Beautiful Holden Commodore VS SS Review* This Is What Happened!

[@fullnoyz]

Hold down the two out side buttons on the speed alert , start the car and let your fingers off the buttons and it turns the speed alert into a digital speedo

[@NocashhereRobbo]

That has to be the best hack for an Aussie car. You, sir,are a legend 🤙

[@jasonfields2793]

In my eye its one of the best looking cas Australia ever made. And the 304 is the best way to turn petrol into noise

[@RossReviewsau]

I love the looks and sound

[@victorpeirce4753]

VS SS with 5.O V8 has *168kw* and *385Nm* from factory. Solid numbers in the mid 9Os. Great review Johnny 💯👍👍 Edit...all the Power button does is hold the gears out longer, it doesn't actually make it anymore powerful. 💯

[@russell3436]

395Nm*

[@TurkeySlapMafia]

@@russell3436 380m on the ss 5ltr.

[@TurkeySlapMafia]

Holden back in the 90s didn't put engine ratings in anything other than 5s or 10s ie 165kw / 215kw etc

[@jayfly9442]

In a way it makes it more powerful

[@Lexe-is5nv]

VR series 1 and 2 = 165kw and 385Nm. VS series 1 and 2 = 168kw and 395Nm. All models are the same

[@lappin6482]

Great memories as a kid in the back holding on for dear life as my older cousins thrashed their VR,VS Commodores around Melbourne....was definitely too young to be out that late ....best times!! 🤘😂

[@MAte925]

And before speed cameras

[@muddymudlicker7649]

They were good times, I had a series 2 EL XR8 and it was always nice to get that feeling in your gut when you went alongside a VS SS. Both great cars, really wish I still had that XR8. Was just such a lovely car. Glad I got to experience those days, when each brand dropped a new model or variant. Was cool, thanks for taking us down the nostalgic road brother!

[@liamloveday2676]

I had 96 series 2 Calais in that botanica mica. Gee I miss her had factory phone

[@liamloveday2676]

Aussie 5L better sounding than LS1

[@painhvh5714]

@liamloveday2676 I agree the raspsy and deep tone makes it sound a million times better

[@efxr6538]

Had my EF XR6 since 2002, and still love the thing!

[@efxr6538]

@@liamloveday2676 Yeah better sounding, but couldn't match the power. Still live the old V8s as nice sounding cruises though! 👌

[@shafsungkar5105]

Love the VS SS in this colour, they look awesome in black too.

[@RossReviewsau]

Very nice colour

[@paulllacey1344]

165kw standard, 185kw HSV Enhanced. Or 215kw in GTS guise. I think!

[@sle2979]

Yeah GTS was 215kw

[@georgekhoury9525]

The hydratrak was 215i. The other HSVs were 195

[@7120Magnum]

168kW standard on Series II because the new Supercharged V6 was 165kW.

[@faronanderson2536]

Yeah,185i was in the clubby if I can recall correctly.

[@shannoncastleman7121]

215 was the stroker engine

[@hsv215i]

One of the best looking Commodores ever made!! I used to have the VR Senator 215i and it had really good torque and pretty decent power bump over the standard 5.0. Except the Hydratrak diff was a bit dodgy.

[@michaelzuvela2613]

The colour on that one is Botanica Mica. Had a white VS SS years ago. Was a 5 speed one with twin 2 1/2 exhaust and changed diff to 3.7 centre. Made it so much better to drive. Was a fun car to drive. Great review👍

[@juzzjeans754]

As much as I love having the LS3 in my VF Redline. The note of a good Aussie 5ltr really is something else❤️

[@Low760]

304 just sounds awesome.

[@pauledwards6446]

Yes the ls3 does sound terrible

[@juzzjeans754]

@@pauledwards6446 now you're just talking smack out of pure spite and jealousy. The LS3 sounds damn awsome.

[@pauledwards6446]

@@juzzjeans754 I don’t think so as I have one

[@juzzjeans754]

@@pauledwards6446 own a car that you think sounds terrible.. Makes sense!

