Holden Commodore Problems

HOLDEN made changes to the throttle control, engine calibration, induction and exhaust systems on the VZ SS to lift the power by 5kW to 250kW at 5600 revs. The torque was also increased by 5Nm to 470Nm at 4800 revs.

THE wear is caused by a change in toe-in as the rear wheels move up and down. Holden altered the suspension in VY to fix the problem, but the best solution on your model is to fit the kit. Pedders charge $440 to supply and fit it, and I would recommend it to extend the life of your tyres.

YOUR Commodore has a V6 with a timing chain, so no need to service or replace it.

I WOULDN'T buy the BA Falcon with the dedicated LPG system. It's old LPG technology and suffers stalling, stumbling, surging and lack of performance unless it's well maintained. A better alternative is to buy a regular BA wagon and have it converted to dual fuel using one of the latest gas-injection systems that have no drive-ability problems. I get too many complaints about the Falcon to recommend it. The VZ wagon was available with a dual-fuel LPG system developed by IMPCO and using a gas-injection system. That is a good way to go, but I wouldn't recommend buying a VZ wagon and having it converted, because there are said to be problems with the regular Alloytec engine when running on LPG. The Mazda6 is a good car with a good reputation for reliability, as is the Corolla, and I'd be happy to buy either.

YOU need to do a few checks to confirm your concerns. I wouldn't take any notice of what other people may or may not get -- who knows what they are doing? For a start, fill your tank and do a proper fuel-consumption test. Your Commodore should return about 11.5 litres/100km on average around the city and 6.8 litres/100km on the highway. That way you will have a better idea of what your car is doing and whether you have a problem. You should also make sure there isn't a problem filling the tank.

FOURTEEN litres/100km is a little high, but it depends on the driving conditions. I would continue to run your tests in town, and on the open road, to see if it changes over time. You should get 10-11 litres/100km on the highway and 12-14 litres/100km around town.

GOOD luck. I hope Holden is as good as its word and that your problem is addressed and you're reimbursed for the money you spent on repairs.

THERE is no problem with converting the VX 3.8-litre V6.

I'D LOOK for a leaking windscreen. Certainly that could explain the water in the front footwell, but it could also result in water in the rear.

I DON'T have information about the CD/T Commodore so it's hard to advise about restoration. Start by contacting the HSV Club and seeking their advice about values etc. There shouldn't be any trouble in restoring the engine, it's not highly modified.