Holden LS1 Vehicles Guide - Part Two

In the first part of this series we looked at the range of LS1 powered Holden from 1999 to 2002 (VTII to VXII) - see Holden LS1 Vehicles Guide - Part One. In the second part we’ll check out the later model LS1 vehicles as well as the HSV iterations...

VY LS1s

In late 2002, Holden introduced the VY series Commodore which brought new styling, some extra poke for the LS1 and the availability of an entry-level performance model.

In the high-performance range, Holden introduced a cut-price version of the SS Commodore – the SV8. SS and SV8 models share the same twin exhaust system that lifts the LS1’s output to 235kW at 5200 rpm and 465Nm at 4400 rpm. The rest of the range remained pegged at 225kW/460Nm.

Visually, the VY has a much sharper appearance than earlier models. Eighteen inch wheels also became an option on the SS. Interestingly, the contemporary Series 2 CV8 Monaro maintained the smooth curves of the earlier series (with subtle changes) while the interior adopted the new VY design.

The VY also brought a dramatically changed interior. The centre console, instrument cluster, transmission and handbrake levers and steering wheel were all new. The sound system was also upgraded to a much better sounding Blaupunkt setup and dual airbags became standard.

Under the skin, the VY’s steering was revised to deliver improved precision and on-centre feel while the LS1’s four-speed automatic transmission was upgraded for improved durability.

See New Car Test - Holden VY SS Commodore for our test of the VY Commodore SS and New Car Test - Holden VY Ute SS for the ute version.

Around mid-year, a one-tonner Holden tray back was released with the option of a 225kW LS1. With leaf rear springs and a live rear axle, this mule is dedicated to serious tradespeople only. See New Car Test - Holden One Tonner for details. In addition, the Statesman and Caprice saloons adopted the VX upgrades around mid-year with the release of the WK series. The Caprice scored a high-flow exhaust that achieved 245kW/465Nm - see New Car Test - Holden Caprice V8 for our review.

An updated version of the VY – the VY Series 2 – appeared in late 2003.

The VYII brought 245kW in SS, SV8 and Series 3 CV8 models – we believe using a similar exhaust system to the WK Caprice. The rest of the LS1 range picked up 10kW over the previous model thanks to minor exhaust and engine management revisions and made 235kW. Added features, interior trim changes and subtle body changes complete the VY Series 2 update. The Calais was the most improved with 17 inch wheels, side skirts, lowered suspension and other sporty touches - a major change in direction for the normally reserved Calais model.

Coinciding with the release of the VYII, Holden released a crew-cab light commercial vehicle capable of carrying five people along with a considerable payload – the Crewman. In SS guise, the Crewman packed a 225kW version of the LS1 and delivered drive to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual and heavy-duty live axle. But, at more than 5.3 metres in length, this vehicle pushes the boundaries of what you can realistically drive on a day-to-day basis. Like the one-tonner, the Crewman’s leaf-spring rear was also not up to the handling capability of IRS VU ute. Think of the Crewman SS as a hard-working trade vehicle with the flexibility to carry a couple of extra people as the need arises. It isn’t genuinely comfortable in a people moving role.

The VYII also saw the release of the Adventra AWD ‘crossover’ wagon. At the time of introduction, the Adventra came powered exclusively by LS1 muscle – good for 235kW/460Nm. The Adventra is based on a Commodore wagon and, with the introduction of Cross-Trac traction control based all-wheel-drive, it boasts improved handling stability and flexibility. The ride height is elevated, the track is widened and under-body protection is installed for greater potential when venturing off the bitumen. With a standard four-speed auto transmission, the near-as-dammit two tonne 235kW Adventra accelerates to 100 km/h in the high 7-second range. As you might imagine, fuel consumption is not a strong point... Two trim levels were offered – the CX8 with pretty well everything you’re likely to need and the LX8 which adds a power sunroof, leather and premium audio system. See New Car Test - Holden Adventra for our test of the Adventra LX8 and New Car Test - Holden Adventra CX8 for the CX8.

Interestingly, the Adventra’s Cross-Trac AWD system was then married to the tough-as-nails Crewman light commercial. This created the Crewman Cross 8. The Cross 8 is essentially a SS Crewman (225kW/460Nm) with the addition of AWD and a heavy-duty automatic transmission instead of a manual ‘box. It’s probably in the narrowest niche in the entire LS1 range - not to mention the heaviest, slowest and thirstiest...

VZ LS1s

The latest LS1 can be seen in the VZ Commodore and WL Statesman/Caprice series. These were introduced in late 2004.