[@stevenrex7571]

Can’t beat that 304 sound ❤

[@RossReviewsau]

She’s great 😮‍💨👌

[@fishoheino2599]

hahahah when you did the 0-100 you can actually watch the fuel gauge drop. Good stuff Ross. Truly an incredible bit of Aussie engineering.

[@RossReviewsau]

😂 gotta love a V8

[@fishoheino2599]

@@RossReviewsau Hahahaha oath mate

[@animalscars3799]

@@fishoheino2599why I bought the 3.8… also sounds greats, decent amount of power and much better fuel wise… cant go wrong wit either one 😂

[@snapduke]

I purchased a mint Holden VS ute last month. It is going into the shed as an investment and piece of Australian motoring history.

[@RossReviewsau]

Nice buy! Hard to find

[@big_chief21]

I believe the colour is Botanica Mica, Excellent colour on VR/VS Statesmans

[@jacobgriggs4819]

What a legend for reviewing this

[@RossReviewsau]

💪🇦🇺😈

[@rockygoodfellow77]

I own an original condition April 95 (one of the first VS's off the line) VS Executive 5.0 manual. Originally owned by a Holden factory employee in Adelaide, was optioned with a/c, ABS, 80 litre fuel tank and LSD. Is a joy to drive (I owned a VR SS manual for 10 years) that I bought new from City Motors in Perth in August 1994. I've spent the last 2 years restoring the VS to mechanically as new as possible, replacing suspension, clutch, rear main seal, belts, hoses, gaskets, radiator rebuilt, new a/c compressor and power steering rack. Paint and interior are original. SS's of the era are becoming rare, V8 Executives even more so.

[@bafg182]

The 5 litre came standard with 165kw but could be ordered with the HSV enhancement pack, giving 185kw. This pack was available on all trim level as an option and was standard on HSV-badged cars. The standard wheels were only 16” too

[@glenntweedale7992]

Starsareblind the 185kw engine might not have sounded much extra on paper, but driving it was a lot better, loved the 5 speed

[@motomenace86]

now a 1.6 4 cyl has twice the power

[@jamieshields9521]

Old school🤘I got VR 93 ute with 5.0lt V8 modifier cold air, 2 1/2 inch exhaust, chip, enlarge manifold pumping out 220kw. I choose automatic over manual because I have mate doing clutches all time. Weak point is rear main seal on the V8.

[@Mr500RWHP]

A guy that used with to work with one of my mates back in the day used to have a VS ute with a nasty 355 stoker, it was one of the best naturally aspirated V8's I have ever heard

[@glennjensen8743]

Love your attitude to all makes and models.. enthusiasm is awesome mate..

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks a ton!

[@cuttsick8333]

The VS is my favourite commo ever. Have owned quite a number of them. Have a ute and a calais now. Great cars

[@ianmccarthy4195]

Easy One of the nicest models made by Holden. Iove that shape

[@RossReviewsau]

Beautiful car

[@omers6996]

Ross Gang checking in. Liked. Awesome vid bro

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks for the visit🤝💪💪💪

[@Blackbirdrod81]

Great review Ross. The colour is Botanica Mica. This was my dream car back in 2002. I couldn’t find a decent one as I wanted it in this colour. I ended up settling for a exec ex chaser with 5L.

[@RossReviewsau]

Glad you enjoyed this one

[@colmastro4373]

How did I miss this video?! man soon as I saw this car it put a smile on my face. Can't believe I used to think these were ugly in my younger days 😂

[@RossReviewsau]

Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@nasty_ls1]

I had one exactly the same back in the day but shift kitted box with a small stall and set of 3.9 diff gears went mint spewing I sold it sounded epic

[@Richie-Rich]

Ah man you make the best vids on Aussie cars be it the ordinary to the muscle variety.

[@RossReviewsau]

Glad you like them!

[@elliotknight4487]

great to see an older commodore looking so good. also interesting to see all the roads near work at the airport. for your filming locations in vic.

