an arm and a leg for bits compared to these. Will prob sell some time and get a VXR8. BTW, good call with bying one with mods as thats very cost effective.
S800VXR said:
Shyte stock pistons, hot day, drag racing. All combined to melt 2 of the slugs! Mind you I still drove it home (150 mikes!) but all below 1200rpm!
Surprising that Greens would have sold the car with so many upgrades if the stock internals couldn't reliably handle it, but fair play for limping it home. Great car and bike history btw S800VXR said:
Great cars and full of caracter. My current RS6 is a way better car but does not have the same feeling about it and costs an arm and a leg for bits compared to these. Will prob sell some time and get a VXR8. BTW, good call with bying one with mods as thats very cost effective.
I know what you mean, the general running costs appear lower than for similar performance cars from other manufacturers. Pre-moded cars are great value 
Marvib said:
Picking up this cars twin sister on Monday, An 06 55 plate totally standard car.
So looking forward to owning my 1st V8
Good stuff So looking forward to owning my 1st V8
V8 motoring is a joy, and the facelift CV8s have a great looking rear end.
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