The current engine employs electronic throttle control and accompanying engine management changes, a revised exhaust and a large diameter air intake (including a bigger airflow meter). The new intake is claimed to reduce restriction by 25 percent. SV8, SS and Caprice models now make a healthy 250kW at 5600 rpm and 470Nm at 4000 rpm and we believe, before the V8 version was axed, the Adventra LX8 shared this 250kW/470Nm output. The Statesman is rated at 245kW/265Nm while the Berlina, Calais, Crewman and one-tonner models stay rated at 235kW/460Nm.

But the most powerful Holden version of the LS1 can be found in the VZ series Monaro. With a revised camshaft, a split dual exhaust (claimed to reduce backpressure by around 25 percent) and more aggressive engine management tuning calibrated for high-octane fuel, the VZ Munro kicks out 260kW and a massive 500Nm (at 5600 and 4000 rpm respectively). The standard six-speed ‘box also uses shorter ratios while the optional four-speed auto is beefed up, modified for sharper shifts and teams with a shorter diff ratio.

Beyond these under-bonnet changes, the VZ series boasts a new brake master cylinder/booster and all models feature a new traction control system (one that doesn’t kick back through the accelerator pedal). A lightweight power steering pump and front suspension revisions also improve feel. The high output VZ Monaro scores the biggest brake set-up of any Holden. At the front you’ll find 320 x 32mm ventilated discs with Corvette C6 twin-pot calipers and the rear uses 286 x 18mm discs with single pot calipers.

VZs are slightly sharper in appearance than the VYII and are easily identified by a larger lion symbol on the front. A new range of wheels was also introduced and luxury Statesman and Caprice appeared with LED taillights (previously limited to the Caprice)

The last-of-the-line Monaro is styled with twin bonnet intakes (which are blanked off), a new front facia with vertically stacked lights, sharper headlights, new grille opening and an enlarged cooling passage. A rear under-body panel reduces aerodynamic lift and drag and the fuel tank is relocated along with a repositioned fuel filler. The standard 18 inch wheels are also revised with a deeper dish.

See Holden VZ Monaro Test, Holden VZ Berlina V8 Test, Holden Crewman Cross 8 Test and Holden WL Statesman V8 Test for our reviews of the VZ range.

HSV Tuned LS1s

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is responsible for some of the most potent performance cars sold in Australia. HSV's first involvement tuning a LS1 powered vehicle came with the mid 1999 VT Series 2 range.

The popular '99 Clubsport and Clubsport R8 models are powered by a HSV enhanced LS1 featuring a cold ram-air intake, stainless headers, low restriction cat converters, a dual 57mm exhaust with a low restriction rear muffler and a more aggressive management tune (intended for high-octane fuel). Output was bumped up from 220kW to 250kW along with 473Nm of torque (at 5600 rpm and 4000 rpm respectively). A T56 six-speed manual 'box or 4L60-E four-speed auto was offered. The auto boasts HSV enhanced shift program, traction control and a 3.07:1 diff ratio. Manual versions spin a 3.73:1 ratio.

In addition to its enhanced engine and driveline, the Clubsport and R8 wear a slick HSV body kit, an improved sporty interior and Performance suspension comprising 27mm front and 15mm rear swaybars, variable rate lowered springs and gas dampers. The standard HSV Performance brakes combo uses 296 x 28mm ventilated front discs with twin-pot calipers and 286 x 16mm rear discs with single pot calipers. These are visible behind the 17 x 8 inch HSV alloys.

The R8 varies from the conventional Clubsport in having HSV upgrade Performance suspension, Performance brakes, 18s and wrap-around seats. Premium brakes (343mm diameter at the front) were available as an option on both models.

The same 250kW/473Nm engine tune was also applied to the luxury market HSV Senator Signature. Manual and auto versions (with traction control) are available. The Senator Signature is distinguished by features such as HSV Luxury suspension, Performance brakes, unique body kit and 17 inch wheels, HSV Luxury leather interior and HSV tuned Variatronic power steering. A Performance Option Pack provides wrap-around seats, Performance suspension, upsized Premium brakes and 18 inch wheels.