[@triggeredleftyvegan6004]

Just passed there today coming back from Sunbury in my VF Calais V cammed V8. Now I should get my 5 litre VS back on the same roads!!!!

[@RossReviewsau]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@quartz2066]

The 308, will always have a special place in my heart, it was truly special and building 1 is even more beautiful, i learnt to drive a 308 carbi fed 1985 vk commodore and it was just truly special to me to be able to drive pieces of history,

[@mrgnluke]

These are a 304 🙂

[@quartz2066]

@@mrgnluke the fuel injection or the carbi fed,? Cant 100% remember aha

[@mrgnluke]

@@quartz2066 Haha the original carby 5.0’s are 308. The VN 5.0 went to the 304 EFI.

[@quartz2066]

@@mrgnluke awesome, thanks for that mate i thought that was the case, easily 1 of the best motors they produced, i remember watching brocky on tv in the vn ss going down conrod straight and the speedo needle was bouncing off the wall, brocky said the 308 is capable of doing 300km+ easily

[@moosethe1st910]

I had the old VS 3.8L NA V6. 1996 model. Miss the ol girl

[@markcalleja8463]

Fast off the mark especially

[@RossReviewsau]

💪💪💪 what a weapon

[@mitchell8934]

You could get a hsv enhanced vs ss with 185kw. Botanica mica-best colour. The one you want has the power windows and the 5 speed. My cousin had one back in the early 2000’s

[@70XU1]

Agree about the Botanica Mica. What a great colour.

[@Lexe-is5nv]

The 185 was not worth the extra lousy 4Nm over the stock v8 that came in all holden's

[@AJ-zv9tn]

BAhahahaHa lemme tell ya somethin . All vf , ve , whatava ya wanna call it , are based OFF KOREAN / DAEWOO PLATFORM . Nune of tha kar iz even made in AUS. AUSTRALIA. 🇦🇺 IT IS BASICLLY A CRUZE UNDANEATH. An tbe LS3 is a I CALL IT THE LS PEE . Ls3 is basically a FORD ENGINE underneath and a GM / DAEWOO GEARBOX from a captiva. But WHATAVA Florts ya boats I guess

[@wonkychikn]

@@AJ-zv9tn Sorry to correct you but the VE and VF platform was an Australian design..the only thing it shares in common with a Cruze or any Daewoo product is that it's made out of metal...VE and VF bodyshells were made at GM Holden's plant in Elizabeth South Australia !

[@samcarthew2599]

Beautiful car. I have had a couple of 5L commodores & always great sounding & reliable except the 4speed. Best thing I did was convert one to a manual 👍

[@RossReviewsau]

Couldn't agree more! Manual is the way!

[@MartinJones123]

Great review and these 304's sound awesome, though you should also review a Supercharged V6 Commodore and/or a VN Commodore, the AU Falcon of 10 years ago IMO... Another thing to add, the VS Commodore was the last to have a Toyota version, it will be cool to see that being reviewed too lol

[@undar8ed1]

@MartinJones123 I really don't know why Holden did not keep pursuit of the turbo route, the VL turbo was a solid thing, when the VN came out they had options of the GM tree....that is Buick already turboed the 3.8 in the mid 80's with the Grand national the thing does high 12 quarter mile times factory, that's fast back then. A shame really.

[@MartinJones123]

@@undar8ed1 I do agree with your statement... Apparently Holden was going to use the RB in the VN but because the exchange rate rapidly became unfavorable, this engine was dropped last minute for the Buick 3800... Maybe the Turbo 3.8 was too expensive but they definitely should've used it...

[@Nico-qt4qz]

@@undar8ed1 The VL was a nissan engine, no idea why they didn't go down that path...would have been awesome.

[@undar8ed1]

@@Nico-qt4qz yes I'm aware it's pissin Nissan, I had a N/A VL Berlina.

