VH 1981 Converting From Holden Calais 1989

[lovedores]

Hi all,
Looking at transferring engine and running gear from 1989 Calais to a 1981 VH Commodore. Does anyone have information if it’s basically straight forward or lots of dramas with this pending project.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Cheers
Lovedores

 

[losh1971]

V6 or V8?

 

[Immortality]

Regardless if it's a V6 or V8 it's a fairly straight forward swap.

 

[losh1971]

Regardless if it's a V6 or V8 it's a fairly straight forward swap.

I would have thought V8 would be easier, which is why I asked.

 

[Immortality]

Only sofar as the K member is basically the same between the V8 models but the later K frame is more desirable so worth changing over, the later style K member and steering rack give a little more clearance for headers, just change the rack ends and use the earlier lower control arms to suit the narrow wheel track of the early girl models. Use the complete struts from the Calais as well as the MC.

 

[lovedores]

Great stuff guys, looks like this will be a go ahead project. Many thanks for your help, much appreciated.

 

[Steve005]

Hi all,
Looking at transferring engine and running gear from 1989 Calais to a 1981 VH Commodore. Does anyone have information if it’s basically straight forward or lots of dramas with this pending project.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Cheers
Lovedores

Hi mate how did the project go I’m about to start the same project , did you have to change your rack ends and lower control arms once vN k frame was in the vh and what did you do with the top of the vN strut and where did you source your gear box cross member

 

[gtrboyy]

Nope vl & vn can use same racks...not untill go to vr/s are the arms longer to suit wider guards & different suspension.

One thing to not can probably roll out whole lot out of calais & roll under your vh from engine fan(if it's a v8) to front half of tailshaft....get the vn tiebar welded in & vl p/s intermediate shaft you'll be able to bolt almost everything into it like later model car.

Then swap tanks & wire it up...easy peasey lol

 

[Steve005]

Nope vl & vn can use same racks...not untill go to vr/s are the arms longer to suit wider guards & different suspension.

One thing to not can probably roll out whole lot out of calais & roll under your vh from engine fan(if it's a v8) to front half of tailshaft....get the vn tiebar welded in & vl p/s intermediate shaft you'll be able to bolt almost everything into it like later model car.

Then swap tanks & wire it up...easy peasey lol

Hi guys does a VN brake pedal fit into a vh

 

[gtrboyy]

Doubt it...heard dudes fitting vl pedal box for hydraulic setup..not neatest but works apparently.

Better off exchanging your 6cyl auto item for modified unit from Dellows...cable setup only,

Mal woods do hydraulic pedal box but not cheap.

If staying auto don't need to change it