The biggest news in HSV during the VT Series 2 timeframe was the release of the HSV GTS. The GTS set a new standard for performance sedan in Australia thanks to its awesome C4B Callaway enhanced LS1 that punches out 300kW. The C4B engine achieves this output using a new exhaust, high-flow air intake (with a MAP sensor replacing the standard airflow meter), CNC ported heads (providing a 9.8:1 compression ratio), revised valves and camshaft plus up-rated valve springs and titanium retainers. The standard GTS gearbox is the T56 six-speed which sends drive to a very short ratio 3.91:1 Hydratrak rear-end. 0 - 100 km/h performance is in the low 5-second range... The suspension incorporates the Control Link IRS and the brakes are the biggest available - the Premium package. Add a unique body and interior package and you've got one of Australia's most desirable muscle cars.

For the late 2000 VX series, HSV added some extra models and refined the existing packages.

The VX Clubsport and Clubsport R8 incorporate the regular Holden updates as well slightly enhanced power. An extra 5kW and 2Nm was found by revisions to the exhaust teamed with the introduction of the LS6 intake manifold (as introduced on the base Holden LS1). There are also subtle changes to the body and interior but we believe the suspension and brake setups remain the same. Eighteen inch wheels also become standard. The Senator Signature model carries over the same updates except 17s remain standard and rear parking sensors are added.

The late '00 HSV Maloo is essentially a ute version of the Clubsport. You get the same 255kW engine, the choice of a six-speed manual or four-speed auto, suspension and styling along similar lines to the Clubbie. A R8 version of the Maloo also brings Performance brakes.

A long wheelbase HSV also materialised in the form of the Grange. The Statesman-based HSV Grange employs the same 255kW used in the Clubsport, Senator and Maloo models but comes tied to only a four-speed automatic transmission. The Grange is also equipped with a Prestige suspension tune, Performance brakes (as fitted to the Clubsport R8), sports luxury trim and a subtle body kit combined with 18 inch wheels.

The VX version of the 300kW HSV GTS flaunts 19 inch wheels, minor engine and suspension mods and updated body and interior styling. The GTS was then replaced by the VX Series 2 SV300 which carries a love-it or hate-it nose.

In the VY series, the HSV models were significantly restyled but mechanical revisions were relatively minor.

The VY Clubsport is bumped up to 260kW (thanks to revised management mapping), the suspension is revised and it now receives standard Performance brakes (previously reserved for the R8 version). Like the body, the interior is also upgraded along the same lines as the VY Holden range. The VY Clubsport R8 steps up to standard Premium brakes.

In the Maloo ute range, you'll find the same 260kW LS1 with a manual or auto trans and standard Performance brakes. The R8 gets Premium anchors.

For more luxury, there's the VY HSV Senator which is based on the Calais - leather trim and plenty of features abound. Engine output is 260kW and there's the choice of a manual or auto trans. Performance brakes and Luxury suspension come standard. A Signature version brings Premium brakes, bigger wheels and some other upgrades. Curiously, it appears there were no changes to the Grange (which remains at 255kW).

For ultimate performance, the GTS badge re-emerged in place of the SV300. In VY guise, the HSV GTS puts out the same 300kW but benefits from six/four-pot AP brakes, Performance suspension and new 19 inch wheels. An upgrade four-speed auto was also introduced as an option.

At this time, HSV also released its Monaro-based Coupe in GTO and GTS guise. Like its four-door cousin, the GTS runs the 300kW C4B engine with a standard six-speed 'box. The same six/four-pot AP brakes are fitted with 19 inch rims, there's a unique HSV steering rack and HSV has added its touch to the body and interior. The GTO version uses a less potent 255kW engine with the option of an auto trans. Performance brakes, 18s and softer suspension are also employed.

In late '03, the VY Series 2 HSV range appeared sporting a substantial increase in power.

The volume selling VYII Clubsport generates 285kW/510Nm thanks to new headers, an improved exhaust and air intake and revised mapping. The R8 version gets the same engine and maintains its advantage of having firmer suspension and bigger brakes compared to the normal Clubsport - Performance brakes versus the big Premium brakes package. A SE version of the Clubsport combines Performance suspension with unique wheels, a revised body kit and comes with some goodies for the owner.

The engine changes are mirrored in the Maloo and Maloo R8. The luxury Senator, Signature and Grange also receive the 285kW engine. It appears there were no major changes in the 300kW VYII GTS sedan.

In the Coupe range, the go-fast GTS also appears to have no major changes while the cheaper GTO version makes up ground with its new 285kW output. But the most drool-worthy model is the Coupe 4 which combines 270kW of grunt with an Adventra-type all-wheel-drive system. The groundbreaking (but poor selling) Adventra-based Avalanche and Crewman-based XUV share the same driveline and engine.

Recently - coinciding with the release of the late '04 VZ HSV range - the LS1 has been replaced by the LS2 6-litre engine.