[@PANTHERSVGTS1]

Great review mate. The 5.0s from both Holden and Ford were sweet sounding engines. I've still got that GTS for ya here to drive. 6 speed manual is a bit more fun 👍

[@Lexe-is5nv]

I had a brand new 96 v8 calais, the car has 168kw and 395Nm of torque. 395Nm was nothing to be sneezed at back in 1996 compared to the v6 that had 147kw but only 304Nm of torque

[@elmonteslim3711]

Colour is Botanica Mica (pearl). I had a brand new S pack in that colour in 1996. The Eco-tech V6 went almost as hard.

[@popularpages]

Never late in a 3.8. Great engine

[@vxsr33]

The 5L is really just about the sound. A manual ecotec VS commodore would keep up with it

[@Nico-qt4qz]

@@vxsr33 Doubtful, I had a VR 6 and a VS Acclaim and it wasn't even close to the 5L.

[@Lexe-is5nv]

No way in hell. 304Nm versus 395Nm

[@Lotus-S70]

Depending on if it has HSV enhancements, it's either 168 kw or 185 kw

[@RossReviewsau]

Ah makes sense

[@craigsampson3386]

Yeah if a non HSV model had a 5L V8 with optional HSV performance enhancements, it would have a HSV placard in the engine bay stating so 👍

[@mrgnluke]

Yes!!! Been hanging for you to do a VS! I have a 96 Calais II with 153k km. Same colour as this SS too. Beautiful cars ❤❤

[@RossReviewsau]

More to come! Glad you enjoyed it

[@petermurgatroyd2002]

VS Series II were 168 kw 5.0 litre motors. Great review and love the condition of the car.

[@RossReviewsau]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bruiszr]

EFFFFF YESSSS ! up the VS and long live the GM Holdens Especially all the Iron Lion's ! cant wait to complete my VS one more thing to do Stroked, Cammed and RAMMED !

[@RossReviewsau]

💪😈😈😈

[@danielmatata7451]

Just seen this video, I have a 1997 VS SS same colour 5 Litre V8, great video took my car out today

[@RossReviewsau]

Beautiful car

[@richardbrimble1319]

Great review Jonno. Mint

[@RossReviewsau]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Xlerv8]

There's a bus that parks at the back of the Airport at the observation area, they make some awesome 👌🏽 Kebabs! Love the reviews Ross, keep it coming from Melbourne

[@jrp9991]

Hey Ross, I'm finishing up a full rebuild with sauce and supercharger combo on my VS S2 Manual ute. If you're after one to review soon

[@RossReviewsau]

Mate would love to send me a message

[@leewood5240]

In 1996 there were 2 options of power from the 5ltr 185kw for the one's like your in and the hsv enhanced had 195kw

[@mackey2680]

I had a factory manual one and it drove so clean the only thing I done on mine was headers

[@RossReviewsau]

Manual the way to go

[@mattmurphy5419]

Owned a Ve Ssv Ute and loved it. But I always looked at VS SS and Stateman VS V8 and really liked them.

[@RossReviewsau]

Awesome car

[@rc70ys]

One of my favourite shapes

[@RossReviewsau]

Very cool car

[@matthewspringer5457]

I remember my Dad coming home with a brand new Calais V8 in 1989. The leather seats, the power. And the sound. I thought my Dad was the king! We were the envy of our street. It wasn't much by today's standards, but in 1989, it was the quickest sedan on the planet.

[@antonpetersen3183]

Nice review man, do a vn ss next 👌🏽

[@RossReviewsau]

Up do my best to find one!

[@mrxss1]

I use to own a 1997 VS series 2 Executive factory optioned with the 5litre V8 5speed manual and FE2 sports suspension with a open differential. That was very rare. That was fun and sounded great but not fast. I think my best was around 8 seconds! Now a Hybrid Camry would easily beat that! Crazy how far we have come in terms of technology… Nice review mate!

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks for sharing! Would love one in manual form 🤩

[@brettcollins3499]

I'm guessing you may have had a ex police car...did it have a heavy duty sump guard(bash plate)

[@mrxss1]

@@brettcollins3499 I thought it was at first too but no bash plate, I got it checked by Holden and they said it was definitely factory optioned.

