Identifying a real VS SS

[GTP 85]

Hi... looking at a 'VS SS' tomorrow

from the pics i saw it didnt have the SS stickers on the sides

other than badge on the dash, seats with SS on them, IRS... what else are tell tale things to identify one?

[cander24]

Other than those you've mentioned and the other obvious visuals like lower lip kit, spotties, red door and bar moulds there's not too much else that sets them apart.
Im only guessing here, but the vin may tell you this? The preceding letter after the body model (in this case vs) of the exec, berlina, acclaim, calais etc signifies what variant it is so im assuming this may also be the case with a factory ss?
For example a vin starting with 6H8VSK..... would be a vs body and k signifies executive. The only other one I know is that x is calais.
Hope that sort of helps

[T-rex]

If it dosent have spotties for some reason I *think* that you should be able to tell by the plugs for them hanging down either side of the radiator, other than that the vins a pretty solid way of checking I guess, with it being K for exec.

[NSTG8R]

Other than those you've mentioned and the other obvious visuals like lower lip kit, spotties, red door and bar moulds there's not too much else that sets them apart.
Im only guessing here, but the vin may tell you this? The preceding letter after the body model (in this case vs) of the exec, berlina, acclaim, calais etc signifies what variant it is so im assuming this may also be the case with a factory ss?
For example a vin starting with 6H8VSK..... would be a vs body and k signifies executive. The only other one I know is that x is calais.
Hope that sort of helps

SS was based off an exec, so the VIN will still be 6H8VSK.....

Have a look on the body/option plate on the firewall, there will be a 3 digit code at the end of the model number....if it says "114" or any number starting with a 1 then it's not genuine. All SS's apart from the BT1 versions had a model code starting with "A9" (cant remember if it was A9G, K or L atm though)

[Commydoor]

simplest way is to look at the log book...it will have the vin there and model as it was sold and original owners details...

[VSHeaven]

PM me the VIN and I will look it up...though i am figuring you have got past that point by now.

[Shearer]

SS was based off an exec, so the VIN will still be 6H8VSK.....

Have a look on the body/option plate on the firewall, there will be a 3 digit code at the end of the model number....if it says "114" or any number starting with a 1 then it's not genuine. All SS's apart from the BT1 versions had a model code starting with "A9" (cant remember if it was A9G, K or L atm though)

To be certain it's a VS SS:

Manual: 825
Auto: 824

There a few other indicators; such as limited colours available on SS.

[monarols71]

What about VS SS S111 utes. Bermuda blue and phantom black are the only colours (300 of each?), but they could be any series 3 utes. Can any one give me any hints on telling a REAL one. All the information I have read seams to be related to the sedans. I am after any VS SS Series111 specific information if anyone can help me out.
Can anyone also tell me about the SS S111 manual ECM. My Holden wiring manual says that it should be the smaller version with 2 bottom connectors, but the one I have seen has the 3 connectors up the side like a V6 PCM. It says it's a 5.0L MAN PCM. I thought PCM was for automatics on v8. It has the VT engine, if that makes any difference. Are the pinouts the same as the V6 PCM. Any help greatly appreciated.

[GTP 85]

got the car already. It's got all the basic bits that are typically SS and it's factory 5 speed so it's good enough. Thanks

[Krisp]

sounds like a vs excop

[justbad4you]

It should have spotties,ss seats,abs, 1 or 2 airbags, lsd,roll bar...ss wheels,

[justbad4you]

Standard Equipment:
V8, sports suspension, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), LSD (Limited Slip Differential), front bumper apron and side skirts, a rear bar in polished alloy, 16 inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather coverings for steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, and power windows and air-conditioning.




Optional Equipment:
Passenger's airbag, 17 inch alloy wheels.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
thats from the web site

[justbad4you]

Model watch

THE VS was a facelift, but it was a much refined version of the VR ute which first saw the light of day in 1993. Like its passenger car cousins, the VS utes were little different on the outside from their predecessors. Most of the changes took place under the skin.

The big news was the ECOTEC V6 engine which, while seemingly identical to the 3.8-litre V6 it replaced, was almost entirely new: smaller, lighter, smoother and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. Capacity remained at 3.8-litres, but it had a new block, heads, manifolds and an all-alloy cast sump.

The electronics were upgraded with a new computer, as well as a hot-wire air-mass sensor and sequential fuel-injection. It all added up to 17kW more power, which was now 147kW at 5200 revs with peak torque of 304Nm at 3600 revs. But there was also a 6 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, while meeting exhaust emission rules. Transmission choices were a five-speed manual box and four-speed electronic auto.

A Series II upgrade in 1996 can be identified by Series II badges and oval-shaped side blinker repeater lights. It also brought a number of small improvements, including a new five-speed German Getrag manual gearbox for the V6. Mid-1998 saw a Series III upgrade, identified by Series III badges and clear side blinker repeater lights.

