VB Specifications

[Milton Young]

Hi everyone,

I have just bought a tired (but original) VB V8 wagon, and I want to check out the codes: engine code is L31 (5.0 ltr 308), Trans (auto) M31??, Rear Axle G70 ??? and fitted with 4 wheel discs.

Can anyone let me know which trans and what diff/ ratio I have?

Thanks and I wish you all a safe and happy new year.
Milton
:b:

[vkberlina]

Hi,

Have a look at http://members.westnet.com.au/scottl/speedochart.htm

Give you all the info you need, but it will only tell you what it left the factory with who knows after that, only sure way is to knock the backing plate off the diff and it will be punched into the gears

cheers
Scott

[synoptica]

Depending on the accuracy of your speedo and tacho, you could work it out from your speed, revs and tyres. Not easy, but if you tell me pretty closely how many RPM you're doing at 100, and what your tyres are, I should be able to get you an APPROXIMATE figure!

[clixanup]

According to the Holden VB Service Manual, the G70 is a heavy duty diff fitted as an option on cars with the 5L V8. The ratio is 2.6:1 .

Cheers,

[SL/ENUT]

Sounds like a very rare VB wagon cause you could only get a 308 VB in a SLE!.As for M31 i never heard that code before.I have only heard for auto the code is M40 and above.It might be M21 manual???????????

[clixanup]

Sounds like a very rare VB wagon cause you could only get a 308 VB in a SLE!.

Not quite true. According to the Holden VB service manual, "The 5.0 litre engine is available on all models as a production option only." It wasn't even standard in the SL/E, the standard engine there was the 4.2litre.

Maybe things changed with the VC and the introduction of the blue engines, but that is how it was for VB.

In that respect, the VB had a lot more peculiarities than later models.

[vkberlina]

I think also it has an M41 not an M31 which was an auto

[Smitty]

I think also it has an M41 not an M31 which was an auto

hmmm
probably L31/M41 with G70
(check the diff and see if the filler has a tag too)
but will check the VB production books I have and let you know...
can you also check the ID plate
and let me know if it says
8VK35 or 8VL35 and any other details
(ignore paint codes)


cheers

[Milton Young]

Thanks everyone for all your valueable tips and information,

Smitty, the ID tags are as follows:

Model: VB 8VL35 [8L35TJ J667147B]
Engine: L31
Trans: M41 (my earlier typing skills not a M31)
Rear Axle: G70

So far, I have confirmed that I have a 5.0 litre 308, Heavy Duty Diff with rear discs (2.60:1 ratio).

Should the diff be an LSD, (I haven't pulled the car apart YET!), and should the auto be a TH350 or TH400???????

Once thanks for all your help.

Regards
Milton
:b:

[clixanup]

Should the diff be an LSD, (I haven't pulled the car apart YET!), and should the auto be a TH350 or TH400???????

There should be a tag on the diff plug which will tell you if it is LSD.

The only autos you could get in a VB were the Trimatic (standard on the 6 cyl and 4.2L engine) or the TH400 (with 5L engine only). Check the label on the side of the transmission. It will have a two-letter code. EK = TH400. FO = TH180 (Trimatic) w/6 cyl engines. KO = TH180 w/4.2L engine.

[Smitty]

correctamuundo...
you blokes make it easy....
thanks

and the Tag indicates it was made at Dandenong
and its early build
as the 2.60 ratio was only used in the first few thousand
5.0s built (I know, I had a 5 litre 4 speed SL/E with that diff
..did about 100kmh in 1st gear )


cheers