Heres some more pics for you guys i found of my pc.
The VP's with 4 bolt mains in the HSV book I have are the GTS (130) and the Clupsport 5000i (50)
It was noted that the high output engine was an option but did not say if it was a 4 bolt job.
So thats at least 180 4 bolt motors into the VP range
VK prefix (4 bolt mains) info I have is 149 engine numbers recorded from VK589705 to VK614954
Yep spot on - any one calling a VP senator 5000i a 4 bolt main engine will need to produce a VK prefix to confirm.
If the high output engine was an option then there is no way of nowing how many were made. If the "500" 4 bolters is correct and they made 302 group A's and 180 VP's with them then there is 18 other motors "floating around" in cars.
There will be way more than 18 motors "floating around" as a number would have been cast for warranty repairs/replacements and their racing program which requried factory (all be it hand picked) castings at the time. Some may have found their way into cars for the bigwigs with a wink and nod.
Reaper
Just because the VP Senator 5000i could have a 200kw engine over the 180kw - this did not mean it got the 4 bolt mains VK prefix engine. I think the VP GTS was rated at 200kws but had the VK prefix.
There were many models with 200kw motors however most only had 2 bolt mains. The **only** reason the VN Group A got them was to homologate them for racing. Even with 2 bolt mains the motors were very reliable in stock/mild street trim. IIRC most of the stroker guys say not to bother going 4 bolt unless you are spinning over 6500 rpm with a highly modified engine (ake race application).
Reaper
If the 500 engines was the number made then there would be a "minimum" of 18 left over for other cars as an optional fit. And yes some statesmans got VK prefix engines - but I have no proof of this as yet. I'll keep looking for them for when they get wrecked.
Did a 4 bolt mains block have to have a 4 bolt mains cap fitted? or could it have a std unit?
Great photos of the 4 bolts
So the block and caps went together as a unit - as in they would not have used the spare blocks with 2 bolt caps and stamped them as SVU or CVU to use in the Statesman and Caprices. The 4 bolt main castings would have to have been used for the VK prefix and nothing else. Just crossed my mind and I've not had one to play with- as you have.
The last V8 motor I got to play with was my VB 253..... Long time ago...
For those of you curious about the VQ front end on the Calais prototypes, here's the car they were based on:
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The 1972 HQ Kingswood
The 1989 VN Turbo Rally Project
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It sure is
Also note the identical window trim and gutter moulds!
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The 1972 HQ Kingswood
The 1989 VN Turbo Rally Project
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I want the wipers on the headlights, i reckon i could grow to like that grille. Hmmm. Dont like the rubber trolley moulds but.
What a hideous car!
Ohh its not too bad eh, i rather the side mirrors on it
bonnet is a bit wierd tho