I'd like to know more about cars, Holdens in particular since I love them and will likely own one for as long as they are available. I find that the best way to learn, is to fix a problem, take it apart and put it back together, etc. But to pretty much get hands on with it, the only problem with that is that it's a potentially expensive and risky way of learning when it comes to this particular skill, since my only choice is the family VY Berlina and that is the main car that I use on a daily basis for work, it's not something I'd like to toy around with. I have in the past (Alternator swap. AUX Cable mod to blaupunkt head deck.), but nothing major, and major is exactly what I want to toy with. So it got me thinking, maybe I should buy my own? The family car is always at home, barely used if it wasn't for me, so it would make a good backup if anything were to happen to my own car. I personally want to buy a VS Series II or III Statesman, it's affordable around the 5-7k margin, but of course the odometer matches the age around that price range. The reason for my choice is because the VS is a personal favorite, the model itself holds a sentimental value and I love the old boxy style of the Interior, matched with the "classic" look of the Statesman, especially the rear. The statesman also has the electrical features that I desire, nothing more nothing less. And a comfortable roomy interior. I don't plan to do ANYTHING to the exterior, I want to maintain the classic stock look, I'm not really interested in lowering it or aftermarket kits or lights or sound systems, I think the most I would ever do is a different set of wheels. My main interest is learning more about the mechanical components under the hood. Servicing, replacing parts and maintaining it all myself, and along the way turning cars into my personal hobby. And I'm wondering if the VS is a good place to start, or if buying my own car is even best way to go about this? Unfortunately all my experience will only ever be gained from internet forums, service manuals, and trial and error. I have no friends or family members that know anything about cars. So what advice can you guys at JC give me?
VS is a pretty good start. My personal opinion, not from any performance point but solely viewing as to working on them, I think the VR with the Buick (if you thinking v6) is slightly easier and better motor to work on.
Any sort of major differences between the two? Aesthetically they look the same besides the rear badge. What makes the Buick V6 easier/better to work on? It's a little older too, wouldn't that mean more problems?
I look at kilometres to gauge vintage, anyway the VR and VS were made in the same year on the model change over. basic difference is VS uses Mass Air Flow meter and VR uses Mass Air Pressure sensor (my preference is a MAP sensor over a MAF) and I like the way the motor is layed out a little bit easier to get to some things to test them etc. Other than a few cosmetic things and some BCM differences they are basically the same car. My pick would be VR series II Berlina.
Still on Red Ps, going into greens in a few days . So no supercharges for me, although it would be nice. So this would probably be the best route to take in terms of learning?
Sounds like you are definitely on the right track in your way of thinking. Makes it a hell of a lot easier to not have to worry about rushing and hows the family going to get around if you bought your own. If you like the VS Stato then go VS, its an easy motor to work on and everything is fairly straight forward. It is worth investing in a workshop manual too.
If you want to learn about cars, give me the money you're going to throw at a car and i'll tell you about them.
Download the 'Basic Engine Building Guide' (cant remember the exact name). Its VERY useful. Every thing is done step by step and its quite detailed. Its a video btw. Then buy a motor from the wreckers strip it down and rebuild it. Obviously replace anything that needs it (pistons, rings, bearings etc). If the video is lacking something or you're stuck, ask on here. Heaps of help on here. Then drop the freashly built motor in the VS. If something should go wrong eg new motor blows up lol you still have the old VS motor to chuck back in.
I agree with VR38 in that a VR is likely to be easier to work on than a VS. Against that is that the VS is better: smoother, more power. Because the VY uses a very similar engine to the VS, more of what you learn will be transferable to that too. You'll probably find plenty of things to fix anyway on a car the age of a VR/VS, so just by fixing what's not working will be learning experiences. Reading around on here will tell you most of the common problems and the fixes. That's the joy of owning a common vehicle with enthusiast owners.
That's a pretty good bonus, VS definitely seems like the go. Well I guess it's time to start saving, thanks for the advice guys. You'll be seeing me in the VS section in a few months time .
