Vl turbos - Page 2

**Silver Ghia** · 11-12-2012, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 302 XC

A bog stock BA has more power in n/a guise that any factory Vl turbo had ...
Hoon laws aside, there are faster n/a sixes,nice P plate friendly that do bad things to even a warmed 3L Vl,nowadays

But the BA was a much heavier car than the lightweight VL, which accelerated well because of the relatively high power to weight ratio.

Boza · 12-12-2012, 02:03 AM

I learned to drive in my uncles n/a vl exec in the late 90s it was a low km car but always had issues blew the headgasket had power steering rack failures all the plastics in side were creacking and falling apart he had the front end re done and it still handled like crap to be honest i never enjoyed that car and a mate had a 10 sec manual vl built by jpc in melbourne was a well known vl shop here in melbourne and i drove that thing aswell he spent heaps on suspension and ot was still no where near as good as my esp it felt like it was all over the road even just cruising at 60kph i honestly did enjoy the noises the thing made with a massive wastegate screamer pipe and the cooler flutter thats about all liked about it

Also i have had a vr exec as a company car and a vs ss i foolishly bought as i never liked commodores for their handling was just to help a mate out of a tight spot and honestly they both drove the same as my uncles vl my cousin has a vt exec and that thing still drives like the vl i drove handling wise and he's had the car from 6 months old so i dunno maybe just me

Gobes32 · 12-12-2012, 11:50 AM

That ice blue Calais on the previous page is a bloody good looking car.........

On another note, in stock form they were not quick at all. I remember when my parents bought a EF Gli brand new, and I could not believe how much faster than my VL their car was. Been a Ford man through and through ever since.

xisled · 12-12-2012, 12:05 PM

IMO the VL turbo is the reason why we have the XR6T. It showed Australian wanted turbo.

Ryan · 12-12-2012, 12:12 PM

Reading this thread makes me miss mine although it wasn't a turbo.

image

I think I'll end up getting another one, but not as a daily and it has to be a V8 even though the turbo would kill it. I was going to get a V8 Calais, but I ended up with my SS instead.

I definitely would like another one because even though they're over 25 years old and don't handle very well I kind of miss their crudeness in a way. I loved driving mine.

Fiesta_Man69 · 12-12-2012, 12:21 PM

Heaps of VLs around, which is good considering their age. Plenty of steeters running 9s too....

Gobes32 · 12-12-2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan

Reading this thread makes me miss mine although it wasn't a turbo.

image

That was a good looking car mate.

BENT_8 · 12-12-2012, 02:22 PM

When i was a teen in the early 90's every man and his dog wanted a 5-0 VL Calais, turbo's never got a mention.

I loved the things and desperately wanted a burgandy or white Calais even though i had been brainwashed into believing Ford were the only car worthy of buying.
The flip up light covers and bob tail boot gave them a great appearance amongst the backdrop of mundane offerings from that era.

When i had enough money and had banged up my learners bomb enough i signed a contract on a white VL exec, in 93 they were still pulling 13k.

Didnt go through with it in the end, the old man spat it, so i bought a mint V8 HX Kingswood instead, and spent the rest giving it some personal touches.

That made for interesting conversation at the dinner table...

302 XC · 12-12-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xisled

IMO the VL turbo is the reason why we have the XR6T. It showed Australian wanted turbo.

So near 30 years later the general public are goin all gooy over turbos and its all reletive to the VL ???
Do you think for a second if nissan thought it was a good idea we in aussie land would have had them in our 3 L skylines ???
George Fury in his what 2 L turboed skyline pumped near 500 HP ,dont recall too many VL turbos racing on a track
Good motor for the time ,yeah sure, overrated you bet

Dash_XR · 12-12-2012, 06:10 PM

30 years? 87 to 02?

Wasn't there an XD or XF turbo that never got off the ground too?

XR6_661 · 12-12-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dash_XR

30 years? 87 to 02?

Wasn't there an XD or XF turbo that never got off the ground too?

There was....I remember seeing a magazine cover posted on here.

I don't know why but...my mind is telling me AWD as well =\

Nikked · 12-12-2012, 06:31 PM

Don't forget the EA turbos!

nstg8a · 12-12-2012, 06:46 PM

I'd love a Vl Calais turbo, all walky kitted. The most in your face Holden until that yellow gtsr things.

Holden have almost always made good looking cars, really the Australian car scene has grown up pretty well, not too many ugly ducklings in its past. Just a pity not enough other countries like the same things.

