Faults:
The vehicle was delivered with a delamination in the windscreen on the drivers side, no tyre placard sticker or right hand "Clubsport" sticker. All were replaced after delivery.
The engine consumed an excessive amount of oil, well over the 2.5 litres per 10,000 km's which Holden say is acceptable.
The oil light would stay on after starting the engine and then go out after a few seconds. On one occasion it didn't. The oil pump was replaced. This took three weeks, as there were no oil pumps in Australia.
The car was scratched by the dealer while putting the engine back in during the oil pump replacement. The paint repair was like orange peel and had to be fixed by my own spray painter at the dealers cost.
The rear differential whined when under no load, right from day one.
The gear lever rattled against the console in second gear due to insufficient clearance. The standard gear shifter was replaced with a short shift lever, however there is now an internal rattle when in third gear and operating in the higher rev range.
The engine and rear differential were eventually replaced at 11,000 km's.
The new engine continues to consume oil at a rate of 2 to 2.5 litres every 10,000 km's. Holden say 2.5 litres per 10,000 km's is acceptable.
The rubber boots on the front steering arms had to be replaced after 30,000 km's, due to the heat radiated from the engine.
General Comments:
The car looks great, but there is a serious problem with oil consumption that can occur with the 5.7L Gen III LS1 engine.
A mates VX Series II Clubsport was tested at 2.5 litres per 10,000k km's. He bought the vehicle new (Del 7/02) after the dealer assured him the oil consumption issue was fixed in the Series II.
While it's a bit hit and miss, its not a good thing having to top up a new $65,000 plus vehicle (any new car for that matter) with oil between services. All this and then to have the car manufacturer tell you its acceptable after you bought vehicle. Be aware!
3rd Oct 2008, 21:52
I couldn't agree more! The sheer nostalgia that comes with driving one of these cars is 2nd to none... Chevrolet/HSV have got a major Ace up its sleeve with the LS1 motor. I've got 1.75 inch Pacemakers with a twin 2.5in merging into a single 3.5in system... the sound from idle through to red line is spine tingling!!
As with my 6spd manual when slowing down through the gears, the wads of fuel rumbling out the exhaust is what I live for! I'd recommend a C.O.M.E., comp, or crow custom grind LS1 cam upgrade, it will net you power gains of up to the 300+ rwkw, it's worked for me!