[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

VRSenator065 wrote:

^nice info Pir4te, thanks for sharing.

 

Seconded!!  very useful information right there!

 

I’m quite interested in this at the moment after reading this discussion : http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/archive/index.php/t-99931.html

 

I’m seriously considering going cnc ported ls3 heads decked .020″ and FAST lsxr manifold with the standard ls2 cam for something different.  Obviously not going to be close to a monster with stock cam but should have a somewhat tame idol and street manners. Plus ridiculously easy to make whatever I want with a cam swap afterwards.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

I’ve got the whiteline adjustable 30mm front & 22mm rear sway bars on my vs ute.  I’ve got the front bar done up to the second tightest setting and the rear bar on the tightest setting and it’s amazing how much it improved the handling and eliminated the understeer. With approx. 400bhp in a ute and she powers through corners and out of them! I’d still like stiffer springs or proper coilovers in the back to try to eliminate the rest of the wippy body roll that’s present.

 

I’ve also noticed that perchance by putting in front coilovers and taking them out for a bit for lowered spring/strut before replacing them again how much more direct the steering is on turn in with coilovers.  I found the lowered spring/strut combo to be quite sloppy when compared.

 

i also notice how much better my vs ute now handles when I jump back in my VU Maloo and I have to work the steering wheel a bit more and at lower speeds.

 

just my experience from the last 8 months of modding the suspension.  I think bigger adjustable away bars is a great bang for buck handling mod on commodores!!

• This reply was modified 9 years, 1 month ago by  LF24.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

firebug wrote:

Broken or lost clips that hold the rubber exhaust hangers on? Replace with appropriate size hose clamp to stop the hanger from sliding off the bar…

 

I just use zip ties.  I’ve also used zip ties as exhaust hangers when my system was out and throwing hangers left, right and centre.

The other one is when the little button on your seat belt that holds the buckle from sliding to the floor goes missing… Few layers of duct tape where you want it to sit and she won’t go to the floor no more.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

So I’ve had a bit of a change of plans.  I picked up an LS2 crate engine for a great price today.  Will have to acquire a few things like extension looms and a cable throttle body and then sell the ls1 but she’ll be going in sooner than later!

 

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

VS Hydraulic Pedal Box on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1088392210

 

Also you really can’t go wrong with a Ripshifter.  Never used Malwoods shifter but he does do quality work.

 

All I know is a button clutch and Ripshifter is just pure gear snappage!

 

I’ll grab some video on the weekend of how well they work if you like.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

VS Hydraulic Pedal Box on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1088392210

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

That’s awesome mate, cheers for the info!! 

• This reply was modified 9 years, 2 months ago by  LF24.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Replaced the heater core today as it had been leaking.  Used the cut and shut with heater hose method, was still a PITA.

Just purchased an ASR sump baffle and windage tray kit.  Had to purchase a brand new windage tray and get it sent to ASR as they used to do them on a swap over basis but nobody sent them back.

 

I’ve also been trying to suss some custom linear springs from a few different company’s, this is what I have gotten back so far:

Eibach – said they don’t make one-offs

Lovells – said they will give me my local distributor details but haven’t replied back

Kings – said its not a worry and I just need measurement between spring seats at full droop

 

So looks like king springs it’ll have to be.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

ASR Ls baffle kit and windage tray – $335.50

I also asked for an estimate on a custom built race baffled front sump ls1 pan.  Their reply was .. Our Comp pan for Commodore for e.g. is $1155

Looking at their gallery on their website they have photos of a Buick/ecotec V6 street comp pan that I would say would be pretty spot on sump shape wise for our application.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 2 months ago by  LF24.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

The more and more I looked at your photos I realized that’s the S chassis LS swap sump your running Gary.  Quite a nice bit of kit but obviously doesn’t fit without modding the k frame.

Ive heard that about the VY sumps but good luck trying to find one unless someone’s parting out an engine.  They all sell them as VT-VZ sump and they have no idea which are what.  I looked at this option so I could just get the improved racing baffle as it only fits VY-VZ oil pan.  Their sump with the baffle is $1100 instead of $350 for just the baffle.

Those ASR baffles and windage trays look shmick as well and fit with the earlier sumps.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

I’ve been talking with a guy on Facebook that makes modified radius rods and knuckles.

 

He was saying that he’s working on a fully adjustable heavy duty front suspension kit for Commodores.

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[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Yeah I’ve seen the one you use, that’s why I looked at canton.  Which sump exactly is yours Gary?  The s chassis conversion one looks like it might fit without modifying the k-frame hopefully.

 

Thinking about it I’m surprised someone hasn’t designed a sump for the vb-vs LS conversion.  It has become such a popular swap and it would solve one of the last clearance problems with the swap.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Just did some quick measurements while the car was still on the ground.  Looks like the canton sump might just fit, Sikky might be a better fit from what I’ve seen of both.  Will get the car up on stand to get some proper measurements this week.

 

a dummy block and k-frame would be handy right about now hahaha

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

My reasoning is you get the least steering lock with modified knuckles with vs lcas because of the lock stops.  Apart from that I’m not sure, maybe because the later model arms are cheaper?

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

A guy on the VG-VS holden utes facebook page has run this setup before and i will be going down this path soon. Will be running vt-vz lcas, knuckles and hubs with adjustable radius rods.  Will put up pictures once i get around to doing it.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Only just got the diff rebuilt with 3.89 gears and a 4WD systems lokka.  Rebuilt by Torq4x4 who do quite a bit of work with lokkas and did a fantastic job considering the button clutch manual it is.

only thing im having trouble with is she axle tramps really bad in a straight line, although thanks to old posts by Luke_VN i think i might have sussed the problem…. being i need stiffer linear rear springs.

future mods in the plans are as follows:

Suspension: VT-VZ front lcas, hubs & modified knuckles, adjustable radius rods, adjustable strut tops, mcdonalds bros. rear coilover kit, MSF Racing rca watts link.

Driveline:  move radiator back and fit OTR, Improved Racing baffled sump, Accusump setup,  Rebuilt engine or 6L block.

apart from that she needs some panel work and a coat of paint.  The patchwork panels, mis-coloured lid, poorly debadged, dinted look does get a few interesting looks when out at the track or if you open her up.

Also just put on a set of the new Bridgestone Potenza RE003 which seem to do a great job.  Handled themselves very well on a wet track the other morning.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 2 months ago by  LF24.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Z-grip clutch

Final fitment

Almost ready to roll

Feul system

Gotta love Big brakes

First start up

http://s247.photobucket.com/user/liquid_force24/media/8B322249-BF8A-4245-A329-83A08091EA26.mp4.html

Sneaky Acceleration vid

http://s247.photobucket.com/user/liquid_force24/media/87AC25F7-D4F2-4E2E-B107-F7AA798CAAEA.mp4.html

Engine & gearbox back out

And back in

Testing out the new setup

Hiding ls1 ecu in factory position

How she pretty much sits now

My brothers Forester and the VS

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Are you able to adapt the VT-VZ handbrake to live axle at all?

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Hey mate what are your thoughts on the suspension concepts strut tops and radius rods? Also are your running VS lcas or later model lcas?

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Replied to your pm.

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