Just acquired "New" VT SS, Some advice would be very nice please :)

[Copafield]

Through some circumstances I have ended up with a (Build date) Feb 98 VT SS Commodore sedan for $0. Basically it's out of rego and needs a few things done and being family i've taken the ownership of it in exchange they will still be able to drive it from time to time when i'm done. Problem is i've never owned a commodore so need some advice on a few things.

Firstly, the front brake discs needs replacing. I plan on doing quite a bit to this car, including engine work but it will never end up a 'track weapon', therefore I was thinking of installing anywhere from DBA040SL/R up to DBA4040XS (excluding the DBA4040's). The difference in pricing isn't massive, but I don't have endless funds and if the conclusion is come to that the DBA4040XS's would be overkill for what I need then I will go for the smaller versions. Having never actually had any experience using these, only from what i've read all advice will be highly welcomed and utilised. Pads will be replaced with Bendix, front (and possibly rear, haven't had the wheels off yet to inspect how much is left but discs are fine) - not sure whether to go for the 'Cop' versions of just the standard - again this would be based on everyday stopping performance and not track temperature stopping.

The only other 2 things stopping rego are wheels and a new windscreen. 2x235/40/18 and she is back on the road, albeit without aircon, and considering I live in QLD this will be an issue in only a few short months. When I have the engine turned on and hit the air con button I hear no difference nor see any drop in revs - never having owned anything with more than 4 cylinders is this normal or should there still be a dip in revs and the normal 'engaging' sound I've had with the rest of my cars. 1 think i did read is that it could be the compressor not starting due to not having enough gas but without first knowing this I don't know where to start.

Also, if there's any service books or manuals etc pertaining to this particular model and you wanted to point me in the right direction that would be another big thank you from me

[Copafield]

Sorry for the early bump but I'd like to order these parts ASAP and for whatever reason it took a long time for the post to appear so is waaay down on the list

[S.T.K.E]

For the Breaks

Best Bang For you Buck

HOLDEN VT-VZ RDA FULL SET DISC ROTORS *SLOTTED*+ PADS - eBay Other, Brakes, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 05-Aug-10 21:14:45 AEST)

easy to do your self (unless the old ones are rusted on......... ahhhh good times, if so grab a few spare studs cause you'll need em)

As for the Air Con there is a high chance that the compressor + other things could be stuffed (being that it properly hasn't been used in a while). For this you will have to take it to a Air con Place.

For the windscreen call a few wreckers shouldn't be hard to track on down but you will need someone to install it. and for the tyres. Go to bob jane.

You also have a PM for a link

Welcome to the forum.

[rb26dett]

For Brakes see the sponsor section.

GSL will look after you.

[VTLS1]

hey dude,if you throw us a few bucks for postage i'll send you a vt-vx workshop manual & also the holden service dept tech updates for your car on disc. rotors are cheap enough,have a look on ebay as has been suggested,theres some cheap deals going around. easy to install as well & you dont have to bleed the brakes either. throw a set of pads on as well when you do it. wreckers will have the screen as suggested but then you have to pay to get it fitted. ring a few windscreen mobs,not the major one like obrien or whatever but the smaller ones,alot of them have some screens instock. average price for screen & install is 150 bucks

[Copafield]

Thanks everybody for your replies. To update everybody as to what i've now done .... Bob Jane helped me out with 4 x new tyres - thanks bob Have come to the descision to order RDA slotted fronts and new pads front and rear. Will get around to the windscreen soon. Managed to find a workshop manual, thanks very much for the offer! Next is to eliminate the engine error codes that are coming up - don't appear too major but, look for my next thread if you have experience working on the VT 5.0 Engines :P

[Macca86]

VT Compressors are known for packing it in. Be prepared for a $1300+ bill for a new compressor etc if you get it repaired at a a/c place, or $600+ in parts if you do it yourself.
Speaking from experience unfortunately :/