decisions decisions decisions..

[brando93]

hey guys, just after some opinions.

I recently lost my v8 virginity to a ls1 vt ss, and loved it. My vs ute is starting to make the odd funny noise and rattle and now that iv been working a bit and got some money saved, im looking at a possible upgrade some time in the near future. I start an electrical apprenticeship soon so money may be tight for a few years.
Im leaning towards another ute, most likely vu - vy, the thing is, do i go v8 or v6?
im going to have a 50km drive to work everyday and the same on the way back, mostly highway driving. I know the basics of insurance, rego and purchase costs will be higher for the 8, but so is the fun
what do you guys know about fuel economy over long highway distances and what do you think would be a better option. obviously we're talking ls1 vs. ecotec, a vz alloytec may be on the cards if its the right price.
if it helps, im 18 and on P's (in perth though so v8's are fine )

Brandon

[Trayner]

why not just fix the engine in your current car ? also will you be towing any loads or anything? if not id just stay the v6 man

[brando93]

i will be fixing all the little bits and pieces, its really not that bad, just want something a bit newer, and nah no real towing, maybe motos on a light trailer if the backs full

[ParkwayDrv]

Ls1's can be pretty good on fuel, well my vz gets more from a tank than my old vs ute ever did

[DevilDRake]

The LS1's seem to use almost as much as my ecotec. They'll only drink as much as you put your foot down lol.

I say go the V8, therefore no regrets. If you go through too much petrol from a heavy foot it'll quickly change.

[Grennan]

Yeah my LS1 tuned and all, uses the same amount of fuel, if not less than my old VR V6. On the highway they are very good - particularly if you get a 6 speed.

[Dr HaxZaw]

If you get a v6 get a manual
If you get a v8 get a manual

I'd get the v8 as long as you can afford it... the price of petrol should always be ignored when buying a car

[walesy]

if your going to be on an apprentice wage id suggest get a cheap daily, i bought a TG gemini 2ltr 5speed because the caprice was costing me over $300 a week in fuel, i can afford the fuel but dont see the point in spending that much a week, now the gemmi cost me $50 to fill up from dead empty and it lasts over a week!

[kangavxss]

Im thinking of an lpg tank. @ 60 odd cents/L its more than half the cost of petrol + LS1 dont suffer noticable power loss. Govt gives $1250 rebate...10% more usage on LPG but thats still OK

[Munz]

tune it with straight gas kanga

Hi octane = more power

[walesy]

tune it with straight gas kanga

Hi octane = more power

i agree, theres a place in perth that were doing straight gas conversions, i cant remember their name they were a tradestand at motorvation, but they were getting really good results from them

[Drawnnite]

go for the 8. if you can do it you might aswell go for it. and rub it in to the rest of us p platers on the eastern shores =P
however dont try to live beyond your means, and fall into a big debt trap.

maybe even start work see how your finances go and see if you could afford to still do everything and run an 8.
but your doing a sparky apprenticeship, if your in commercial/industrial (i should know =P) you should have no trouble being able to run an 8 and have a few dollars to spare =P

[brando93]

yeh the idea would be to settle in before upgrading, it is in the commercial sector, just looked up award wages though and its like 7.80 an hour :S so $290 a week, are you in the industry?