GREGL · 12-12-2012, 10:12 PM

Why do some people have a problem admiring a non Ford badge, and along the way make inane comparisons with a race car, a falcon six of the day and any other reason under the sun to put down what in IT'S DAY was a pretty good piece of kit. The falcon had ESP which was nice, but did not have the free spinning smooth engine that to this day is one of the better sounding sixes with a bigger exhaust. I have NEVER heard a Ford six do that crackle on a downshift that sounds so sweet as that 3 Ltr can do.
Rust! the Falcon was by no means a drama free car. Same spots and some cases even more, Xd I had in the early 90's showed rust below both screens and above the windscreen as well.Panel beater mate at the time started fixing it and just kept finding more and more.Ended up pulling all hang panels and riddled all down the inner gauards as well. Not bad for a 10 yr old car hey.
That same car was also good for unintentional 360s if asked to pull up at anything like a emergency stop in the wet So everyone has their opinions on what was or is a good car.
The only real fault with the VL was one of the rust spots that did develop was right above the ECU so a leak would kill it eventually. other than that it was horses for courses. they would give most vehicles a run for their money at the time.

Ryan · 12-12-2012, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREGL

Why do some people have a problem admiring a non Ford badge, and along the way make inane comparisons with a race car, a falcon six of the day and any other reason under the sun to put down what in IT'S DAY was a pretty good piece of kit. The falcon had ESP which was nice, but did not have the free spinning smooth engine that to this day is one of the better sounding sixes with a bigger exhaust. I have NEVER heard a Ford six do that crackle on a downshift that sounds so sweet as that 3 Ltr can do.
Rust! the Falcon was by no means a drama free car. Same spots and some cases even more, Xd I had in the early 90's showed rust below both screens and above the windscreen as well.Panel beater mate at the time started fixing it and just kept finding more and more.Ended up pulling all hang panels and riddled all down the inner gauards as well. Not bad for a 10 yr old car hey.
That same car was also good for unintentional 360s if asked to pull up at anything like a emergency stop in the wet So everyone has their opinions on what was or is a good car.
The only real fault with the VL was one of the rust spots that did develop was right above the ECU so a leak would kill it eventually. other than that it was horses for courses. they would give most vehicles a run for their money at the time.

VLs are reknowned for rust around the windows, but I never had any trouble with mine. Up until I sold it the only issues were it needed a new dash and the paint had faded on the roof. Other than that it was solid for its age.

They're the kind of car people love or hate due to their reputation in the car scene. A lot of people give them bad names though it's not the car's fault.

Like any car they'll be rubbish without maintenence, but with some tlc they're quite durable and last for years. Perhaps it's the whole stigma of a Japanese engine in an Australian car which has always divided opinions on them.

Boza · 12-12-2012, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREGL

Why do some people have a problem admiring a non Ford badge, and along the way make inane comparisons with a race car, a falcon six of the day and any other reason under the sun to put down what in IT'S DAY was a pretty good piece of kit. The falcon had ESP which was nice, but did not have the free spinning smooth engine that to this day is one of the better sounding sixes with a bigger exhaust. I have NEVER heard a Ford six do that crackle on a downshift that sounds so sweet as that 3 Ltr can do.
Rust! the Falcon was by no means a drama free car. Same spots and some cases even more, Xd I had in the early 90's showed rust below both screens and above the windscreen as well.Panel beater mate at the time started fixing it and just kept finding more and more.Ended up pulling all hang panels and riddled all down the inner gauards as well. Not bad for a 10 yr old car hey.
That same car was also good for unintentional 360s if asked to pull up at anything like a emergency stop in the wet So everyone has their opinions on what was or is a good car.
The only real fault with the VL was one of the rust spots that did develop was right above the ECU so a leak would kill it eventually. other than that it was horses for courses. they would give most vehicles a run for their money at the time.

Don't forget that silky smooth six was actually a jap engine to be honest holden could probably never design a engine like that and that horrible buick v6 that followed that had the timing chain death rattle

RAPID_BA · 13-12-2012, 09:54 AM

VL turbos are a formiddable opponent for anycar, modern day cars included.

But to buy one now basically means you have to restore it as any VL turbo for sale will have issues. I know of a few Gem VL turbos but the owners would never sell.

The BA turbo or LS1 seems to be relatively cheap to buy and still in good condition. Im just thankful the authorities dont let P-Platers get their hands on them, absolute carnage if they did.

Windsor220 · 13-12-2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAPID_BA

VL turbos are a formiddable opponent for anycar, modern day cars included.
.

* if modded

ultvict · 13-12-2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAPID_BA

The BA turbo or LS1 seems to be relatively cheap to buy and still in good condition. Im just thankful the authorities dont let P-Platers get their hands on them, absolute carnage if they did.

True that. I spun out a few times in the AU. If it had been written off next year I know I would have gone the G6E turbo, kinda scary to give a 22yr old that much power...

