Top 5 Performance Mods $2,000-$10,000 - VE/VF Commodore

This video shows you how to get huge performance gains in your Holden VE/VF Commodore with modifications that cost between $2,000 to $10,000+. These modifications include forged wheels, coilovers, diff centre and ratio upgrade, heads/cam package and boost (supercharged and turbocharged).
You can get big performance gains for your Holden Commodore with these simple bolt-on mods and reach up to 550-600rwkw.
#vfcommodore
#vecommodore
#carmods

[@satisfactory3368]

U can tell u guys are some of the few good mechanics that are still around and are honest

[@ClunieGarage]

Go and see Macus at Gen Tech in Mitchell Canberra. Tell him Fred sent ya.

[@zachnewman6338]

Can’t wait to head down the coast tonight and watch this with nonna on the couch, she loves this sorta thing. See you back in Canberra on Monday Fred

[@ClunieGarage]

You betcha young man 😜

[@grettagrids]

I love the sound of a cammed engine. When done right,they can purr nicely.

[@streetheat3366]

Higgins charge $1500 for disassembly CNC porting, reassembly which includes new valve guides. Very reasonable prices and great work. They are no longer offering replacement on cathedral port heads. You send yours down and they send the same heads back.

[@pedroangelo4244]

Bravo gents, but I can't keep up with watching the latest videos until the next one is published!!

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Pedro, we are on a bit of a roll at the moment. Make sure you subscribe so you get all the notifications.

[@jmc2567]

Awesome vid,great commentary and videography,great explanations. These motors do seem to have some issues especially around trunion and lifters,but you gave great advice and covered a lot of things,loved the advice for wheels and coilovers,thankyou for posting,Best wishes to you and all,from, Auckland, New Zealand 👑⭐🏅👍✅🙂🙂🙂

[@ClunieGarage]

Cheers, thanks mate!

[@peterlee6745]

Great Vid Clunie Just had Exh/ headers clod/air and cam on My VXR8 in UK Cheers M8

[@ClunieGarage]

Sounds awesome Peter!!

[@JB-iu6dj]

What about a mods video for a VF SV6. I know its not everyone cut of tea but theres plenty of V6 owners out there looking for little improvements.

[@balex2344]

love the videos, love the cars, trying to get my foot in the door around for an apprenticeship, hope to have some fun with one of my own sometime

[@ClunieGarage]

Go for it mate, keep trying, saving and find the right opportunity.

[@claytondavies2630]

Great video, well done! How cranky is Marcus at Gentech!!? Hehe!

[@ClunieGarage]

He is doing OK!

[@axeman0073]

9:24- 9:31 spider web locking down your current head job build

[@ClunieGarage]

Very observant mate, just saw that! Haha. Must get the insect spray out!

[@chrisjames4111]

Awesome video mate

[@ClunieGarage]

Thanks Chris, glad you liked it mate. Make sure you subscribe for all the upcoming content on the channel. Thanks again.

[@joeynicholasarvizu1134]

This was very informative! Thank you Clunie 👍🏾💯. But idk if you know but the VF commodores ( Chevy SS ) here in the states don’t have AFM

[@tazspinks1185]

series 2 dont

[@omegatruths9576]

@@tazspinks1185 you right series 1 L77 e85 ethanol pigs

[@osi9567]

Another great video mate!

[@ClunieGarage]

Cheers, thanks mate, glad you liked it!

[@jimmyjackson1086]

Deep pockets fellas. I will watch with interest, but the previous $1,000 mods video is more up my alley...

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Jimmy, we cater for all audiences, budgets and interests!!

[@garysmith3559]

I know what I am watching tonight!!

[@angry9901]

Reruns of 1980 Bathurst 1000???

[@jesseloutey6597]

Clunie I am stateside and have a 2015 chevrolet SS, I love those koya SF01 but koya is telling me they won't clear my brembos. Do you have front and rear brembos on the VF and what are the specs to get them to fit? love the videos man

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, we ordered our Koya's with a specific request to clear the factory brembos and they do. I think I have responded to a comment in a previous video on the off-sets - I will look them up for you.