There were also a number of interior upgrades, and for the first time there was a 5.0-litre Holden V8 SS model to complement the previous range which was limited to the standard Commodore and S models. The SS was distinguished by a neatly integrated body kit made up of front bumper and side skirts. There was also a polished alloy rear sports bar, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and SS decals.

The SS V8 gave the hottie ute plenty of tail-wagging performance with 168kW driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual and a limited-slip diff. ABS and sports suspension helped keep it in line, which was nice when the rear inevitably stepped out under enthusiastic acceleration.

Inside there was leather wrapping on the sports steering wheel, hand brake and gearshift knob. The seats had SS identification, there were power windows and airconditioning was standard.

The arrival of the SS was a clear indication that the Holden ute had become as much a lifestyle vehicle as it was a hard worker.

[justbad4you]

heres some more info>>>>>>>>In the shop

THE Holden ute's body and chassis are robust and reliable, and little trouble is reported from the field. Likewise the V6 engines are generally robust with a number of owners reporting untroubled motoring well above 200,000km.

Look for oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal and around the oil pan, and also from the power steering pump. Fuel pumps tend to fail around the 200,000km mark. One owner was less than happy when his engine had to be replaced because of a worn camshaft at quite low mileage, and he says the telltale noise is back again.

Overheating in autos in VS II utes can lead to transmission problems at around 100,000km. It can't be fixed simply by changing the oil, and Holden rebuilt or replaced a number of transmissions. Holden fixed the problem by releasing an oil cooler kit which can be retro-fitted.

Noisy diffs are also a widespread problem. It's important to use the Holden-recommended oil in diffs to

[justbad4you]

hope all this helps???????>>>>>>>>>>
For the first time, Holden is offering buyers a sporty 'SS' version of its popular Ute.
The most highly-specified of the upgraded new VS Series III range of Holden Utes released this month, the limited edition SS earns its insignia through a high-powered blend of 5.0 litre V8 performance with handling to match, stand-out good looks and extra luxury features.

Holden will produce just 300 Series III SS Utes, which have been developed in response to a growing trend towards light commercial vehicles that combine weekday practicality with weekend style. Geoff Bennett, Holden's Marketing Manager, Large Cars, says the first-ever SS Ute can only enhance the reputation of a model range already so popular that it has outsold its closest competition for three years straight.

"We're in the business of satisfying consumer expectations - and the new Series III Ute line-up is intended to do just that. The special edition SS model is our response to well-defined demand for a ute that delivers all the practical virtues you'd expect - and does it with a big dash of style, comfort and individuality," he said. "Because of its unique character and special edition status, there's no doubt that the Holden Ute SS is destined to become a collector's item," Geoff Bennett concluded.

Externally, the Series III Holden Ute SS is distinguished by a well-integrated body kit comprising a front bumper skirt and side skirts. It boasts a distinctive rear sports bar in polished alloy, striking 16" alloy wheels, fog lamps and SS insignia on its flank and tailgate.

Effortless performance comes courtesy of a 5.0 litre 168kW V8, teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. Handling is complemented by sports suspension, anti-lock braking (ABS) and a limited slip differential.

Inside, the Ute SS offers such individual style and comfort features as leather-bound steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift handle. There is SS identification on the seats, which are trimmed in woven jacquard with bold blue inserts. Power windows and air conditioning are standard.

GOOD LUCK...I WAS GOING TO GET AN SS BEFORE I GOT MYY MALOO....I JUST LIKED THE LITTLE EXTRA KICK FROM THE V8 185KW UP 17KW ONTHE SS,S 168KW.I DO MISS NO PLACE FOR SPOTTIES ON THE MALOOO,ID ADD SPOTITIES IF SHE WASNT SO STOCK AS A ROCK,I DONT WANNA ADD WIRES AND SWITCHES AS IM KEEEPING MY MALOOO THE SAME AS IT LEFT CLAYTON IN MELB IN 1998( AND YES ITS GOT THAT FARKING HUGE REAR WING THAT EVERY 1 KNOCK)BUT I TELL YOU 1 THING THAT UGLY WING GIVES IT HEAPS AND HEAPS OF DOWN FORCE...ANYWAYS BEST OF LUCK.......READ ALL ABOVE AND YOU SHOULD DO OK ON THE DAY IN REF TO KNOWING WHAT YOUR LOOOKING AT....PS IM SURE HOLDEN HAS THE VIN LISTED OR YOUR CAR TO CHECK ON (SAME AS I DO WITH MY HSV)BEST OF LUCK

[justbad4you]

