Holden Commodore 2001 Problems

The standard differential on this vehicle was a non-LSD (non-limited-slip) unit with a final-drive ratio of 3.08:1. Some owners changed the gears in the diff for more acceleration, although this was more commonly done in V8 models where owners were chasing performance at the expense of a little fuel economy.

If you’re in doubt, you can put the car on a hoist, mark a spot on the driveshaft and then turn the rear wheel a full revolution. By counting the number of times the driveshaft rotates during that process, you’ll know the ratio. In this case, one full rotation of the rear wheel should equal 3.08 rotations of the driveshaft.

Yes, it can be rebuilt or replaced and an automatic transmission specialist would be able to do that for you. Cost for the job would be around $2000 to rebuild or replace the transmission on a changeover basis.

It sounds like it could be a problem with the brake master cylinder. Take it to a brake specialist who should be able to sort it out for you.

I wouldn't rush into doing anything, there doesn't appear to be much, if anything wrong with your car. It's not using oil or overheating, so leave it alone until there is a clearer sign that something is wrong. If you are concerned have another mechanic, one that you trust to tell you the truth, check it, as your current mechanic would seem to be trying to get you to spend money you might not need to spend.

The important thing about where the needle sits is not so much where it sits on the scale, but that it’s always in that position. In other words you need to be concerned if it suddenly starts to sit in a different position to normal. I wouldn’t expect the needle to move much going up or down hills, normally they stay pretty much in the same position. Check that the thermostat is the correct one, and that it’s not stuck.

The Ecotec engine will be fine on LPG, many thousands have been converted. My preference would be for the injection system, it runs better, is more reliable, less prone to backfiring, and delivers the savings you want. But that said the older venturi/mixer system also works fine. Both Impco and Emer are respected brands. If you want to get more info on them talk to other owners who have had those systems installed.