Before I start, I've already bought more than enough to know what to look for myself, and I even purchased another one just over a week ago. I am really keen to see what others would look for when aiming to purchase one of the above, be in either V6, 5L V8 or LS1 guise.
My general observations:. Check the engine mounts - I know that on a V6, the passenger side is behind the air-con compressor and the drivers side is behind the power steering pump. These are a real PITA to change out, especially the passenger side. Check around rocker cover seal for leaks - common on V6. Check around the oil pressure switch (top front of sump on V6) for oil residue, if it is wet, good chance it leaks - easy fix. Check around base of bellhousing for oil - common sign of perished rear main seal.
Details about cold air intake filter kit holden vt vu vx vy wh wk statesman w/ gen 3 ls1 5.7l Be the first to write a review. COLD AIR INTAKE FILTER KIT HOLDEN VT VU VX VY WH WK STATESMAN W/ GEN 3 LS1 5.7L. I was having some issues with car basically was breaking Air Box again and Again while driven on Power Mode. Therefore, I did install a pod filter to provide good airflow to the Engine.
Check radiator for signs of leaks - brown staining, buildup of green staining, patches in plastic end tanks, etc. Ascertain if the mileage on the ODO matches the car - does it look like it would have an honest 300,000km's on it?
Quite common to see Commodores/etc with swapped out gauge clusters. If LS1, start the car and ensure the motor is COLD, listen for a ticking (quite audible) sound - common for LS1's to have 'sticky lifters', not a MAJOR issue. If 5L, start the car and listen to the exhaust - if it sounds overly hollow (imagine it like yelling down a drainpipe), then there is a GOOD chance it's been thrashed. If auto, start the car and ensure the motor is COLD, shift up and down between PARK and DRIVE, stopping in REVERSE but not stopping in NEUTRAL. A long delay between changing usually suggests the gearbox isn't in the greatest of health.
If manual, slowly bring the clutch out to it's 'biting point' and have a firm grip on the shifter, feeling for obvious vibrations. Also try and feel for vibrations through the clutch pedal. VT & VX:. Inspect engine mounts, you should be able to slip your pinky finger between the base of the sump and the K frame. Castor rod bushes - check for any cracking in the bushes - commonly worn out item. Drop links - check for wear - commonly worn out item. Diff oil should be done @ 100,000ks especially if towing is done.
Friction modifying additive needs to be added for those with an LSD. Auto trans filter and gasket should be changed at about the same time - prevents slow and sluggish gearchanges and clunking into gear. Power steering racks are known to leak - slip a screwdriver in the end of the boot and lever it open gently, if it leaks, the rack is gone. If the remote keyfob buttons have collapsed just buy the silicone replacement ones off ebay - its much cheaper than buying and coding a new one. If the key is hard to turn in the ignition, it will need a new key barrel which will need to be coded and programmed to the car. The extension housing seal can get a bit weepy but only replace if its really bad. Spark plug leads should be changed if they're coated in a fine white powder - arcing out.
![How to install a pod filter on a vx commodores How to install a pod filter on a vx commodores](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125428861/683814555.jpg)
Belt squeal can be caused by misalignment in the power steering pump or a need for the revised lower drive belt idler to be replaced. Side seat trim clips known to snap and break away leaving the trim hanging loose from the seat base (replace from wreckers). Glove box stopppers are usually perished and should be replaced to prevent glove box lid from falling out off. Power window regulators are known to fault either the reg gets jammed or the plastic pulley wheel snaps under load. Check for shiny paint on the inside of the front and rear quarter panels with a sharp edge - this will indicate the car has been in a front or rear end accident accordingly. Ashtray clip known to break - can be replaced from the dealership for a few dollars. Sun visor clips WILL break, hard to come by new.
Rear camber is a design fault that plagued all VT-VZ Commodores. Holden tried to implement a 'fix' in the VX Series II in the way of 'Control Link Rear Suspension' (all they did was add in a bar on each side to pull the hub back to central), but you will still get bucketloads of camber on the back wheels when lowering past standard height. This can be overcome with a 'camber kit'. Pedders and Nolathane make kits, which are approx $100-150 to purchase, but a PITA to install. Budget at least $500 to do a two-point kit, and possibly an extra $300 for a four-point kit (retail workshop prices)If you really want to fix that problem, drop in the entire VY/VZ subframe as the geometry is better (less camber and toe) even without doing a camber kit.
With VY's and VZ's becoming more popular at self serve wreckers, it shouldn't be too expensive to do and you might even save money from tyre wear in the long run. VY/VZ + 2 point camber kit (4 point isn't needed and doesn't work because of the different geometry - will make the suspension bind up, i believe the 2 point kits are different to VT/VX1 as well) and you can get it pretty low without major dramas. I haven't found too many of these problems with my car. I mean, I did get a very clean one for its age and low-ish kms.
![Install Install](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125428861/163473888.jpg)
But I have to admit, things turned sour all at once for me: lights not working on certain modes, cruise control failing, various other non-important things that don't really affect the drive, HOWEVER very recently (as in the last 2 days) when I try to unlock the doors they don't actually unlock. The thumb lock thing inside the car moves, sure. But the mechanism doesn't fully unlatch. VERY frustrating for the front passenger who can now never open the door properly and now the driver's door is getting that way. Not sure if it's the cold or old system or whatever. But f.ck it's annoying.
Anyone know what might be the cause? (or more importantly, the solution).