Ok, i'm now getting to the stage where i'm thinking of doing some bigger mods to my VN. Its a relatively clean S1 V6 Berlina with about 240000k on it. Earlier today I started looking at prices for everything I want to do (I wouldn't do it all at once if I was going to do it) and overall it didn't come to much less than a nice clean VN SS would cost. If I had an SS all i'd be doing to it is a letterbox grille, lowering and a set of 18" alloy wheels I think. I just wanted some opinions on whether it would be best to stick with what i've got and do everything down to an engine transplant and full respray, or keep the Berlina pretty much as it is for the moment and save for a few months to get a VN SS.
Looking at a full rebuild for the motor with flowed heads, stroked, lightened and balanced,cam, etc. I'd like forced induction too if I stick with the V6 so that would be on the cards, although i'm not decided on which route to go yet. 70mm throttle body Fully adjustable coilover suspension Decided on a set of VY Clubsport rims for whichever car SS Bodykit and full respray in original colour to tidy it up LSD Different diff gears - not decided on what to go yet Manual conversion Full retrim in black leather inc. door cards VT brake upgrade All nolathane bushes I know it doesn't sound like much, but it all adds up with all the other little cosmetic bits I want to do inside and out on top of that. I wanted the Berlina to stay as my daily driver but it just doesn't seem to look, go, stop or handle how I want at the moment. I'd also like a sunroof and I think i'd be looking at a manual SS if I went that route.
It's your choice as to possibly buying someone else's problem or having a fresh car that you know. Me, I would buy an SS if I had the money, just easy performance plus known reliability if you choose carefully.
Ditch the V6 and try and find a 5 liter manual, or even a auto if you don't mind dulling it down a bit. It will be a good decision
Yeah, there is always that chance you take when buying a used car! At the moment though, i'm definately leaning towards the SS.
If i had the money i would buy a SS manual for sure. Love V8s. Cant wait till i get out of school and start saving for a SS.
I would go for an SS, even the late models are going pretty cheap. My friends selling his VY SS Manual for $22,000, only 2 yrs old with 50,000k's.
i'd go the SS route but you will find yourself doing more mods to it also like adjustable suspension, TB, exhaust, bushes on and on and on. if you have been bitten by the modifying bug it will never stop. the SS would definitly do with a brake upgrade and an LSD as well if not fitted with already. a V6 with a blower would be neat also.
the lsd diff gears and manual conversion i could get done for you at real nice prices once my mechanic gets his head back out of the sand so i can talk turkey ANSWER YOUR FRIGGEN FONE" is going through my mind with him atm
go the ss. i had the choice between a v6 auto and v8 auto. i chose the v8 because thats all ive ever driven on the road. and ive never looked back. i still drive v6's at work all the time but id still rather my v8
Yeah, I probably will end up doing more to it than i'm thinking of at the moment, but i'd be happy with it for a bit in pretty standard form. I think i'll hold off on the big mods for the Berlina and stick to easy bolt on stuff for the moment, and get saving!
if you dont plan on keeping the car for long, but want to enjoy the ride more, do mods that are easily removable or transferable. dont worry about paint, body work, etc. just focus on things like your stereo, maybe some interior work, a few bnolt on engine mods, etc. some of this can be transfered to your next car, and some of it can be removed and sold seperately
I think that's what i'll do. After all, the paint and body are pretty good on the Berlina. What do people think the chances are of finding a super clean Alpine white (or Atlas Grey at a push) VN SS with a sunroof and manual box?
