vz exec mod/exhaust recommendations

[exanVZ]

Hey guys,

Im not much of a rev head, but im trying to learn. So far I've found that its not too hard once I give it a go. I've had my car about 1.5 yrs and also had my license to kill about that long too.

So far I haven't done a lot on it, but here is the short list:
- fitted 18s
- dodgy 2-hole mod on airbox (and CAI shroud)
- k&n air filter
- alpine deck, front splits, rear 6x9s and vpower amp

I would like to improve the noise a bit as basically its a stock VZ and can barely be heard unless i get it over 2k rpm, so I started with the intake (very basic). As I said Im not super mechanical so I turn to my fellow geeks for a bit of car advice.

Can you suggest options for a modest exhaust system, as I am not sure if its worth getting extractors and shit for a v6. I can spend up to about $1k for it if necessary.

I'd also like to lower it a bit, and I've heard mixed things. That lower springs are OK only, or that I also need shortened shocks too. Can anyone give me the right advice here?

Can you guys suggest any other small mods I can do myself to the car, both to improve things in some way and to learn a bit more in the process.

Thanks fellas.

ex4n

[Stewlz]

V8 ss exhaust second hand no more than $150 sounds awesome and better revving, and if you wanna get more hands on get the mace manifold insulators. $300 + elbow grease gets a better feeling car

[exanVZ]

never thought bout a second hand exhaust, would save me a few bucks and won't look out of place in a 7yr old car anyway.

how do the manifold insulator work, as far as I can tell it just looks like a thick gasket. I assume there is some engineering behind that though?
just had a quick look through the (very decent) instructions and doesn't seem beyond me. also, should I be concerned that there only seems to be 5 bolts, not 6, holding my manifold down (since i got it, thought it was normal).

[torana355]

also, should I be concerned that there only seems to be 5 bolts, not 6, holding my manifold down (since i got it, thought it was normal).

There are six bolts, look for the 6th one right near the firewall.

[Stewlz]

Yes the 6th is at the far drivers side, i didn't realize and was pulling my hair out, besides that it's fairly easy. I got an ss exhaust which was in good shape but dirty as ####, I cleaned it up up really well and it came up awesome.

Browser Warning

Look at all the pictures and you'll learn how every works!!

[Stewlz]

Is it just me or does the link say browser warning?

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_Holde...A_2264/article

[exanVZ]

It does, but it still works anyway. Thanks for the link, HEAPS of info in there, reading through it now.
I was also wondering if those commodore books from super cheap were any good for someone like me?

My driver door/only key barrel has been screwdrivered so I need to fix that. Is that something I could DIY?

The drivers window also seems to half-open the door when it gets about 1/4 down. Sometimes totally opens it. It also goes down really really slowly once it hits that spot. Additionally, if the window is about 5-8cm from closed, the door just doesn't open at all.
I was quoted something like $300 to fix by holden but seems expensive.