[@theskorpiqn3789]

Now we're talking. I've got a 95' VS and it's one of the more sleek beautiful body designs, part Aussie muscle part European cruiser. It's ultimate form was the HSV VS-GTS-R (lol). It's the most common Holden for learner drivers in V6 format being that they are simple cars to work on and cheap being 30yrs old. Gorgeous damn car, they got real ugly in design after the VR/VS until VE. 🤘

[@madkint]

Botanica mica is the colour of the vs, I had the exact same vs ss 20 years ago, mine was a series 2, had power windows and a cd stacker in the boot

[@RossReviewsau]

Very nice

[@Patmcn1987]

Hi ross will you be doing any more reviews around this model ie. Vs calais vs statesman caprice?

[@RossReviewsau]

Only if people offer them to me lol

[@aevan104]

I didn't like this era of Holden's until I went and looked at the manual vr commodore I have now. It was a sunday so all the banks were closed which meant I couldn't get enough money out to buy it that day. I fell inlove and put a deposit on it on the spot aftet the test drive then paid the rest and picked it up the next morning. It's only a little buick v6 but I'll never sell it. It's such an analog old car to drive with its 5 speed manual and cable clutch, i love it. Brings me back to a more simple time of when I was a kid with no bills and the family car was a vp commodore lol.

[@benjicb6481]

Great content as usual mate! What are the chances of getting your hands on a TRD Aurion? 🤔

[@RossReviewsau]

Good question! I have been looking for years!!!! Still no one

[@lancecooper4646]

A bog standard Aurion would embarrass most SS Commodores at the lights let alone the TRD....awesome sleeper....but shocking to work on....😨😲

[@KennyHall06]

165 KW was standard for VR-VS. 185 KW was standard on HSV 5L

[@derekfarrington1479]

Botanica Green Colour, I have the exact same car, owned for 20 years, still love it!

[@RossReviewsau]

That colour is amazing!

[@hotwire96]

4:25 is it IRS or a live rear axle? Can't really be both. IRS was an option on VR-VS Commodores so this car may have that option.

[@Low760]

Ss was mandatory irs and abs. Executive was live axle at this point only.

[@7120Magnum]

⁠@@Low760 All V8 sedans in the VS range were mandatory ABS and IRS (unless BT1-spec for the latter). Wagons retained the live axle (which I don’t understand considering the Statesman was built on the Commodore wagon’s chassis) but Executive V8 wagon still got mandatory ABS (Berlina was standard regardless of engine). S-pack and Berlina were still standard live axle at the time.

[@ChasingGiants23]

THEY were super nice. I owned a VR Calais and it drove nice. You have to try and get a ride in a 5litre VH SLE or VL Walky

[@RossReviewsau]

I’ve been trying for a VL for a very long time

[@thatfelladownunder9396]

I’ve had a few 308/5lt cars but my favourite was definitely a VS Clubby I had for a few years. That was 185kw but it had a Ken I’Anson exhaust which he said would make it around 200kw. Dunno, never dynoed it. But I loved the big Aussie V8. King of the hill. ..sometimes.

[@allanmaccaul1465]

Then you should know they are a 304 not a 308 like the earlier carby models..👍

[@thatfelladownunder9396]

@@allanmaccaul1465 yeah, that’s why I said 5 litre.

[@kurts9085]

Per some other comments 185kw is HSV enhanced - extractors, modified exhaust, cold air intake. Stocko is 168kw. If it's HSV enhanced it should have a badge I think?

[@7120Magnum]

HSV enhanced will have a badge on the back and the “badge” badge will be replaced with a different badge saying “HSV Enhanced VS”.

[@mickdejager3910]

That's why I love my 5.0ltr VQ not fast ,just sounds good as a cruiser 😁

[@RossReviewsau]

That’s it eh👌🤝

[@mickdejager3910]

@@RossReviewsau 😁

[@vichetkim5533]

I remember how the EF/EL XR6s rose to popularity in the 90s for beating these 5.0 litre V8s in 0-100 (Mid 7s for that Tickford tweaked inline 6).

