Holden VL Commodore

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Holden VL Commodore
Manufacturer:	Holden
Parent company:	General Motors
Production:	March 1986–August 1988
Assembly:	Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Predecessor:	Holden VK Commodore
Successor:	Holden VN Commodore
Class:	Mid size
Body style:	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Platform:	GM V platform
Engine:	Straight-6 3.0L 114 kW RB30E 3.0L 150 kW RB30ET V8 4.9L 122 kW Black
Transmission:	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic

Many Holden fans still consider the 1986 VL Commodore the best Commodore ever built while some complain that its styling too similar to Japanese cars of the same period. It was the last of the narrow-body Commodores and the only one to feature an OHC engine — an alloy headed 3.0 L RB30E unit designed and manufactured by Nissan.

The New Zealand assembled 6-cylinder VLs had the Nissan RB20 engine. The 6-cylinder engine was mated with the Japanese 'Jatco' 4-speed automatic; the 5.0 L (4987cc) V8 remained available in carbureted form with the old 3-speed automatic.

The VL Commodore is popular among young drivers and in the modified car scene. It is often considered 'Australias most modified car'. The RB30 block is also highly regarded with Japanese drag racers and Nissan Skyline fanatics as a power upgrade. The engine has huge aftermarket support.

Ironically, the Australian Police were instrumental in proving the performance credentials of the Commodore Turbo to young drivers. Commissioning them as their 'interceptor' Highway Pursuit cars of choice, VL Police Interceptors were denoted by BT1 in their VIN number, these particular vehicles are now revered.

A VL Calais wagon and Calais turbo wagon were both produced in extremely limited numbers. A 1988 Bicentennial edition of the Calais sedan was issued in a a commemorative Champagne colour.

Contents 1 Design 2 V8 Returns 3 Specifications 3.1 Transmissions 3.2 Top Speed in Gears 3.3 Suspension 3.4 Steering 3.5 Brakes 3.6 Wheels 3.7 Tyres

[edit] Design

The VL Commodore represented a substantial makeover of the VK, and would be the last of the "compact" Commodores. The engineers sought to soften the lines of the VL, rounding off the panels and introducing a small tail spoiler built into the boot lid. One major innovation was the use of semi-retracting headlight covers on the Calais model, the first for a production Holden (although they never released GTR-X which featured fully retractable headlights).

Minor changes were made to the interior, such as a new dashboard design with some relocated switches and new instrument cluster.

A comprehensive makeover for the VK engine was completely dropped in favour of an imported Nissan 3 litre straight six unit. General Motors had opted for the engine switch with the introduction of unleaded fuel in Australian cars. The tooling for the old Holden straight-six engine had become worn by this stage and it was not considered cost-effective to adapt the design to the new unleaded petrol. GM also sourced a Nissan electronic four-speed automatic, although those opting for a manual still received the Borg-Warner T-5 5-speed unit.

The imported engines included features such as an Electronic Combustion Control System (ECCS) and a ram-tuned intake manifold. Six months into its release a turbocharged version of the Nissan 6 was released. The Garrett turbo unit was fitted inside a water-cooled housing to ensure longevity. The engine received new pistons which lowered the compression ratio from 9.0:1 to 7.8:1, while an updated camshaft was used to reduce overlap.

[edit] V8 Returns

Previously, Holden had considered discontinuing the V8 rather than adapting it to unleaded petrol. This was partly in response to Ford Australia's decision to drop the V8 in its Ford Falcon in 1983. However public outcry spearheaded by a media-driven V8s 'til 98 campaign persuaded Holden to continue production. Eventually with continual developments, the Holden V8 lasted until 1999.

The 5.0 litre V8 was released in October 1986, it still featured the familiar Rochester four-barrel carburettor, not EFI. Now adapted to unleaded fuel, this V8 5.0 litre was boasting both more power and torque than it's predecessor, now at 122 kW (at 4400rpm) with 323 Nm (at 3200rpm). Modern modification improvements have seen 180kW and up. GM had fitted the trusty V8 with larger valves carried over from the previous Group A engine.

With the 150 kW 3.0-litre turbo engine being the performance flagship, Holden marketed the V8 as ideal for towing due to its low-rpm torque characteristics.

The allure of the Commodore was quickly established particularly when the top speed was 200kph and then extended to 220kph with the addition of the Garret turbo. In addition stopping power for the turbo models was upgraded to larger brakes and Girlock finned alloy front callipers. (Used on the Chevrolet Corvette.)

