General Comments:
You forget you're driving a Station Wagon. Despite the bigger dimensions, it was surprisingly quick and nimble, with an excellent turning circle and responsive engine.
Before buying the car, the dealer allowed us to take it for a weekend test drive. We added approximately 1000kms to it that weekend, and signed the Hire Purchase papers on the Monday morning.
The things that struck us about this car was it's quickness. We found we could match some of the V8's on the open road.
It was economical. $40 petrol would do a 365km trip with spare to go.
It was quiet. Sometimes you'd think you stalled, with embarrassing consequences!
After 8 or so years we eventually blew the clutch and engine. As the body was still in very good shape with no serious rust, we decided to modify it instead of financing another car.
After saving we bought a reconditioned 72 Statesman 308.
This engine had history. It was recovered by Police from an HQ that was used in the Coromandel as a get-away car for local boat thieves! The crims had thoughtfully kept the engine reconditioned and it was in very good condition. Yes, we bought it off the original owner, who had replaced his stolen Statesman with an HSV.
Next stop was a Celica 5spd, and finally after a year of searching for parts and finding the money, the engine was transplanted, certified and warranted.
Within a month of having it back, we blew the gearbox and had to replace it with a reconditioned iron cast 5spd Celica. Much, much better.
Since then we've had it professionally lowered with new King springs and shocks all round, replaced the suspension & bushes, repainted the roof, added some spots & HRT stickers, installed a Mongoose, sat it on SS mags and given it personalised plates.
We've still got a long way to go - VL rear axle, re-bore & recondition the engine, body repaint the original Holden Silver Pearl lustre, find and install a T5 shifter and power steering unit, replace or repair interior and carpets, stereo system and other small cosmetic luxuries.
I got married in this car in 1992 and plan to do it again once it's finished. I absolutely adore this car and wouldn't trade it for anything.
21st Apr 2004, 02:33
Hey man what are the performance mods that you use on the VL? Or if anyone else has any please let me know.