[@Grechieman]

I cannot believe how good condition it is in, perfect cruiser yes but i wouldnt want to drive that unless im going to car shows, the owner needs a few pats on the back, well bloody done! Also sounds 👌

[@jiggaroozay7572]

Nooo C’mon you gotta drive them! I drive my GTO Monaro everywhere! In a few years time they will be garden ornaments and worth nothing

[@RossReviewsau]

Fair enough! Proper show car condition for the age 👌

[@ozwasp]

I had 2 manual VS SS, both Botanica Green... I got the first one for 11k in 03 and sold it for 13k in 04. Paid about 5k for the next in 07 and and sold it for about a grand more in 08... The 5L were very torquey motors and 4th gear could take you from 20km/hr to 200km/hr, so you didn't need to change the gears too often... Would I buy one again? Probably not for today's money. I now have an LS1 which has WAY more top end and almost double the power.... The stock SS was 168kw and the HSV option was 185kw (exhaust, air intake and chip changes)

[@randomaustralian7323]

Makes me feel old seeing a vs with historical club plates on it as my mum had one when I was a kid and have photos of it taking me to kindergarten

[@nijov5317]

VS SS great review, bring back the old skool 👏

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks brotha 🤝

[@breemsp591]

I loved these things it was my first car back in 2010 they used to be as common as VE commos. Sad that I sold it considering the prices they are going for now.

[@kaneclark7171]

There not worth more the 1000 bucks plenty here in SA for 1000-1500 the ve commondore is the most heavy out of all commondore people call them a boat for a reason 😂 Plus there so so ugle it's not funny go buy a vf or a real commondore not a design stolen from America and then redone by Australia and then called Australian

[@breemsp591]

@@kaneclark7171 thats why i like ford better

[@stevewright6634]

Colour is Botanica, I still have my one i purchased in 1996. I think it is at 120000km still one owner. Had to replace front hubs as the abs was playing up with the noise from the wheel bearings.

[@krusty600]

Factory HSV 5ltrs were 185kw. These were 165 or 168 from factory. The Botanica Mica colour is gorgeous. Can't wait to finish the refurb on my VS Senator. Beautiful cars.

[@audriusbaranauskas6227]

First of all thanks for bringing these cool cars up! Ok so my data shows that there was Commodore SS Enhanced Pkg. that had the 185kw compared to the 168kw in the normal SS. Torque only slightly different 400Nm vs 395Nm. Enhanced Pkg. had a slightly higher revving engine (compression ration the same 8.4:1). Also the Enhanced Pkg. was a lighter car 1633kg vs 1699kg. The automatic gearbox is the same in both cars (GM Turbo Hydramatic 4L60-E), same gear ratios and same diff ratio of 3.08. Factory numbers are 0-100kmh 7.5s for the Enhanced Pkg. vs 8.0s. But I’m not Australian, never even seen this car in flesh, this is just data that might not be 100% correct. How could you tell if it’s Enhanced Pkg.? Was there some badging? While doing the acceleration test it revved out to 5k rpm which suggests it’s the Enhanced Pkg. since the normal SS is not supposed to rev that high. Anyway, great car!

[@Low760]

Hsv tag on the firewall. Usually a badge on the back. Some had headers, all had a different exhaust, different airbox. Was available with any v8 Holden, statesman, Caprice, Calais, executive. Usually why they said cop cars had a chip.

[@unclefester5418]

The HSV or enhanced version of the 5 litre had a knock sensor and a different memcal in addition to the above. Depending on which model car you wish to talk about the output ranged from 180kw in VN VG and VP then went to 185kw in VR and VS and 195kw in VS series 3 which had a raised compression ratio ( different cylinder head ), roller camshaft and sequential injection ( different distributor )

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks for the info!

[@laytonvardaro136]

Anyone able to tell me what exhaust is on this?? Sounds awesome

[@ashtincampbell6038]

I got a vtss with a 5.0 and 5speed manual sounds great bit slow and run down nowadays that vs is clean 🙂👍

[@RossReviewsau]

That’s it slow but who cares with a note like that😮‍💨

[@spiritlevelstudios]

The club rego plates look so weird. I remember when these were brand new.

