Hey all,
Lately I've noticed that it feels like my car ('98 VT SS 5L Auto), has more punch and feels like what I'd expect a v8 to feel like, when cold.
As soon as it starts to get up to temperature it feels sluggish.
Is this a known problem or has anyone else experienced this or know what the problem is?
It's kind of annoying.
Cheers for any help guys!
Last edited by Mirkz; 19-05-2010 at 01:06 AM.
I've also noticed a couple of other things, unrelated to the above (one of which could easily be operator error).
Firstly,
When applying the handbrake whilst driving, it gets to a certain point and then I hear a bit of a loud thud/bang towards the drivers side rear. Now I'd be assuming this is the handbrake engaging ?
Seems odd to thud like that and only on one side too. Doesn't lock up or anything.
Secondly (and this is quite possibly operator error),
Stand still burnouts in an Auto. I used to have a VP and could put foot on brake and foot on gas and balance the two and whalla .... smoke.
This car doesn't seem to want to do anything, makes a lot of noise (revs), creeps forward and maybe a slight brake squeal, but no smoke or spinning.
Any assistance greatly appreciated!
Is it dumb to ask what you're doing applying the handbrake while driving for...?
Because usually I'd expect it to slow the car down.
It's worked in other cars I've driven without anything like what happens with the Commodore.
All through my driving years I've driven using the HB as a tool to wash of that slight extra speed rather than tapping the brake (it's only used in this instance for slight speed decreases).
Either that or to briefly brake traction.
Appears that Holden don't design their cars for this sort of thing, particularly when they include an annoying beeping sound rather than just a light on the dash... to warm those extra dumb people who apparently disregard any lights and need an extra reminder to actually take the handbrake off when not required.
Change the O2 sensorsOriginally Posted by Mirkz
Fun IS easier with an 8
yes, hand brake goes thud when engaged and the car is still moving... nice way to make something fall off... Good handbrakes on these ones.
They also use the rear brakes more than usual, ends up extending brake life all-round. If you so desperately want to do stand stills in the auto then might I suggest you install a brake isolator switch? It stops the fluid being pressurised to the rear brakes, using only the front brakes. Often used in auto drag cars.
Also, make sure to engrave somewhere visible on your car "thrashed by a hoon" so any future buyers are aware
I haven't lost my mind, it's backed up on tape somewhere
Well now that I know it's a piece of crap for doing anything remotely awesome in, I wont try anymore and will just drive it as per normal
Cheers for the info peoples!
The handbrake works exactly as its designed to. I.e STOP the car from moving, not 'Slow it down' Thats what the pedal next to the accelerators for. Also out of curiousity, in calling it a piece of crap, what are you comparing it to? What did you previously drive that done these 'awesome' things better?
Well the handbrake apparently doesn't work as it's designed to if it's a hard thud and a pull from the rear right and nothing from the left.
The car should be balanced and the brake applied the same evenly, no doubt it's needing an adjustment I'd say.
I've driven plenty of cars, 4 cyl runabouts, turbo imports, other commodores etc.
I like the sound of the v8, but so far hasn't given me much faith as being a bit of a powerhouse or 'sports' model.
To me it seems like a good cruiser and that's it. But that's mainly the purpose I bought it for, so that's how I'll drive it.
If I had it my way, I'd much rather be back on 2 wheels. But each to their own.
VT V6 wanting 300RWHP
If you need to slow down knock it back a gear and let the engine do the work (I know it's an auto but it can still be done) but if it's just for slowing down a little put your foot on the brakes.
Don't knock the Holden cause you bought a 5L version and don't think it's that much of a powerhouse it's 165KW isn't it my V6 came out with 147KW don't blame the car for your mistake + you bought an auto.
If you bought it for a cruiser just cruse in it don't try and be some fully hectic drift king trying to handbrake it into corners the power out of them like in Tokyo drift.
Handbrakes only work well in front wheel drive cars if you want to do handbrakies around corners get an excel.
Last edited by TI3VOM; 20-05-2010 at 11:37 AM.
Handbrakes around corners in excels lol good times
Don't forget the maccas trays :P
179kw standard. But yes, hardly record breaking power. If your after sheer power, buy a gen3 5.7L, they came out with 220kw.
And yeah also, buying an auto when you obviously like doing 'awesome stuff' in your car = fail. lol. Sell it and buy a series 2 5.7L manual.
I would've bought a manual if I was actively looking to buy a car, though I probably would've bought something else entirely
However it was a direct swap for a bike I needed to sell before winter due to personal circumstances, hence why I decided to put up with an auto for the swap.
I was interested in the SS and so the deal was done.
But thanks for your insight.
Being a v8, and also my first v8, I was expecting a little more.
I wasn't expecting a car that'll blow the doors off anything else out there. It's a large heavy car, it wont go hard unless there's some work put into it.
Sometimes the car shows me what I'd expect it to feel like (ie. when it's cold), other times (mostly) not.
I think it's in dire need of some TLC. As the thread was originally started for info regarding the loss of power, it's been suggested to swap out O2 sensors.
I'll look into this and who knows, maybe I'll feel differently once I've fixed up the things that need sorting out.
I'm not saying all VT SS's are shit, but if that's how you want to look at it, suit yourself.
The other questions were put in here because I thought I wouldn't whore up the whole forum with small questions that could be (and have), been quickly answered.
Last edited by Mirkz; 20-05-2010 at 01:01 PM.
I also gained an auto due to a swap if its a good deal why not i still wish it was a manual though but for a cruiser at times its cool
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