HOPE THIS ISNT INFO OVERLOAD>>> HERE WAS THE PRICE AND OPTIONS LIST WHEN BUILT>>>>>>VS Series III Holden Ute Pricing:
(manual) (auto)
ECOTEC V6 Ute $23,620 $25,100
ECOTEC V6 Ute S $27,030 $27,730
V8 Ute SS $34,290 $34,990



Selected VS Series III Holden Ute and Ute S Options:
Air conditioning $2150 (Ute, Ute S)
Anti-lock braking $990 (Ute, Ute S)
Driver and passenger airbags $1552 (Ute, Ute S)
168kW 5.0 litre V8 $3010 (Ute S)
Bench/bucket seating (no extra cost) (Ute)
Limited slip differential $510 (Ute)



Series III Holden Ute Colours:

One new finish, Tungsten, is included among a choice of 5 colours.
AND AT THE END OFF ALL THIS>>>>>>WAS IT A REAL SS OR A MOCK UP YOU ENDED UP WITH ( SOME NICE MOCK UPS AROUND ALSO)

[monarols71]

Thanks for all of that jb4u, but i've got the sites bookmarked with all that info. Does 8BD at the end of the model code sound right? And the VIN doesn't seem specific enough. Just that it's a v8 ute with luxury level "executive, s, or ss". I gather Holden weren't very specific with their VINs. I suppose if it was HSV it'd tell everything about the build down to number of toilet breaks it took to build it. Not quite, but you know what I mean. Thanks.

[Michelson4301]

What about VS SS S111 utes. Bermuda blue and phantom black are the only colours (300 of each?), but they could be any series 3 utes. Can any one give me any hints on telling a REAL one. All the information I have read seams to be related to the sedans. I am after any VS SS Series111 specific information if anyone can help me out.
Can anyone also tell me about the SS S111 manual ECM. My Holden wiring manual says that it should be the smaller version with 2 bottom connectors, but the one I have seen has the 3 connectors up the side like a V6 PCM. It says it's a 5.0L MAN PCM. I thought PCM was for automatics on v8. It has the VT engine, if that makes any difference. Are the pinouts the same as the V6 PCM. Any help greatly appreciated.

The series 3 V8 utes were a PCM of their own. Was a mix of VT and VS as the VT went to serial data to instrument cluster and other items whereas the VS body still has mostly individual wires run for signals to dash etc. The VT stuff is your multipoint fuel injection, twin knock sensors standard and MAF sensor to meet emissions of the year. So a bitsa really and won't find these ecu's in any other model.

[justbad4you]

im not sure what you mean by 88d ive look at the vin plate ?????.>>>> here http://img40.imagevenue.com/img.php?...2_untitled.JPG see if that helps at all.i

[justbad4you]

Mich>>>> that would be the same in the vs series 3 v8 maloo??? And if so would that answer another qustion i have posted re a series 2 iss system being put into a series 3 maloo.....so i take it the pcu is diff in the series 2 and wouldnt be able to have a series 2 iss security system fitted into a series 3 with a diff pcu from the series 2...any help on this would be great

[Michelson4301]

Yes S3 VS covers maloo and all other utes. No such thing as a S3 VS sedan. The security module is an interesting one. Are you doing the swap for a cheap Kalmaker kit ?

[justbad4you]

Kalmaker ??? IF THATS THE NAME OF THE HSV ISS SYTM THAT IS IN MY MALOO??? I CAN GET A SERIES 2 ISS HSV SYST BRAND NEW FOR $750.BUT IF IT DOSNT FIT A SERIES 3 THEN THERE REALY AINT ANY POINT? MY PROB IS I HAVE LOST THE RED TAG AND ONLY HAVE I BLACK TAG AND A KEY AND HEAD,I THINK WERE MY PROB LIES WITHOUT THE RED TAG IS? I CANT GET A NEW KEY HEAD AS IT NEEDS TO BE INTRODUCED VIA THE RED TAG ( TO WITHH I DONT HAVE) THE PROB IS NEW ISS HSV SYST ARE NO LONGER MADE?

[monarols71]

The series 3 V8 utes were a PCM of their own. Was a mix of VT and VS as the VT went to serial data to instrument cluster and other items whereas the VS body still has mostly individual wires run for signals to dash etc. The VT stuff is your multipoint fuel injection, twin knock sensors standard and MAF sensor to meet emissions of the year. So a bitsa really and won't find these ecu's in any other model.

Thanks very much for that answer Michelson4301. That explains why it's different. I don't suppose you or anyone else has pinouts for it, as I want to put an integrated alarm in it while it's apart. Cheers

[justbad4you]

The pin outs are listed some place here on the jc forum.....not sure were thay are? But i have come across them here a few times....goood luck in finding out what your llloooking for

[monarols71]

Thanks. I'll keep looking.