[@PhoenixMiller30469]

That's the exact car that I want when I start driving manual 5 L V8

[@thefox6324]

Hey ross could u possibly do the ecotec series 2 version of the vs as the owner of a limited edition known as the equipe id love to see u send an ecotec with a good exhaust setup

[@Luke_chux]

The 215i badge on the gtsr is the amount of kW right?

[@MartinJones123]

Yes

[@lukeweyrich8475]

also that speed alert could be used as a digital speedo if you knew how to set it ;)

[@cameronallan3771]

So yea the vs ss 5L made the 165 kw and all the hsv in the vs where 185kw then when you stepped up to the top hsv vs gtsr you where at 215kw or even 220kw. I grew up with these car's and it's still funny to think of a vr/vs commodore as a old school car lol

[@Greg....]

Pretty sure 185kw was the claim of the 96 hsv clubsport. The sticker on the back of those said 185i.

[@undar8ed1]

VR and VS SS were 165kw (edit VS could be 168kw but I've never heard of that but it's 3kw omg 😱) VS HSV range were 185kw except the GTS as that gets the factory 355ci stroker 215kw (215i) standard . I'm pretty sure Senator had the 215 as a option and of course the infamous GTSR got the 215 as well The series 3 ute up to 1999/2000 gets the series 1 VT roller cam block 5 litre pushing 179kw in Holden's and 195kw in HSV form. The stroker for the VT S1 now is pushing 220kw. Not sure if the series 3 got a maloo which would of had the 220kw stroker option, all this info is off memory.

[@Low760]

The maloo never had the stroker option, even in series 1 and 2 VS. Granges also had the stroker option. Plus the blueprint 5.7 on gts-r and vt GTS and senator pushed out to 230kw. The information is still on the hsv website.

[@undar8ed1]

@@Low760 yet I was just stating I don't know about the maloo, maloo would be insane with a 355......230kw sounds a lot healthier considering the price tag of the GTSR.

[@undar8ed1]

@@Low760 also everything I've posted is memory from the dome that I've held for a least a decade no Google search no data base etc so it's not going to be 100% perfect.

[@Lexe-is5nv]

VR series 1 and 2 165kw__385Nm. VS series 1 and 2 168kw__ 395Nm. 185 was not worth the extra money since you only got an extra 4Nm over any holden ordered with the v8

[@undar8ed1]

@@Lexe-is5nv ok, yer an extra 10 NM is handy. I did own a VR BT1 (165kw) that I made into a replica SS it was the classic white and red combo, I did a Cold air intake mod with a K&N panel filter, TRI y extractors, full exhaust and greenfoam did a memcal swap tune, that livened it up a lot.

[@richardmano194]

My favourite colour of the vs ss‼️🔥

[@RossReviewsau]

Very nice colour 😮‍💨👌

[@TurkeySlapMafia]

Stock 5000i had 165kw and 380nm, you could get a hsv enhanced package that increased power to 180kw and 400nm - hsv enhanced was essentially a retune and a baby cam

[@triggeredleftyvegan6004]

They had the same cam it was tune, knock sensor, extractors and exhaust. Also air intake on some models

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks 🙏 sounds about right then

[@jamestehuna5915]

I love the sound of that 5LTR

[@RossReviewsau]

👌🤣

[@Jimmy-1919]

It'd be cool to see ya review a 355 stroker maybe even with a carby

[@RossReviewsau]

Check the new video that just dropped 😂

[@Jimmy-1919]

@@RossReviewsau yeah not long seen it after me comment. Woulda been nice to see a 0-100 time tho and as for limp mode she'll rev to it blows up, no ecu.

[@ashflash4737]

Just bought a 1996 vs ss same colour in auto so happy with it dream car ever since young

[@RossReviewsau]

Awesome car!

[@ashflash4737]

@@RossReviewsau thank you!!! Any chance you know what exhaust it was running?

