When you hear mention of the workshop ute in most places, it's invariably in reference to 'ol trusty' parked out the back - a Holden HQ one-tonner with its door mirrors sagging and faded paint creatively characterised by areas of rust.
In Nizpro's Melbourne workshop, however, mention of the work ute brings a whole new mental picture. How 'bout a 2001 Holden SS ute packing Brembos, sports suspension and a kickin' 285kW at the flywheel? There's nothing that sags on this 'shop ute!
Having recently decided to embark on some serious LS1 V8 development, Nizpro's Simon recognised the perfect opportunity to mix a good tax deduction with pleasure. His LS1-powered SS ute is perfect for day-to-day pick-ups and drop-offs, project development and - lastly - it's something to get Simon's pulse racing on the drive home every night!
Initially, Simon was pretty keen on buying one of Holden's gorgeous new Monaros. As you might imagine, though, trying to squeeze an engine in the boot and an exhaust system down the side would've been a tad awkward...
Fast-forwarding to the present, Simon's ute has real improvements in the areas of engine, suspension and brakes. It's a very well balanced package - nothing too over the top (yet)...
Powered by exactly the same Stage 1 285kW mechanical package you can buy 'over the counter' from Nizpro, the 6-speed manual ute feels wonderfully alive and kicking. When we took it for a drive, we were mightily impressed by its throttle response (much sharper than a standard Holden or HSV) and smooth torque delivery throughout the rev range. It went reasonably hard too but, then, all these LS1-powered vehicles are deceptively quick. As you'd expect from a package that's had such extensive testing, there's no stutters or flat-stops hiding anywhere in the load or rev range.
For those that haven't read our previous Tech Feature ["Gen 3 Grunt Kit"] the Nizpro 285kW kit incudes custom heat-coated extractors, a custom exhaust, high-flow air intake (from the pick-up to the throttle body) and a MoTeC M800 piggybacked ECU. The MoTeC allows the removal the restrictive standard airflow meter and is set up to control only the injectors and ignition system. The standard Holden computer is used for all body functions (such as fuel pump operation).
For now, Simon tells us he's happy to keep driving the ute with 'only' its 285kW kit installed. "It makes good torque where you want it and it's a real sweet thing." Inevitably, though, Simon will be upgrading to their Stage 2 333kW head-kicker kit, which uses a different camshaft, timing gear and valve springs and retainers. The 333 kit isn't as responsive or torquey down low, but - heck - grab it by the neck and say "goodbye" to HSV's flagship GTS/SV300.
We'll be talking 333kW in a ute weighing 1613 kilograms - around 100 kilos lighter than the aforesaid GTS/SV300!
Thankfully, Simon has already taken measures to ensure the 285kW ute stays on course. The front sits 35mm lower to the ground and the rear is dropped by 50mm thanks to King springs. Koni adjustable dampers are also fitted to keep things coordinated.
Currently slowing the runaway train are Brembo 4-pot front calipers and 320mm ventilated discs working in conjunction with the standard rears. No other mods have been necessary because the Holden ute's brake proportioning valve increased rear bias once the suspension was lowered.
Those trick Brembos work a treat, but Simon's keen on his yet-to-arrive Spec R calipers and 335mm discs that'll be going on front and rear. This will bring the sort of braking performance that's essential when there's 333kW of mumbo about to be plonked in - as Simon tells, "I'm more into circuit work now, rather than drag racing."
Externally, nah, there's not much to pick the Nizpro ute from the rest of 'em - it's all standard SS fare including the 17-inch wheels and tyres. The only hints of aftermarket touches are the lowered ride height and the oval chrome exhaust tip. The tow bar is there for practical reasons - and to add insult when you get left behind at the lights...
Indoors it's the same story - Simon's kept all the factory interior trim, including the red-faced instrument cluster. Why bother changing it when its comfy day in, day out?
Chatting to Simon it's obvious he's become a bit of an LS1 fan - its power is so smooth and so effortless. I guess it makes sense, then, Simon's currently going 'bonkers' bolting together a 390ci LS1 stroker kit based on a Lunati product. With the swept capacity stretched from 5.7-litres to 6.4-litres, you can only imagine how many kilowatts Simon's shooting for.
Jeez, if that motor ever finds its way into the work ute, we pray Simon's got some bloody strong tie-downs...
Contact:
Nizpro
+61 3 9761 1522