The total build No. for the VLs was 151,801.

[edit] Specifications

Ignition and Electrical: 12 volt negative ground.

Battery: L6 75 min/235 amp. V8 90 min/450 amp.

Exhaust: All models fitted with new exhaust system incorporating catalytic converter.

[edit] Transmissions

5 speed Manual Transmission: 1st: 3.321:1 2nd: 1.902:1 3rd: 1.308:1 4th: 1.000:1 5th: 0.759:1 Reverse: 3.382:1

5 speed Heavy Duty (fitted to Turbo) Manual Transmission: 1st: 3.580:1 2nd: 2.077:1 3rd: 1.360:1 4th: 1.000:1 5th: 0.760:1 Reverse: 3.636:1

4 speed Automatic Transmission: 1st: 2.45:1 2nd: 1.45:1 3rd: 1.00:1 4th: 0.68:1 Reverse: 2.18:1

4 speed Heavy Duty (fitted to Turbo) Automatic Transmission: 1st: 2.45:1 2nd: 1.45:1 3rd: 1.00:1 4th: 0.68:1 Reverse: 2.182:1

3 speed TriMatic (fitted to V8) Automatic Transmission: 1st: 2.31:1 2nd: 1.46:1 3rd: 1.00:1 Reverse: 1.85:1

Clutch:

GMH Single dry plate beleville diaphram spring actuation type. Rear Axle Ratio: L6: 3.45:1 L6 Turbo: 3.45:1 V8: 3.08:1 1988 SS Group A: 3.08:1 SV88: 3.08:1

[edit] Top Speed in Gears

Commodore Executive 3.0 litre four speed automatic transmission: 1st: 81kph 2nd: 136kph 3rd: 171kph 4th: 175kph
0-100kph: 11.1 seconds.
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 17.8 seconds.

Commodore Berlina 3.0 litre five speed manual transmission: 1st: 62kph 2nd: 107kph 3rd: 157kph 4th: 186kph 5th: 187kph
0-100kph: 9.2 seconds.
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 16.7 seconds.

Commodore Berlina 3.0 litre "Turbo" five speed manual transmission: 1st: 53kph 2nd: 91kph 3rd: 139kph 4th: 190kph 5th: 223kph
0-100kph: 7.6 seconds.
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 15.6 seconds.

Calais 3.0 litre "Turbo" five speed manual transmission: 1st: 54kph 2nd: 94kph 3rd: 143kph 4th: 195kph 5th: 218kph
0-100kph: 7.8 seconds.
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 15.5 seconds.

Calais 5.0 V8 3 speed TriMatic automatic transmission: 1st: 92kph 2nd: 145kph 3rd: 196kph
0-100kph: 9.5 seconds.
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 16.9 seconds

[edit] Suspension

Front: Independent MacPherson strut, progressive rate coil springs, wet sleeve shocks, stabiliser bar. Sports Suspension (FE2): Linear rate front springs, revised spring and shock rates. Increased stabiliser bar diameter.

Country Pack: Revised spring and shock rate, revised stabiliser bar diameter, increased ground clearance, engine sump guard.

Rear: Live axle. Hypoid differential on six cylinder, Salisbury on V8's. Trailing arm with 5 link location, panhard rod, progressive rate coil springs, double acting telescopic shocks, stabiliser bar. Sports Suspension (FE2): Revised progressive rate rear springs, gas pressure shocks. Increased stabiliser bar diameter. Fuel tank guard.

Country Pack: Revised spring rate, larger shock absorbers, revised stabiliser bar diameter, increased ground clearance.

[edit] Steering

SL: Variable ratio Rack and Pinion
Executive, Berlina and Calais: Power hydraulically assisted Rack and Pinion

[edit] Brakes

Front: 271mm vented disc with single piston, sliding head and lightweight caliper. Rear: SL, Executive: 230mm self-adjusting leading trailing shoe drum Berlina, Calais, SS and SV88: 277mm solid disc, fitted with light weight caliper.

[edit] Wheels

Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI: 6.00JJ x 14 ventilated pressed steel wheels.

Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI Turbo: 6.00JJ x 15 ventilated pressed steel wheels.

Holden Calais: Styled cast alloy 6.00JJ x 15

[edit] Tyres

Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI: P185/75 HR-14 steel belted radials.

Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI Turbo and all Calais: P205/60H15 HR-15-SL low profile steel belted radials.