302 XC · 13-12-2012, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREGL

Why do some people have a problem admiring a non Ford badge, and along the way make inane comparisons with a race car, a falcon six of the day and any other reason under the sun to put down what in IT'S DAY was a pretty good piece of kit. The falcon had ESP which was nice, but did not have the free spinning smooth engine that to this day is one of the better sounding sixes with a bigger exhaust. I have NEVER heard a Ford six do that crackle on a downshift that sounds so sweet as that 3 Ltr can do.
Rust! the Falcon was by no means a drama free car. Same spots and some cases even more, Xd I had in the early 90's showed rust below both screens and above the windscreen as well.Panel beater mate at the time started fixing it and just kept finding more and more.Ended up pulling all hang panels and riddled all down the inner gauards as well. Not bad for a 10 yr old car hey.
That same car was also good for unintentional 360s if asked to pull up at anything like a emergency stop in the wet So everyone has their opinions on what was or is a good car.
The only real fault with the VL was one of the rust spots that did develop was right above the ECU so a leak would kill it eventually. other than that it was horses for courses. they would give most vehicles a run for their money at the time.

I had the equvelant years skyline silo and the only thing the VL turbo had on me was outright power,everywhere else it was dusted
The skyline although n/a was a far and beyond more refined car,IMO
Id have a series 1,2 or 3 skyline silo GTS in a heartbeat

Sioso · 13-12-2012, 07:03 PM

My father had a VL Vacationer wagon with the 5.0L, power from these motors was 122kw and 323NM.

I can't imagine how it only made 122kw, I remember it being quick as a kid, I think it just sounded fast.

MITCHAY · 13-12-2012, 07:04 PM

I never been a massive fan of them but I guess when I got my licence I had much better options.

My mate has a very clean one but I just see it and think meh. Not bad but not great if anything it is just a good example of an old car. If it weren't for the engine it wouldn't rate a mention really.

**FTE-063** · 13-12-2012, 07:20 PM

how the hell did we get a vl turbo thread in the best ford forum in australia, i'm not sorry 'cause i'm a true blue ford fan, i hate the lion hugging helmet cars, i am not a fan of turbo cars never have never will, but any b series turbo is 10x better then the crappy vl

2011G6E · 13-12-2012, 08:43 PM

Holden really had no choice but to go to the excellent RB30 engine for the VL...the venerable old Holden six had reached it's final zenith in the form of the fantastic "black" 3.3 liter six in the VK...especially the EFI version. We had one in a Calais, and it was amazing. The head design was close to a Yella Terra, the extractors were stainless tuned length, it had an alloy timing gear, and the EFI was nicely set up and looked good.

What it couldn't do was be easily converted to run on unleaded in a financially viable way.

Look at a VL Turbo Calais (especially in red) and try and honestly say it wasn't one of the best looking Australian cars of the late-eighties era...

grandpa_spec_F6 · 13-12-2012, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

...the venerable old Holden six had reached it's final zenith in the form of the fantastic "black" 3.3 liter six in the VK...especially the EFI version. We had one in a Calais, and it was amazing. The head design was close to a Yella Terra, the extractors were stainless tuned length, it had an alloy timing gear, and the EFI was nicely set up and looked good...

Stop making me nostalgic! There are a handful around my area with for sale signs on them... I might just be tempted!

But that will most likely lead to buy a doner car... and a 304 stroked out to a 383.... and a complete teardown and rebuild.... and maybe an entirely new suspension setup... and driveline...

*sigh*

**SSD-85** · 13-12-2012, 10:55 PM

Id be more inclined to get a XE-XF turbo. It may not be anywhere near as good as the RB30 Commode, but hey its a Ford forum after all.

nstg8a · 13-12-2012, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleheart

Id be more inclined to get a XE-XF turbo. It may not be anywhere near as good as the RB30 Commode, but hey its a Ford forum after all.

Lucky the dohc falls into a xf as easy as ....

Dohc turbo in a light xf will show up the vast majority of Vl,s

Nikked · 13-12-2012, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nstg8a

Lucky the dohc falls into a xf as easy as ....

Dohc turbo in a light xf will show up the vast majority of Vl,s

Except barra powerd Vls

nstg8a · 14-12-2012, 06:17 AM

Lol lucky the chances of running into one of them on the street are pretty slim.

Of test m tune at willowbank might be a different story.

FGX-351 · 14-12-2012, 07:25 AM

The old man had both, XF S pack and a VL exec when we were growing up.

........my first car was an almost identical XF S pack and have been a Ford man since.

I can see why people like the engines(even the detuned, unleaded 304), but in all honesty i've never really thought of the VL commodores as anything special.
I know horses for courses but I just don't understand the appeal of them.

With that said the XF was no modern marvel(drives like a tractor compared to my EL lol) but to me it always felt like a much more modern, comfortable car.

Ryan: Would never have expected you to have parted ways with yours :P, looked quite good with the VY SS 18s.

Doesn't your old man own the V8 VL?
I remember seeing the build thread a few years ago.