1986 Holden Commodore Berlina Turbo 3.0 litre straight 6

Summary:

Could be a bit quicker, but I am happy with it at the moment

Faults:

Previous owner ran too much boost, resulting in engine detonation, and 0 compression on #5 cylinder.

Engine "freshen" on block and new pistons, new rings and bearings etc... by AVO.

Full head rebuild, total - $2800.

Now safely running 11psi.

Other than that, there is no stopping it!

General Comments:

Pretty good sound system, body and interior are in mint condition.

Currently got interceptors with 215's, but hopefully soon will add some Walky's. Then it will be a clean good looking car which isn't cop bait (hopefully).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2000

17th Jul 2002, 06:47

If you paid $2800.00 to have the head rebuilt, you paid way too much! I paid $2100 for a fitted, fully reconditioned engine with a 12 months parts and labour warranty 6 years ago, from B. M. Higginbottom engine reconditioning. It's covered 170,000 km's since it was fitted, and I've had no trouble from it at all.

25th Jul 2005, 03:46

There's no such thing as a turbo VL that doesn't attract porcine attention...

1986 Holden Commodore VK 1/2 Executive 202 six cylinder 5 speed

Summary:

Great budget family/tow vehicle, surprisingly economical

Faults:

Power steering leaked.

Exhaust (refer to the general comments).

General Comments:

The most comfortable car I've ever had.

Smooth torquey engine, low down gearing (max power @ 4,500 rpm / max torque @2.500 rpm, compare that to a Japanese car).

Great as a towing car as the bottom end torque is unburstable.

Power steering leaked a bit and the exhaust had a small hole (wear and tear for its age).

I would still have it, but the day before I got the above two problems fixed, the car was pinched never to be seen again.

Very economical on LPG, a lot of the cold start problems with LPG can be solved by fitting the correct heat range plugs for LPG.

Get a six cylinder like this one was or an eight, don't even look at a four cylinder.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th November, 2000

1986 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 litre straight six

Summary:

Reliability, with power in your hands

Faults:

Just recently, when I turn a corner the water for the windscreen wipers leaks out of the outlet.

General Comments:

The only negative I've found is that it uses up a lot of fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st November, 2000

1986 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 inline 6 cylinder

Summary:

Reliability!!!

Faults:

Had to replace the air flow meter recently, and the alternator, but I figure it is just old age because it is the most reliable car...

General Comments:

I think that for the kilometers on this car, it has survived extremely well. It has only been on a tow truck once, and that was the air flow meter. It only cost me $150 to repair.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2000

1986 Holden Commodore VL Calais Turbo 3.0 turbo

Summary:

These cars should be illegal

Faults:

Fuel pump died - $350.

Thumping from the tailshaft, new tailshaft - $300.

Wheel alignment and brake pads - $350.

Overheating, radiator coolant leaks - $50.

General Comments:

This car goes like the clappers, with a high flow turbo from a WRX, intercooler and running at 15 PSI boost and a massive blow off valve, the car is a rocket.

It eats Clubsports for breakfast...

What more can I say?....

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2000

21st Feb 2001, 05:43

You actually paid $350 for a wheel alignment and brake pads? Why did you put the turbo off a WRX on a VL, they are so small, the VL stock turbo is a hell of a lot bigger.

13th May 2001, 18:23

VL turbo's are the best cars, they are fast and good looking without doing much to them. Within a few months I will be the proud owner of a VL Turbo Calais.

Also wheel alignment and brakes does not cost $350.

24th Aug 2001, 02:56

Well, I think he's right about the performance, but if the boy gets under the car himself it won't cost as much, if anything.

15th Jun 2003, 05:04

I don't understand how even a high flowed wrx turbo which produces enough airflow for a 2 litre engine, can flow enough to feed the 3 litre mill found in your car. If so id like to hear more about it as I'm always looking for something new to do to my turbo calais.

9th Feb 2007, 20:42

Hey every one I'm getting a Vl Calais Turbo it's my first car.

1986 Holden Commodore VL Berlina 3.0 (RE 30)

Summary:

Love it

Faults:

Both fuel pumps due to a sub woofer.

Done the brakes front and back.

Ball bearing in the diff.

Replaced the water pump and timing belt.

General Comments:

Very good car, gets driven quite a bit and still goes good.

Looks very good for its age and you would not say it is as old as its build date.

Lost my licence while driving it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2000

1986 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 litre petrol

Summary:

A very reliable and cheap car

Faults:

Replacement of the starter motor, but no other problems whatsoever.

General Comments:

Very reliable and cheap car to run. Very economical on long distance driving and can get up to some very quick speeds. Would recommend it to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2000

1986 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 V6

Summary:

Power in your hands

Faults:

Not much. It is a FANTASTIC CAR

When I was test driving it the fuse box blew but that is because of a problem with the headlights. The wiring can't stand the pressure of the headlights so the fuse box blows... The person fixed it and it was no cost to me...

The car is sort of okay on fuel, but when you're on your P's you don't care.

General Comments:

Heaps of power.

The best engine.

Great body.

A hoon's dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 2000

26th May 2001, 02:31

The VL Commodore was not released with a V6, the first Commodore with a V6 was the VN with a 3.8 liter V6.

1986 Holden Commodore VL Calais RB30E

Summary:

Next time I'll buy a turbo

Faults:

The car at the moment is using too much petrol, with 500km a tank on a long distance trip the best I can pull out of it. Dizzy cap needed replacement.

General Comments:

The car still runs like it's brand new, even better with exhaust, chip and cam setup. Able to beat a VN V8 (165kw) in a straight line and a number of Falcons.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2000

1986 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 injected petrol

Faults:

Gearbox reconditioned.

Front discs replaced.

Alloy head reconditioned.

General Comments:

Nissan engine is smooth and punchy, but a little less reliable in the Commodore than the equivalent Skyline. Comfortable car for long distance trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 1999