if thats whats going to replace the bonnie, I wouldnt mind
looks like a quality, popular car.

Yep, the "Monaro" is a coupoe version that came into existence alongside the VT model in around 1999 or 2000. Then the V2 Monaro coincided with the VX model commodores. It was this platform that the GTO was based off. Now the V3 monaro is coming out this year and thanks to you guys and the GTO export program, that means the aussie versions get a higher output 255kw Gen3 (instead of 235 or something) and also the fuel tank mounting is differnt, allowing twin exhausts (one on each side) to be fitted. The new model for this year also has some bonnet vents on it, which are once again an impact of the GTO export program.


This is a VT Calais which came stock with the L67 supercharged engine
(i think you need to signup to StreetCommodores to view it though) http://www.streetcommodores.com.au/f...id=13418&stc=1



And here'* a L67 which has been transplanted into a 1350kg 1989 VN model (wouldnt that just go like the clappers!)



Here'* his cardomain site: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/408672/1


The engine mounts are the same right the way back to the original 1979 VB commodore days, and it is not that hard to put in a series1 buick engine, or a series2 L36/L67 into these cars! Although only 3 guys that i know have put an L67into an earlier model, and they were a VN, a VP and a VR. Havent seen one in a VB VH or VK yet which ouwld be crazy stuff cos they are so light (and still reqar wheel drive!)



Thanks for the compliments

1) Our L36 inlet manifold is a 3 piece design and it'* all cast alloy in construction. You have the lower manifold, which bolts to the block/heads, contains the runners and also the PCV valve and PCV breather hose and the watergalleries and thermostat housing..

Then the plenum (yes it is basically just a box) bolts ontop of this. It contains bellmouthed trumpets in the floor of it to help the air funnel down the lower runners, and the throttlebody is located on the right hand side (as you face the engine).

Then there is a lid which screws down on top of this. The removable lid is there so that you can get access to the inside in order to remove the top plenum from the lower runners. The fuel rails attach themselves to the underside edge of this plenum, and the injectors mount right in the runners (as opposed to the L67 engine where the injectors mount in the heads).

It'* very similar to a Ford Windsor manifold, (GT40, Explorer, Victor Jnr etc etc) where you have the lower and an upper. Just on this case the upper also has a removable lid.

It would certainly bolt up to your L36'es however you would obviously also need the fuel rails and there could end up be clearance issues with the bonnet, or even at the sides of the engine (front and back of your engine bay). But i will take some measurements for you all when i have a chance and maybe you can start looking into whether it looks like it might fit or not. If someone has a pic of an L36 in your cars with the engine cover off, post it here, or email it to me because im not 100% sure how it fits in your bay and where possible clearance issues could result.

2) conversion from HP to kw - 1HP = 0.7457kw
So my engine putting out 129.9rwkw is 174HP at the wheels.
But note there is a difference in the chassis dyno'* between our two countries... i have heard that your dynos over there can read 100HP over what the same car would pull on our dynos over here, so quarter mile and trapspeed would be the best way to compare performance of cars between our countries

3) I dont have a pic of my dash cluster at the moment, but its very simple, witha tacho, speedo, fuel gauage and engine temp. That'* pretty much it. It'* a very boring black background with lit up green dials.

But soon ill be fitting a statesman dash cluster which also has a 3window LCD screen/trip computer showing stuff like distance to empty, average fuel economy, and so on. Ill also be modding it so that the gauges and LCD windows light up in amber and red. With the turbo setup ill also be adding a boost gauage and probably oil pressure and a better coolant temperature gauage to keep a better eye on things as well... alsoan electronic boost controller (probably an apexi AVCR or Turbosmart EBoost).


Hope that answers your questions

Yep! There is also a range of Left Hand Drive models which are made for export to the Middle East (kuwait and Saudi Arablia). They are badged as Chevy Lumina'* and over there are regarded in the same luxury market as BMW M5s and the like! They are a great car, but for alot of austrlians we dont see them in the same quality category as a BMW. But they are well built, and well appointed as well for the rpice. The leather and and interior etc in the upmarket models is very good. I can definately see how they compare to BMWs etc in other countries.

You guys should check out some of the top models by "Holden Special Vehicles" (HSV) such as the GTS which has the callaway enhanced 300kw Gen3 engine. Although they cost around $100K AUD for that model. (Check out www.hsv.com.au for more details). Also they have just released an all wheel drive version of the monaro (GTO) called the HSV Coupe4


Holden commodores are also now exported to South Africa and are called Chevy Luminas there as well although i think South Africa is Right Hand Drive.

But yeah there are certainly LHD models being made - you guys are missing out on some great cars! At least you're getting the GTOs now, but you should lobby your USA GM and tell them you want the Commodore! I think the main reason why you dont/cant is that your car industry is very big and lots of unions etc... not very happy about importing large volumes of cars that essentially mean your factory workers lose their jobs. And also i guess the rising fuel prices mean that the trend is towards smaller cars and sadly even front wheel drive :(

Here'* a couple of cardomain sites for guys with Lumina SS'* in the middle east!!

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/681993

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/468019

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/601921


It'* funny for us to see the chevy and pontiac badges on the exact same car that has worn the Holden Lion badge over here for years! It gives some guys some cool new ways to mod their cars though, putting on all chevy badges instead of holden etc over here. And the GTO bodykit and also engine covers are becoming quite popular over here as aftermarket mods too!

If GM imported them under the Holder name they could get away with selling them in the US. Better some of the crap from Asia we get now...

wow, sweet car, and great info! glad you came aboard, once your here, you'll NEVER leave! even if ya buy a Ford, lol!

btw, what is the "clappers" ? it aint someone with the clap is it? j/k

They could just make their own designs off the same platform.

What'* your dash made out of?

The dash is covered in black velour Infact my whole interior has been retrimmed in black and red velour, with a few parts painted black as they are too hard to trim with material.

Standard the dash is kind of a softer plasticky sort of thing, with a bit of a texture to it. Just your typical sort of dash really. And in the most boring grey colour you can imagine. Although it was fairly involved and the whole interior had to be stripped out (twice infact!) we did a complete colour change from grey to black and red, meaning that everything was attended to - the dash, seats, roof lining, carpet, door trims, A B and C pillars, floormats, parcel shelf etc etc (you get the idea)

A pic is worth a thousand words so here'* a before pic, and another after pic

BEFORE




AFTER

At some point someone was bound to quit drooling and do it:




Thanks Dame

we need a series 2 engine also. He is more familiar with those probably.