[@glynnjohnson9065]

The 0-100 was respectable considering the era of the engine. The engine essentially started life in 1969 with just subtle updates along the way, even the EFI system was hugely primative. 165kw for a base engine and 185kw for a HSV from an emissions compliant 80s and 90s engine was a big deal back in the day.

[@RossReviewsau]

They ain’t rocket ships but consider the age and caliber not bad

[@cardsharkssports]

Think the colours botanica mica. They also had a hsv enhanced option available if I remember right

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks for sharing

[@Xav.]

Honestly reckon vr/Vs commodores are the best models built from Holden. Also when people say 5ltr. Most people assume 308 or 304 holdens!

[@351tgv]

In VS mode the 4.9L "304ci" V8 non HSV spec were doing 168kW at 5,400rpm and peak torque 388Nm from 3,500rpm, there was a HSV enhanced options that the Police got (but claimed they never had the HSV enhanced option) which saw the engine go to essentially the HSV Clubsport 175kW at 5,700rpm and 395Nm at 4,000rpm, also the HSV enhanced option saw the diff get a short 3:27:1 ratio, basically it was a HSV Clubsport without the wilder Clubsport body kit. Manual or auto? the difference here is that from VR onwards all autos were the (horrendous) 4L60E electronic control GM garbage that replaced the TH700 autos from VN through VP Series II, the manual was the good ol Borg Warner T5 with a GM specific 2nd gear ratio. As a comparison the EL XR8 offered 175kW / 398Nm as the base spec with either the Borg Warner T5 or the BTR 85le auto and a standard 3:23:1 diff final drive ratio.

[@dspada67]

What a gem. Love it. 👍

[@RossReviewsau]

Glad you enjoyed it mate

[@jordanscarreviews6164]

Awesome review Ross Reviews. Have you decided which day you are able to come and visit me in Gympie and review a few cars in Gympie yet? To Ross Reviews From Jordan

[@RossReviewsau]

No idea yet jordan but I’ll do my best 🙏

[@jordanscarreviews6164]

@@RossReviewsau thank you very much. Do you know where Gympie is?

[@victorpeirce4753]

@@jordanscarreviews6164 Everyone knows "Gympie" is a shithole with a lot of "Gymps" 😆😆

[@Benjames885]

168kw / 395nm base 304 spec $43,980 in 1996, which is $79,000 in todays money.

[@brad_owen]

Had the exactly the same model, colour ....traded it in on a brand new VU SS ute when they came out. Missed the VS SS

[@RossReviewsau]

🥲 rip

[@missinglink4205]

Gotta love a old school v8, always like the VN SS gun metal grey 👍🇦🇺🍻

[@RossReviewsau]

They look so cool eh

[@Lexe-is5nv]

I had one of those, same colour. It had a dyno sticker on the back window but not sure if it was really dynoed since I bought it second hand. But she thrashed a twin turbo Z32 300Zx and many other cars.It was the first car I got to over 200 in, I liked how they didn't have the full wheel arch on the rear

[@cuttsick8333]

I think its called atlas grey... could be wrong though

[@Tonyclifton-q4f]

great cars besides the hoodlining and them passenger airbags always come away from the dash ,tip top review bud

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks 👍

[@deanwharepapa8561]

I always wanted one very cool 5litre my uncle had one

[@RossReviewsau]

Very cool 😎

[@grahamerosewarne6656]

I had one of them Ross . Panther mirco in colour with exactly with the same interior. I should have never sold. 👍🇦🇺🆒

[@RossReviewsau]

No way! Agree very cool car that everyone will wish they held onto

[@grahamerosewarne6656]

@@RossReviewsau I had one HSV VN wagon. 1 of 189. 2 Torana and a VN SS COMMODORE V8 Manual sedan. I lost mine to a woman. You think that you know. The be wagon was a Wilkinshaw. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@kennethjones6650]

Best ever 5 litre made was the vn 5 litre because of the heads think vn-vp was 185i and vr-vt was 195i