What engine differences between S1 & S2 VNs?

[AlpineRaven]

What is the engine differences between VN Series 1 and Series 2?

Have an Series 1 1989 engine waiting to go in 1991 VN Series 2.

Cheers
AP

[IhateRICE!]

1. A bellmouth has been added to the intake manifold to help with idle.
2. Redesigned exshast manifold (like a F not a Fork)
3. Both manual and auto flywheels are the same

there are more things but i forget

[AlpineRaven]

How about Cooling system?
Cheers
AP

[VN-88]

hmmm also the early s1 had a larger cam then some late s1's and all s2's, mines 88 and its got a larger cam, plus the thermostat is in a different spot.

i dont no if the s1 auto or manual will fit the s2

[jack.mc]

S2s have less off the line speed, due to complaints about the s1 glad I have s1

[CSL]

the s1 has a 6 bolt flywheel and the series 2 has an 8 bolt, the thermostate is located at the front of the intake manifold on the s2 and the s1 is located the arse end of the engine, hence you'll see the hose running back behind. Fuel rail was updated in s2. the radiator has a cap on it, whereas the s1 used the overflow bottle for the main system if you know what i mean. on the very early s1's the zort manifold's flowed better because of shape, kind of a premature extractor like, and thats all i can think of for now
but if your thinking about changing motors between series, ive heard it's way to much hassel, specailly the flywheel,

oh also the s2 has an inspection cover on the tranny whereas the s1 did not

[AlpineRaven]

yep. I went to have a look at both of my VNs, now i can notice the differences. I'm going ahead doing the engine/transmission swap.

The inlet manifold will be exchanged as well so that it'll look like series 2 anyway. I think that would be all for now.
Cheers
AP

[greenfoam]

You can't just bolt a series two manifold on a series one engine

[AlpineRaven]

You can't just bolt a series two manifold on a series one engine

Yes you can,
I just did that today, I've fitted series 2 parts on Series 1 engine - didn't have any problems, because I recieved free engine which is Series 1 and man its the cleanest engine I've seen as I took the rocker cover off and there is no thick sludge anywhere to be seen same with the inlet manifold, only light brown could been seen. Only done 292,000 kms. I think its a rebuilt engine, not so sure, but anyway I've fitted series 2 parts on series 1 engine and it started 2 hours ago!.

Anyway I have series 1 parts from the engine - anyone interested to buy?
Cheers
AP

[308commodore]

I've allready done the engine and box swap. Also there is a restrictor in the series 2 throttle body. Take it out and replace it with a paper gasket,There are 2 wiring plugs that are different, a black one in the engine bay where the engine harness joins the main harness plus there's a white plug that goes to the computer. The plug ends are different. you can either cut the origanal wiring and put on the new plug or you can do what i did and got a couple of spare plugs from the wreckers ( a series 1 engine side plug and a series 2 main plug ) and solder the wiers together to make an adaptor plug so nothing needs to be cut. Same with the white plug that goe's into the computer grab a spare one from a series 1 and series 2 and make an adaptor plug. Without these modifications to the plugs you cannot start the engine because the plugs don't match up. I think i've got a couple of spare adaptor plugs that have allready been soldered up and ready to go so if you are intersted in the plugs or need further imformation please let e know If not good luck
GO THE ALLMIGHTY HOLDEN 308

[SweetWagon]

Is it possible to have the thermostat around the front of the motor on a series 1 (1.5)? If so how extensive would it be?

Cheers

[warney]

series 2 in a clais has climate control in the vp's has an option of 1/2 leather / 1/2 velour seats , under the LHS head light is an vin number id tag (but ya's didnt know that one) thats about it atm that i know of

[AlpineRaven]

Is it possible to have the thermostat around the front of the motor on a series 1 (1.5)? If so how extensive would it be?