[@claytonvankuyl4268]

Head and cam package for a shop to do it for around 12k thats Inc a dod delete. Just can't justify that money for a cam

[@jasonstranthon7571]

12k ? You can get an exhaust, OTR, cam, higgins head, lifters/springs/p-rods, dod delete, 2650 supercharger for about 20k from tekno (I don't endorse them or am advertising for them tho I don't hate either, my wife wants clunes so we going that route soon) Still, don't peice meal this stuff ppl. If you want to go big, save and get it all done in one go, its much cheaper than doing 1, then another 1 a year later, then another 1 a year later etc etc......3 or 4 pull downs cost extra moneys.

[@angry9901]

Isn't a cam and lifters about a grand and you might need a couple more if a shop fits it for you?

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Clayton, that sounds a bit rich. I know our tune shop quotes about $6k full cam replacement including DoD delete drive in-drive out. Add $2k for heads if you really need them done and you should only be looking at $8k.

[@weemang2184]

i had my lifters go in my car and to get the DOD delete and a ls3 cam put in with a retune cost me $3k

[@muady13]

Great vid

[@ClunieGarage]

Thanks mate!

[@chris929rr7]

Anything to look out for on the VE l98 Calais? Aside from the top rad hose being plastic of course. No AFM on those as you know so is it still a candidate for heads and cam package?

[@jamestehuna5915]

Great video I hope you do more cheers

[@ClunieGarage]

Thanks mate, much more coming!

[@stevenchandler4218]

Good clip Fred. I like your advice. Where's Franky hiding?

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Steven, he will make an appearance on Wednesday at our first track day for the Getz!!!

[@stevenchandler4218]

Okay cool 👌👍

[@brianwalsh9672]

Hi there nice so much info thanks I have a question for you I have a vf Calais v v8 2014 sometimes when I start the car it will say fail to update or faill to connect

[@imacatnotaraccoon5656]

I am doing a lot of these to my Caprice hahaha

[@ClunieGarage]

Nice one, let us know how you go!

[@tomreynolds5774]

When are fitting the BC coilovers?

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Tom, we are fitting the BCAs over the coming weeks so stay tuned.

[@SupernaturalPowerz]

Where do you get your wheels and tyres from? I can't find any wheels that are your size. If I see 18" on a store page they're only 8 inches wide. The size you have is non-existent :(

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, we sourced the wheels directly from Koya Australia. Yokohama tires from Gordon Leven Motorsports in Sydney.

[@SupernaturalPowerz]

@@ClunieGarage ok good to know thank you

[@dcr1545]

If I can just add when doing a cam upgrade I would replace oil pump and timing chain at the same time.

[@ClunieGarage]

Yep, plus the lifters and probably valve springs too.

[@dcr1545]

@@ClunieGarage true. I would have said that but you already covered them. Also if you have a automatic then upgrade it first with H/P clutches, zip pack, Billet piston etc and do rear main seal and backing plate on engine. Have a great day mate.

[@ClunieGarage]

@@dcr1545 excellent tips. Btw, I just blew the backing plate off my LS7 as I didn't have enough crank case-catch can relief. Fitted a massive catch can plus extra breathers and used fasteners on the plate - all good now!

[@dcr1545]

@@ClunieGarage appreciated coming from you. I'm reality new to V8's as I spent most my life loving rotaries. I've owned plenty. Now with Holden closing I always wanted to try my hand at a V8 so here I am. Right now my 2007 L98 SS is in getting a GM Motorsports Stealth cam upgrade with LS7 lifters, buckets, push rod's, springs etc. Pistons and head's cleaned. New oil pump, timing chain and dampener. VCM OTR. I've gone for engine back exhaust from Empire Performance for now due to cost restraints. Plus of course dyno. 5 month's ago I did the automatic transmission upgrades with everything possible done to it while at same time doing rear main seal and backing plate. So far all up over $16,000 and it could have cost a lot more. Next is suspension and diff then full leather interior. If your gonna do it, then do it right 😆. I've watched heaps of your videos and love taking in your knowledge. Suspension wise I'm getting MCA Pro Comfort $2,490. I'm going Pro comfort as it's the best of both worlds. Anyway take care and be safe.

