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VE Thunder daily work hack

someguy360

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After swearing I'd never buy or go near another VE again after my old L98 WM, here we are.

Been daily driving a D22 Navara around for the past 5 years but have gotten really over the rough leaf spring ride, lack of cruise control and comfort etc.

A family member was about to list this for sale and I picked it up for well well under the current insane market price.

The Car:
2012 VE Thunder Ute - 100% stock.
3.6 SIDI
6 Speed Auto


It's basically my shop truck for parts runs and grocery getter so I'll be doing a few upgrades to make it a bit nicer as a daily:
* Carplay upgrade for the IQ system.
* Leather auto shift knob.
* Underseat subwoofer (from my Navara).
* Remote start so I can get the AC cranking on 40+ degree SA days.
* SSV projector headlights and Narva LEDs (I did these in the nav and it was amazing).
* Locknuts because I live in the hood.


8sKYS7V.jpg

Tct8D78.jpg

dt0Z8t6.jpg


Pretty impressed so far by the SIDI as a commuter, it's smooth, quiet and been averaging about 8L/100km.
 
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VS 5.0

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How many kms ?
 

Lex

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After swearing I'd never buy or go near another VE again after my old L98 WM, here we are.

Been daily driving a D22 Navara around for the past 5 years but have gotten really over the rough leaf spring ride, lack of cruise control and comfort etc.

A family member was about to list this for sale and I picked it up for well well under the current insane market price.

The Car:
2012 VE Thunder Ute - 100% stock.
3.6 SIDI
6 Speed Auto


It's basically my shop truck for parts runs and grocery getter so I'll be doing a few upgrades to make it a bit nicer as a daily:
* Carplay upgrade for the IQ system.
* Leather auto shift knob.
* Underseat subwoofer (from my Navara).
* Remote start so I can get the AC cranking on 40+ degree SA days.
* SSV projector headlights and Narva LEDs (I did these in the nav and it was amazing).
* Locknuts because I live in the hood.


8sKYS7V.jpg

Tct8D78.jpg

dt0Z8t6.jpg


Pretty impressed so far by the SIDI as a commuter, it's smooth, quiet and been averaging about 8L/100km.
Looks nice. Hope it works well for you.

Do you know if the chains have ever been done?

What about the pvc mod, has it been done?
 

someguy360

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Looks nice. Hope it works well for you.

Do you know if the chains have ever been done?

What about the pvc mod, has it been done?

Chains haven't been done as it's pretty low km for it's age. However it did recently have the software update from holden that relaxes the timing chain tollerances as it was getting a code every now and then.

For the series 2 holden did a software update as the sensors were a bit too tight on the tollerances of picking up any chain wear. It was during one of it's last services it got the update and the latest map updates etc.

It hasn't had any issues since, but I've done a couple of them for mates back in the alloytec days so it will only take me a saturday arvo if it ever needs to be done.

I haven't heard of the PCV mod, any good guides or threads?
 

someguy360

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What about a lockable hard lid to keep 'da hoods' from ratting your delivery.

Would be nice, but they are just so expensive.

If I ever see one in the right colour for a good price on marketplace I will but I'm not paying $2500+ for a new one.
 

Lex

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I haven't heard of the PCV mod, any good guides or threads
Drill out the pcv. 2 drill bit sizes. Dont know the sizes of hand? Stops the oil & contaminants building up on the driver side of engine.

@Fu Manchu & @wannaeatyourbrainsout, i think both did threads on the subject?
 

someguy360

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Drill out the pcv. 2 drill bit sizes. Dont know the sizes of hand? Stops the oil & contaminants building up on the driver side of engine.

@Fu Manchu & @wannaeatyourbrainsout, i think both did threads on the subject?

Awesome, good to know.

Anything to prolong the life of these engines are a good thing.
 

someguy360

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Been working on getting it how I want it for daily duties.

I'm a sucker for leather in cars so I've been upgrading the non leather bits (which really should have been standard).
* NOS Calais/Caprice/SSV Leather shifter.
* Replaced the standard skinny leather wheel with a NOS SSV steering wheel.
* Custom trimmed leather centre console.
rLc21eI.jpg

tapB4JG.jpg


Mounted my light duty tool boxes in the tub using my favourite tool (the nutsert gun) for quick removal if I need to haul big stuff.
lBvWVqw.jpg

wuJq35F.jpg



New rotors and pads all round.
tgYaAEC.jpg



SS mufflers as I hate the look of the single tips in such large bumper cut outs, and a debadge as the tailgates look so cluttered otherwise.
TMVrU1y.jpg
 
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