Introduction/About me/mycar and questions about lowering.

[Callum14]

Hey hey, My names Callum and I thought Id post an intro/question. I'm purchasing my mum's 2003 VX Calais, needs alot of work done on it, more cosmetic but still a few mechanical things which can all be fixed in a full service.

Okay, I can't tell if its Series II (as im not with it) but I assume with it being a late model (2003), I'm fairly certain it is. Now I know there is some camber issues with the series 2 commodores. I called up for a quote on lowering and he gave me $1850 with an IRS kit, which when i think about it, it already as one >.> so i need to look around some more so they don't try to rip me off. Im abit of a novice but i do know abit about cars.

So what Price would I be looking at to get it lowered, and what would i be paying for (i.e springs, shocks so on).

Thanks C:

[goose202]

It's a series 2 if the Calais badging is in block letters instead of the cursive style. Should also have a series II badge. More importantly, the series 2 got the extra link in the rear suspension, which means less camber issues than prior to the series 2.
2003 doesn't sound right, I thought the last of the VXs were 2002, but I'm sure there are others who know better than me.
No idea on the lowering price, sounds expensive to me but you haven't told us what type of shocks are going in. From your description it sounds like it's including a camber kit which may or may not be required, depending on how low you're going.

[jayperformance]

go get a second quote, compare brand of parts, check to see if your getting a wheel alignment for that price..

[Full Spectrum]

Depending on how late that 2003 is. it might be a series 2 VY. but, it's defiantly not a VX.

Check your prices out, don't take that price as the only one.

My job was.
Lovells springs, kyb shocks, noltec 4 point camber kit. I can't remember the price all up. but it was something like. $380 springs. $450 4 point camber kit. and i think about $400 for the short shocks ?. but at the time i had some other parts replaced. strut top mushrooms, which is a good idea when doing front struts. and some bushes around the fronprimelyobely spent $2000 all up doing all that, and this was from one of the most respectable suspension place in Melbourne. So ask around, even have the car looked over and quoted by many and compare with them the prices you have, maybe one will match or better it.

[scvs6]

Maybe it says 2003 on the rego sticker, have a look at the built date on the tag on the firewall. My 2001 Series 2 WH Statesman only cost $750 to lower with pedders suspension, included springs, shockers, wheel alignment, etc. But I fitted it all myself and took it back for the wheel alignment.

[GEN3RATD]

Hey hey, My names Callum and I thought Id post an intro/question. I'm purchasing my mum's 2003 VX Calais, needs alot of work done on it, more cosmetic but still a few mechanical things which can all be fixed in a full service.

Okay, I can't tell if its Series II (as im not with it) but I assume with it being a late model (2003), I'm fairly certain it is. Now I know there is some camber issues with the series 2 commodores. I called up for a quote on lowering and he gave me $1850 with an IRS kit, which when i think about it, it already as one >.> so i need to look around some more so they don't try to rip me off. Im abit of a novice but i do know abit about cars.

So what Price would I be looking at to get it lowered, and what would i be paying for (i.e springs, shocks so on).

Thanks C:

hey mate, as already stated if its a 2003 it will be a VY.

if it is a VXII, then they actually dont have predominant camber issues, mine for example has fark all. Id say around 1k would be a good price for shocks, springs camber kit and alignment.

[Callum14]

Yeah rego said 2003 my bad. At closer inspection, the calais is in cursive, and i don't recall seeing a 'Series 2' badge anywhere :/ So it must not have just been registered for a few years. I've been hearing that the VX has live suspension and the VX II has IRS, but i was under the impression that the Calais, series 1 or 2 both had IRS, it was just the link between the axel and the wheel that was different (not too sure of what its called)

EDIT - Camber kit i believe

[mischa]

All VX's are IRS and every modle after it. After VS they didnt use a live axel rear on a commodore again.

[Callum14]

All VX's are IRS and every modle after it.

Thanks.

So It would only be the Camber Kit that I would require? And the Shocks, Springs so on.

Which brings me to my second question. What brand would I use? I've heard alot about King's Super Lows, I've also heard if shock travel is 1/3 less then stock, then it's concidered Illegal. I was looking at a KYB Kit for about $675 for the parts, and I could maybe get my neigbour to install it (and the camber kit), would this be a wise thing to do? Or if not can you suggest options/prices.

Thanks.

[mischa]

Take a look here, I get all my stuff from GSL.

KYB / Kings Commodore Lowering Packages!

The Kings/KYB springs/shocks combo is pretty good to. Are you wanting to go low, superlow or ultra low? Definatly installable at home if you wanted to give it a go!

As for the camber kit, 4pt is what you need for a VX S1 are earlier only if you go super low or lower.

[GEN3RATD]

Thanks.

So It would only be the Camber Kit that I would require? And the Shocks, Springs so on.

Which brings me to my second question. What brand would I use? I've heard alot about King's Super Lows, I've also heard if shock travel is 1/3 less then stock, then it's concidered Illegal. I was looking at a KYB Kit for about $675 for the parts, and I could maybe get my neigbour to install it (and the camber kit), would this be a wise thing to do? Or if not can you suggest options/prices.

Thanks.

camber kit, shocks, springs, to start with.

pretty much all lowered cars are "illegal". dont be a douche and you will be fine.

Kings + KYB's = Win.

[Callum14]

Yeah Speed doesnt intrest me. I'd rather keep my license then risk it.

as for Mischa's post. Yeah I gave them a call earlier and they said that $674 is fine C: I've heard that the VX's have a 2 point camber kit already installed, and aparently you can just get another 2 point kit and mount it on the top, thus creating a 4 link per wheel. Is this right?

[mischa]

No idea, i assume S1 and that need a 4pt cause s2 onwards has got 2 pt already or somthing? Havent really worked on VT/VX's so im not that knowledgeable about them

[Callum14]

Oh sweet cheers C: Ill find out more on it this weekend when I can look at it in the day time >.< I work 8-5:30 so there's never any day left.

[mischa]

Tell me about, im out at 5am not home tell 10pm with tafe after work.

[Callum14]

Damn dude :/ OH and i had a look at the rego stick and its 2000 V.V FML i should learn to read. Okai so that means camber kit/Springs/shocks :/

[Cameron P]

Are your speedo needles orange.. If so series 1 and yeah you need everything you just mentioned

[Full Spectrum]

Damn dude :/ OH and i had a look at the rego stick and its 2000 V.V FML i should learn to read. Okai so that means camber kit/Springs/shocks :/

Series 1 VX mate.. mines a mid 2000 model and it's a VT. you might need the 4 point camber kit afterall.

[Callum14]

Allgood C: Its only $175, and if it saves money on tyres ill be happy