[@dcr1545]

@@ClunieGarage what would you say would be a good power outcome on the dyno from these upgrades? I've gone this way as no need for bigger stall and good daily and can take it for runs down eastern Creek. Best of both worlds

[@grumpys7895]

I have a 427 7.0 ve I would like to get supercharged what would it cost

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, Harrop 2650 with installation is between $15-20k depending on what else you get done at the same time.

[@AmbroseP27]

You should do a vid on VT-VZ

[@ClunieGarage]

Great idea mate. We will have a look into that.

[@angry9901]

Need a bloke with a VZ who is keen to mod his car. Send your EOI to Clunie Garage.

[@Stefan_Eccles]

🔥

[@dannyhoover9400]

What is your opinion on Pedders coilovers? I've got a US VF Caprice and just ordered a set. Figured that I couldn't go wrong ordering from an Australian company. I liked the Pedders springs I put on my Tahoe.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Danny, we hear good things for street driven use. They are not common on the track though.

[@dannyhoover9400]

Thank you

[@angry9901]

I think you would be better off with some KW or BC coilovers personally. If you want Aussie made then try MCA.

[@Dan-rg7jj]

Basic stroker. Summit forged crank under 1k no import tax. Scat rods $700ish and basic forged pistons that come with rings. Icon pistons $800ish are good and half a thou bigger so you won't need a bore if it isn't damaged. LS rebuild kit, Arp head bolts and ballancer bolt (not studs) and reuse main bolts, melling pump, timming chain, Acl main bearings, new LS7 lifters, cam retainer plate, new extractor bolts $25. Pay a local guy to ballance and assemble with new cam bearings plus recon the heads. Sell old LS rotating assembly on gumtree. Hello 450 lbft at 25000rpm and brand new forged motor. Want to go further? Dorman LS2 manifold and used 706 5.3l heads. Will fetch good price for rec port heads and that LS3 intake on gum too.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Dan, that sounds like a nice build!

[@Dan-rg7jj]

@@ClunieGarage I know it's not a very popular option, but spending on valve train if you're just cruising around the street and keeping it under 4000rpm usually with a couple of quick pulls can add up. The stock cams are fine they max out a lot higher then the old 5Ls did. Of course my personal preference is smaller again heads and down to a 5.3l l33 duration cam but that's just me. Under 2000rpm cams aren't really going to help much. Even under 3000rpm not that much. It's marketing. With rec port heads and stock cams like the ls1 and ls3 you can loose around 50nm down low as opposed to going with 706 heads and a L33 cam and loose even more with aftermarket ones. We are talking budget stroker and keeping the stock rec's and cam will make it pull higher then my L33 cam. "Brian is down the coast off Florida in his Yacht" haha. Although there is 1 cam I like the BTR torque cam 202 duration 111lsa. BTW don't go to any 'shops' all you need is some basic tools and a crane, research and someone to build your short and assemble heads 10k Max. I should start a channel one day and share this info haha. When you build a stroker with I beam rods you don't need to clearance the block and you would use spacers to space out the windage tray. No hate keep going with the channel mate can't wait to see this. I would have thought 550hp with those heads and that stage 4?

[@streetheat3366]

Can you add links in your description of where to buy these products?

[@crunchied8]

what about the mca coil-overs they are Australia company

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, yes they are indeed and we have fitted the race reds to our VF race car. They are excellent but not cheap.

[@crunchied8]

@@ClunieGarage nothing for a car is cheap my mindset is you pay for what you get mindset have you tried superpro vs nolathane bushings thanks

[@toneabet6252]

Much difference between 2300 and 2650 Harrop blower? After seeing your vid I wanna get one

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, yes bigger capacity and more airflow means you don't need as much boost to make similar power. Also, the blower design is more efficient as are the intercoolers. Worth getting the bigger 2650 in my opinion.

