I'm new and I need some advice!

[willisit]

Hi all,

I've already had a long and very helpful chat with Paul (uk hsv) but I want some MORE advice and help please!

Who here has driven the VXR and the standard Monaro?

What are the differences? I mean, in driving feel and power?

I'm a royal pain in the ass when it comes to cars - I get bored quickly and like to change them and I'm coming from a 911 (993) and really fancy a V8. However, the depreciation can work for and against me (I want a new one.. but who wouldn't?).

I'm tempted to save and get a 6.0 VXR - but I'm already seeing 5.7s with £5k off them. Do I need to be so greedy? Can I be happy with a stock '04 or '05 5.7 and just get Paul to work some magic?

I like the look.. can I buy the body kit?
I like the big wheels.. but is it easy enough just to throw some 20s on? (my Calibra turbo has 19s anyway!).
What about brakes.. I know some of you have had some fettling done!

Sorry for the long post but I'm really really tempted!

[V8HSV]

LS1 VXR & add AP racing brakes would be my choice

[caspy]

Wholeheartedly agree with Will.

Std car and VXR very diff in everyday driving. The std car is a Holden, the VXR is an HSV. Similar to diff between std BMW and M series etc. (sorry for the comparison)

The HSV is bred from better stock and a more complete drive. U can add all sorts of mods to a std car, but they will always be a std car. A HSV will always be a HSV and as such is worth more, and if u want to 'fettle' the car, u are working from a higher starting point and will ultimately cost u less in the long run to tune and enjoy as a complete driving experience.

[willisit]

Ah ah.. thanks Caspy.

This is as I feared.. heh. I knew I wasn't going mad (and my ego is suitably impressed too).

So who has one local to Portsmouth?

This might be a stupid thing to mention, but I've not even been out in one (sat in 2 - both at shows).

I'd loooove someone just to take me round the block in one? Anyone fancy it? I *know* it's cheeky.. really, but I've owned DeLoreans and the 911 and I've done the same for peeps in the past and I know I enjoyed showing the cars off.. so I'm willing to bet you guys are too

So maybe I can look for an '04 VXR then.

Dan

>> Edited by willisit on Friday 29th April 12:25

[HSVGTSCoupe]

I'm in Oxford and have a REAL VXR! You can come for a spin in mine if you ever get up this way. I am selling it but was not planning on doing it quite so soon. see pix at http://sjcphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/312783/7/13924516
cheers, Julian ([e-mail])

[willisit]

Ooh that's one beautiful vehicle!

How does that differ from the UK cars? I guess I could Google it but it's better coming from the horse's mouth so to speak!

Why are you selling? And what are they worth?

[caspy]

Don't u mean a REAL HSV ?

Tut tut.....Rob will shoot you!!!



>> Edited by caspy on Friday 29th April 14:11

[HSVGTSCoupe]

HSV make two coupes in OZ, the GTO which is sold here as the VX-R and the GTS. Mine is the latter & was built in 2002 based on the first "new" Monaro's (model V2). There are many differences between a GTS & GTO but the main thing was the engine which is a C4B Callaway (approx 400bhp I think) which is a modified version of the LS1 5.7l. The mechanical spec was very similar to the car that was sold here by UK HSV called the GTS-R (called the GTS in Oz). Other key differences are the big AP 6 pot front brakes, GTS shadow chrome wheels, Scottish leather interior, Hydratrak diff, different engine mapping & air flow setup, free flowing exhaust, plus a few luxo features the GTO didn't have back then. Having said all this, the 05 GTO (05 VXR) is an updated series compared to my GTS Coupe so most the luxo features are now included on this model and my interior is of the older (pre VXR) series style. The only mods from facory std are a set of pacemaker tuned extractors (4 into 1) which give it a great note and a few more neddies.

I bought mine exactly 2 years ago and imported here when transferred for work 3 months ago. I always planned to sell it while over here simply cos I'll do better due to laws of supply & demand (it's the only GTS Coupe in the UK as far as we know). I've already had 3 people interested so when I finally dig up the nerve to seperate from my baby it might be on for young & old!

The GTS is now a special order item from HSV. I think they built about 300 of them but Paul would certainly be the one to ask for more info & technical specs on it.

Give me a yell if u want more info

JH

[EH*ROB]

[quote]Don't u mean a REAL HSV ?

Tut tut.....Rob will shoot you!!!



[/quote]

Thanks Brian,

Ya I was a bit confused by Julian calling his a VXR, when it's a REAL GTS. Not that I have a problem with Vauxhall mate, She's a GM Sister hay.

I give Vauxhall credit for having the guts to go for it and bring the Monaro to the UK .

Regards,
Rob.



>> Edited by EH*ROB on Friday 29th April 19:41

[booster]

>> Edited by booster on Friday 29th April 18:21

[pomona]

Rob,you have just confirmed what my thoughts and statement were about 12 months ago.

[EH*ROB]

If you are talking about Vauxhall mate, well yes.

When I first came here to the UK just over 12yrs ago, I would have loved go out & buy a Holden to drive around, but thought no chance of that, so the next best thing was a Vauxhall.

You may have realized by now that I'm VERY loyal to Holden and GM, so as Vauxhall are part of GM & now you could say Holden in the Monaro, they are OK by me.

I admit that if I had the money I would still go out & buy an older HSV say like your UK spec GTS/R or imported Holden, but if that was not possible, thanks to Vauxhall I could still get a Holden Monaro, badged as a Vauxhall.

VXR - "UK JUST GOT ONE"



>> Edited by EH*ROB on Friday 29th April 19:31

[moosepig]

EH*ROB said:

I give Vauxhall credit for having the guts to go for it and bring the Monaro to the UK.

Well said! I may "only" be a pom, but until Vauxhall decided to bring these fantastic cars to the UK I knew nothing about them. Now, thanks largely to this forum, I own one - and what better way to support such a fantastic Oz motor than by putting your money where your mouth is.

Vauxhall may not be a "prestige" marque, but what the hell -the Monaro is a prestige car without question. Good on ya, Vauxhall!



>> Edited by moosepig on Sunday 1st May 01:48