Everything to know about VB - VKs

[VS Omega]

This is a sticky thread containing links to threads already made by members to assist in finding information quicker. It will eventually have everything you want/need to know about VB-VK Commodores, Ls, SLs, SL/Es, Executive, Berlina and Calais. Sure the search feature is great but this is more direct and resource friendly! If you have something interesting you would like to have added to this list please PM me and I'll more than hapilly add it to the thread if it's suitable.

(I4) means it only applies to the 4 cylinder version of the VC Commodore
(I6) means it only applies to the 6 cylinder version of the VB-VK Commodore
(V8) means it only applies to the 8 cylinder version of the VB-VK Commodore
(all) means it applies to both the 4, 6 and 8 cylinder versions of the VB-VK Commodore


General Information
- Which fuel to use? (I6)
- Thermo Fans (I6)

Drivetrain
- Oil Cooling (all)

Performance
- whats the best cam for vh v8 (V8)

Body
- Installing an electronic boot release (all)

Modification (interior)
- Automatic Gear Knobs (all)
- Cutting holes for rear reading lights (all)
- Convert an Executive Interior to a Calais Specification (all)

Modification (exterior)
- Tutorial: VH front end onto a VB/VC (all)

From another car and into the VB-VKs
- Digital dash from calais into berlina (all)
- Installing an RB series (20/25/26/30) motor into a VB-VK [more: 1, 2, 3]
- What tail lights will fit into a VB-VK? (all)
- VN -> VS handbrake setup into a VB-VK: They're exactly the same

Troubleshooting
- slow indicators (all)
- Removing the doors! (all)
- VK dash not working (all)
- Speedometer playing up (all)

Pricing
- VH Front End (all)

Inspiration
- Dashes thread (all)


Now you can post your favorite/any helpful VB-VK links here (you don't have to be the author), I'll take links posted and if they're not already here I'll add them to the thread then delete your post (just to keep things tidy)..

List of members who have contributed links to the list:
- Juzza

[VS Omega]

I'll be adding more later, must be going out now.. also attatching a poll.. is this a good idea or not? Results will decide the future of this thread and if it's a sticky lol I've made a thread like this in VL as well if you would like to see what it's like when it's full of content

[Outlaw Torn]

Awesome idea! im keen to see this one going

[ripaskid350]

what do you have to do to put an rb 30 into a vc commadore

[VS Omega]

what do you have to do to put an rb 30 into a vc commadore

Welcome to Just Commodores mate!

Here's a few threads to get you started/give you an idea of what you're up against:
Holden Vk........jap powered?
My VB - RB30 Conversion
VB motor swap. Help needed
RB30 into the vh

I'll add some of these to this thread later on, just got 3 blood tests and a flu shot, me thinks I should lie down!

[VHSLX]

are genius extractors worth keeping on my VH , and what should i sell a Motor with all the gas carby and tank for , Blue Motor ?

[VS Omega]

Heya VHSLX,

The extractors you should keep and try selling on eBay, something like that doesn't come up often so there would definately be people interested.. same as the motor, although if your other car has a similar motor (202, 253 whatever) then it would be advisable to keep these for parts, will make a saving when the one in the car breaks (it happens a lot with these we've noticed).. I would point you to this link as well but you've already seen it: What should I take off before getting rid of this VH?

As for price although I've bought a black 202 block for $100, I'd say possibly $150 - $200 for a complete motor, really depends what people want to pay

[VS Omega]

good idea these hav helped me lots thankx

[roundel]

Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask such a question but you all seem to know eveything about VK`s.
Can you tell me the significance of the 10 digit number stamped on the left front suspension turret of a VK ?

Thanks , Roundel

[holdens are sick]

hey guys just wondering weather ypou can put the 173 5 speed manual gearbox into a 202 holden?

[nizmovk]

yup no probs

[bertusmcspurtus]

This is an awesome Idea! Well done and keep it comin please. For an amateur mechanic (very amateur) This is a big help. I am very interested in the twin thermos. I live in the Tropics (Townsville) very hot and want to convert from my viscous fan to twin thermos. From a VT? Sounds like a plan. I will get them from the wreckers (already sourced) mount them and then take the car to auto sparky for wiring.

[V-ahhh]

maybe add the thread i made about the holley carb to 202 black?

[nizmovk]

Just a few things I've come across on the VK + RB30 coversion.
The easiest way is to get a whole donor car; as there is so many little bits that are begged and borrowed, from bolts, to relays and fuel lines etc.
The whole VL engine loom is needed(obviously) as is extra wiring to run to the fuel pump by the tank and fuse relay for it. Only do your own wiring if you are very patient!
I used the Vl hydro clutch, so used the VL pedalbox, which meant dash out and steering column on both cars to remove and swap. Also a bit of filing to the fire wall to get the hole for clutch cyl to fit through.

[nizmovk]

To solve the Nissan g'box to trans x-member hassle I got a std Chev g'box mount from the Mount Shop (NZ). It bolted staight up and needs no welding ie.engineers cert etc

[Mike_M]

There has been some interest in new fuserails for VKs, as most here might
already know the VL one will fit but better to get an upgraded unit that has
fuse fail inidcation. Wiring on older cars can get frayed and damaged as the
PVC cracks etc. Here is an upgraded unit that is a DIY kit but will need one
minor mode for the fuel pump for the Calais series, comes off fuse 4 and
goes to an accessory fuse 16 for example with a link to ignition, the pic
of the current matt black design shows quite well in this link:-

http://niche.iinet.net.au

Cheers

ps: there is an option for an engine bay illumination set of lights and auto timer
with pushbutton on the fuserail etc

[nizmovk]

just another add to the RB+VK conversion.... you gotta change the VK ign plug and switch with a VL one... took me a while to figure it out though...

[Cane_It]

This is an excellent idea,
would be good to consolidate All posts regarding the following topics from the last couple of years;

VK Digital Dashes
LPG Troubleshooting - Electrical

perhaps a page to all the GMH wiring schematics for various models - I have all the VK ones from the Factory Holden manual and will make them available on here when I get round to scanning them. Some of them have been posted on this site before though.

A link in here to Scott VKBerlina Madman's website which is full of VERY useful information.
Consolidation of all transmission threads and maybe a sheet with all the gear ratios for each gear for the various transmissions optioned from VB to VK as well as a speedo gear chart.

I think if this is continued with and filled only with reliable and accurate info it will be a good reference point for younger owners...

[commodoreriverview1]

hi i have been having a lot of trouble with carby i have gone through 4 s/h carbys in the past 4 months all have had jets collapse what can i do to rectify this on going problem

[megs24]

hi there, i have a vk commodore wagon that me and my best mate are driving around australia. i have a weber of an XF that i want to put onto the black motor. i already have the adaptor plate. does anyone know where i could find some info on how to do it? have workshop manual for VK but no info on the weber, cheers
megs

[s1knt]

great write up buccy

[beware-brunette]

maybe you could write up something small about debadging, and if the vb - vk's have any holes under any of the badges?

[v8commy]

sick idea go for gold

[VKCOMMO]

hi..

whats the link for

- VN -> VS handbrake setup into a VB-VK: They're exactly the same

thanks

[Blown-VH]

when you take of the badges all there is, is sticky stuff. i debadged my car ready to paint it and no holes. cheers