[@ca11botsuna20]

Amazing channel & content but hard to justify myself moddin a sv6 vf auto daily to gain a few extra kw Really needs to be a Manuel :(

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, we agree. Save your pennies and get a V8!

[@italianstallion2219]

Would love to see what upgrades u can do in a little Holden evoke

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, we don't have any experience modifying the evoke unfortunately.

[@italianstallion2219]

@@ClunieGarage fair enough is that even a thing like can u put mods of the evoke model?

[@agsmokee86]

Hey man, so what's the most kw's an L77 engine get up to without getting fully blown?

[@jeffthoroughgood6844]

With all bolt on's exhaust OTR headers cam and head package 320-330 rwkw is the norm.

[@agsmokee86]

@@jeffthoroughgood6844cheers, thanks for replying mate 🤘

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Archie, we are estimating 350rwkw for our 6.0L build which included Higgins Heads, Brian Tooley stage 4 cam, tune and all the other bolt ons.

[@agsmokee86]

@@ClunieGarage cool, so in order to get more power than 350rwkw your going to have to bore it out yeah?

[@ClunieGarage]

@@agsmokee86 G'day Archie, yep beyond 350rwkw you are looking at going E85, stroker, higher comp pistons etc.

[@xbust3dx146]

Good videos mate 👌

[@ClunieGarage]

Cheers, thanks mate!!

[@deshammond4203]

Are coil overs better than airbags ?

[@chrome0117]

For racing yes, airbags are for show

[@ianmccartney1042]

What can i do to my motor sport edition it's enhanced factory ??? Great videos

[@Neon-pf6tu]

keep it stock, its one of 1200

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Ian, you can do all the mods we have listed in this video but I would be inclined to keep it stock given its a limited edition.

[@thatsimracer666]

hay mate how do you do the track days because when I get the money to buy a car I wanna do some track days

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, it all starts with going to your local track and having a go either with your own car or a track company hire car. You will also need a AASA license and some safety gear. We wished we had started our adventures on track days years ago! Have a look at trackschool.com.au

[@thatsimracer666]

@@ClunieGarage thanx mate because I'm building a pro class time attack ute and plan to get practice before hand

[@dimitribartos6539]

Lova ya work. How much were the Koyas? Please list the offsets in the description.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Dimitri, about $450 a corner. We have listed the offsets in an earlier video when we purchased the Koyas. Have a look in the description of the previous videos.

[@aussietruckphotosandmodels8510]

How did you get on with the Getz We ran out of brakes, but had lots of fun....

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, our first track day for the Getz is this coming Wednesday. We have replaced pads, rotors and fluid to hopefully proactively manage brake issues. Did you do anything to the brakes or are they stock?

[@aussietruckphotosandmodels8510]

@@ClunieGarage I liked what you did to the brakes on yours, we can't run drilled or slotted as they get grit and gravel stuck in them. We ran stock rotors as it comes with vented disks front and rear. Put in Ferodo DSP pads and changed the fluid to PMU G 4 Changed the flexi hoses for braded lines as that's the code. disconnected the ABS. fitted a brake bias valve. Didn't have time to put in the hydraulic hand brake so it was just the manual one with an R clip through it. I took it out for a run and knocked the c#ap out of it for a while and it seemed to be pretty good. He was going quite fast though (less than a second behind a rally prep WRX) and spent about 30% of the time under full brake. Early days... We gutted the thing the only stuff inside it was him, a seat, and a steering wheel. Nothing that a couple of hundred hours of seat time won't fix... He has one of his runs on his YT channel Schazaro racing.... rally sprint.

[@grandchancelor]

WHy not the Whipple charger ??

[@ClunieGarage]

We did mention the Whipple as an option, but we do not have first hand experience with that blower.

[@requis4367]

noice vid

[@ClunieGarage]

Thanks Jet!!!

[@ianmccartney1042]

Can i bring it to you ,

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day Ian, we only work on our cars at the moment as we are an enthusiast channel. We can put you in touch with our local tune shop, Gentech, if you are interested?

[@ianhawkins5622]

Why are you walking in circles ? Sit still boy,!