Cheers

Thermostat - wouldn't it be better if you bought a new one from Holden? because I am so sure on that engine is old.
Cheers
AP

[AlpineRaven]

I've allready done the engine and box swap. Also there is a restrictor in the series 2 throttle body. Take it out and replace it with a paper gasket,There are 2 wiring plugs that are different, a black one in the engine bay where the engine harness joins the main harness plus there's a white plug that goes to the computer. The plug ends are different. you can either cut the origanal wiring and put on the new plug or you can do what i did and got a couple of spare plugs from the wreckers ( a series 1 engine side plug and a series 2 main plug ) and solder the wiers together to make an adaptor plug so nothing needs to be cut. Same with the white plug that goe's into the computer grab a spare one from a series 1 and series 2 and make an adaptor plug. Without these modifications to the plugs you cannot start the engine because the plugs don't match up. I think i've got a couple of spare adaptor plugs that have allready been soldered up and ready to go so if you are intersted in the plugs or need further imformation please let e know If not good luck
GO THE ALLMIGHTY HOLDEN 308

Thanks mate, I'll have a look at that today.
Cheers
AP

[AlpineRaven]

I've allready done the engine and box swap. Also there is a restrictor in the series 2 throttle body. Take it out and replace it with a paper gasket,There are 2 wiring plugs that are different, a black one in the engine bay where the engine harness joins the main harness plus there's a white plug that goes to the computer. The plug ends are different. you can either cut the origanal wiring and put on the new plug or you can do what i did and got a couple of spare plugs from the wreckers ( a series 1 engine side plug and a series 2 main plug ) and solder the wiers together to make an adaptor plug so nothing needs to be cut. Same with the white plug that goe's into the computer grab a spare one from a series 1 and series 2 and make an adaptor plug. Without these modifications to the plugs you cannot start the engine because the plugs don't match up. I think i've got a couple of spare adaptor plugs that have allready been soldered up and ready to go so if you are intersted in the plugs or need further imformation please let e know If not good luck
GO THE ALLMIGHTY HOLDEN 308

Can you clarify where abouts on the engine?

Engine seems to be running fine today,
Because the engine block itself is series one, but exchanged the wire loom, inlet & exhaust manifolds into Series 2 for series 2 wagon.

And if i missed that, the engine will turn over but wont start right (just turn over without starting up)?

Cheers
AP

[Holden Commodore]

I've allready done the engine and box swap. Also there is a restrictor in the series 2 throttle body. Take it out and replace it with a paper gasket,There are 2 wiring plugs that are different, a black one in the engine bay where the engine harness joins the main harness plus there's a white plug that goes to the computer. The plug ends are different. you can either cut the origanal wiring and put on the new plug or you can do what i did and got a couple of spare plugs from the wreckers ( a series 1 engine side plug and a series 2 main plug ) and solder the wiers together to make an adaptor plug so nothing needs to be cut. Same with the white plug that goe's into the computer grab a spare one from a series 1 and series 2 and make an adaptor plug. Without these modifications to the plugs you cannot start the engine because the plugs don't match up. I think i've got a couple of spare adaptor plugs that have allready been soldered up and ready to go so if you are intersted in the plugs or need further imformation please let e know If not good luck
GO THE ALLMIGHTY HOLDEN 308

i just done the series 1 to 2 engine change in my wagon..changed from a series 1 engine and trans to a series 2 with gearbox.i changed the pute which just changed straight over i used the series 1 wiring loom except for the speedo drive and wiring from the box too just under the console (a plug)
radiator change and it fired up straight away..no plugs i changed (except for the one i mentioned before)..no soldering nothing like that the wiring all just plugged in and it fired up straight away...did i miss something?..all works fine

[clinton02]

great info guys saves a heap of head scratching

[AlpineRaven]

wow dead thread came alive!!!

Sold the commodore about 3 yrs ago, engine was going strong and its now 460,000kms at last time i saw with the owner, went to WA to Vic and back a few times.
Cheers
AP