sluggish vn calais 5 litre

[Mark30]

Hi I just got my hands on a nice looking vn Calais 5 litre auto it has done 187 000 ks it has a 2 1/2 inch exhaust and pacemaker extractors. It sounds really nice and loud with a grunty note doesnt blow any smoke idles really nicely starts first turn of the key every time but it is really gutless and not very responsive I used to have a vp ss and that thing used to fly i don't know what the problem is I don't think the motors buggerd coz it sounds really fresh anyone got any ideas about this problem? I want to get her running better with my tax money so any help would be great!!

[nghie]

Start with the basics matey!

Oil, filters, plugs. Get the injectors either re-conditioned and flow-tested, or get a new set, check your fuel pump and what not; also, you might as well check the compression in your cylinders while you're there.

All in all, just give the car a good ol' once over

[Mark30]

Ok thanks mate! Anyone know a good mechanic in Adelaide?

[shedevil666]

Straight threw 3inch pipe .... Worked for my vr calais 5.0 and it had twin 2.5 inch exhaust and ran quiet sluggish also until I put new straight threw pipe and now she halls

[stuntmanmike]

PM sent.
It may also pay to check that the base timing is between 10 to 14 degrees BTDC when pins 5 & 6 are bridged. if the timing is any less or set at 10 degrees ATDC then the car will be gutless compared to a well tuned 5 litre. Ignition module, coil and distributor are also worth looking at. Best of luck.

[92 VP SS]

Yeah man start with the basics. Oil, Oil filter, Air filter, Spark plugs (set gap to 1.14mm for a bit more torque NGK is fine, I find the recomended 1mm a bit slow at low rpm). Fuel Filter (definiatly). Base timing. After that if its still slow get a ECU tune by greenfoam or similar.

If its still slow look at replacing the camshaft I hear lobes can wear down. Compression test it.

Also get a second opinion from someone else with an old V8 because if you are used to newer more powerful cars they can feel a bit slow :-(

[304runner]

Don't expect to much form a service. The 304's are hit and miss really.. My VR 5.0 gets smoked by my 3.0 v6 magna... pretty sure a service couldn't fix my issue, maybe a rebuild for me

In saying that, the Holden 3.8's are quicker down the 1/4 then the same year model V8's. Someone posted the factory stats on here somewhere not long ago....

[Circlotron]

Any chance the ECU is stuck in limp-home mode? Stick a timing light on it and see if the timing mark advances up as you rev it. In limp-home mode the timing mark will stay put and performance will be crook.

[Mark30]

Hey can anyone tell me what are the best spark plugs and leads for my vn 5ltr ?

[Circlotron]

I have ICE leads on mine.
Had a single set of ICE leads on the Kingswood for 12 years till I sold it without a problem.
Welcome to ICE Ignitions

[harry355]

start with basics timing airfilter stuff like that but could be a blocked cat or cats also.

[VR38]

Yeah as some have stated, service, check timing and compression and take it from there.