1986 Holden Commodore SL/Executive Straight Six

Summary:

The Best of Both Worlds

Faults:

Touch wood, nothing since I've had it.

General Comments:

Oh My God!!!

Mad ass car that goes hard, Powerful, awesome looking and would give a lot of 8's a run for there money.

The interior is good condition

Exterior need work

Engine is IMMACULATE

I just need a new paint job and a good set of VY SS Rims and it will be complete.

Once again, great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2008

1986 Holden Commodore VL Executive Wagon RB30 3L Straight Six

Summary:

Wasn't the wisest choice of car, but these things are cheap and fairly reliable

Faults:

Crank angle sensor was an existing problem when I purchased the vehicle.

Air flow meter was shot, car was sluggish and reluctant to take off. Cost about $100 to replace.

Large hole in exhaust system, replaced with 2.5" with hi flow cat.

Wouldn't start in P, and reluctant to in N, which was attributed to a loose connector under the bell housing. Solved by pushing the connector together and a zip tie to ensure it doesn't come loose again.

A few splits in some of the hoses - to be expected of a 21 year old vehicle.

When filling up, fuel will overflow before the pump will shut off the supply.

Fuel gauge only works when it wants to, as with the speedo. A tap on the dash fixes these.

General Comments:

Car was running rough as when I purchased it, for the grand total of $150. Since then I've spent about ten times that on getting it running nicely.

Since overcoming the problems, it hasn't missed a beat.

Interior is a bit shabby, and the exterior needs attention. Can't really expect much for the price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2007

1986 Holden Commodore SL 3.00

Summary:

Bloody excellent

Faults:

Nothing as yet.

General Comments:

This car runs like a dream, I have never been in a VL that is so smooth and can handle being thrashed out for 30 minutes non-stop and the temp needle not move. The only thing I would like to change is the torque. It feels a bit sluggish. There is no oil leaks. The engine bay is the cleanest I have ever seen. It pays to well maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2006

1986 Holden Commodore VK GTS 3.3 EFI

Summary:

An Australian Icon

Faults:

To date, I have only replaced the brake shoes, and a water pump and set of tyres.

General Comments:

I purchased this car because of its rarity. This car runs on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). The power loss isn't noticeable, and overall the car runs great.

The valve seats had to be altered to measure, but considering the fuel savings, it is worth every cent.

I believe that it is a result of the LPG running in the car, that has made this car so reliable.

Although most people don't like the black engine, it is the last of the real Holden engines, making it truly an Australian icon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2006

26th Oct 2006, 02:55

It turns out that the VK GTS is a NZ Only car. There were only 120 ever made, all identical and released in late 1986 with 3.3EFI black engines. They had the very basic mods and cons with the extras being a momo steering wheel, rear group 1 spoiler, rear louver, rear side window louvers and body moulds like on the Royale and very distinctive blue veneer and white and light blue striped inserts for the interior.

To finish they had factory 15 inch alloy wheels only found on VK GTS and the odd VL Commodore. No electric windows or central locking can be found.

This would have to be must for the collector as 120 produced doesn't even make it as a model as such. bad luck Aussies.

1986 Holden Commodore VL SL 3.0 litre

Summary:

SIK M8

Faults:

As the car is now 20 years old, and being a 5 speed manual, the gearbox, when dropping it down to second gear from third, it makes a slight crunching noise.

General Comments:

I have got my secret in, which makes my car a real head turner, and I'm sorry I can't share with you what it is, but it's original and I wouldn't want you guys gettin any ideas and the chicks that this car pulls in.

Has got some serious speed to it.

Very reliable.

A REAL HEAD TURNER.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2006

25th May 2006, 23:05

When shifting from 3rd to 2nd, let the clutch out when the shifter is in the neutral position, give the throttle a blip then depress the clutch and shift into second. It should shift nice and smooth if you get the revs right. You can do it under brakes by using the heel of your braking foot on the accelerator, although I'm not sure if the pedal positioning in a VL will allow this (works well on my beat-up old VW).