Holden Commodore VP
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 1
Introduction
The VP was always going to be a face-lifted VN,
however there were considerable and detailed improvements
made over the latter model. Independent Rear Suspension
(IRS) was introduced, fitted as standard equipment
on the Calais and Commodore SS and optional across
the range, the system being adapted from the long wheelbase
VQ.
On the exterior the Holden engineers kept changes
to a minimum, the futuristic looking clear acrylic
cover running across the length and at the top of the
grille of the Executive model always being contentious
(others models used a colour coded version).
The front
blinker lenses were squared off, and the tail lights
enhanced. The bumpers also came in for a makeover,
now both wider and stronger than the VN.
A security system was also standard on all models,
featuring an automatic ignition disable, ECM disable
and door key activated deadlocks (operating three minutes
after the ignition was turned off).
Power windows became standard fitment, although the Executive and Berlina
would still have winders for the rear windows.
The Calais was fitted with road speed sensitive power
steering, adjusting automatically via an electronic
management system to vary the level of power assistance
according to the road speed.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was introduced in August 1992, and was an option
on cars fitted with a V8 and IRS, then on the Series
II it was available as an option on all models.
The VP SS Commodore featured limited slip differential
and 15x7 alloys, along with a sports tuned
suspension and gas-pressurized rear shockers. The SS inherited
the Calais seats, although a blue trim material was
used to provide a sportier look. The series II arrived
in January 1993, among the improvements was a colour-coded
front panel now fitted to the Executive, upgraded specs
on all models and
alloy wheels for the Commodore S.
The Statesman and Caprice were not given a new model
designation for the VP range, rather they simply became
the VQ Series II. Bother iterations were introduced
a month after the VP Commodore sedans, and featured
high tech anti lock
brakes – a first for Holden.
While the V8 remained standard on the Caprice, you
could now choose either V6 or V8 for the Statesman,
the smaller capacity engine helping put the long-wheelbase
Holden within reach of many devotees. For the more
sporting minded, both the Statesman and Caprice could
be optioned with a HSV improved 180kW V8. A VP Commodore driven
by
Larry Perkins and Gregg Hansford
would win
Bathurst in 1993.
hi, i have 92vp
My V6 has stock internals, yet with just a chip and extractors, it's easily a match for my mate's 5 litre V8 on a straight piece of tarmac. But we did a run up Mt Cootha's winding roads not long back, and I simply left him for dead. The V8 vp has +80kgs on the V6.. that's like a fully grown man strapped on the bonnet over the front wheels. Oh, and speaking of noise.. the exhaust sounds plenty nice too! ;)
PS: I've recently sourced a 70mm throttle body which will be feeding the engine by summer. I'm hoping it'll push it past 150kw on the dyno, now that the motor's nicely run-in.
Anywho, here's a condensed list of what I've done to mine (in chronological order)... 1)King springs with Bilstein shocks x4(rear lowered 2in) & Polyurethane bushes all round, 2)15inch CSA 5-spokes (black) w/Nankang 225/60/15 tyres, 3)Driver's side seat replaced - Recaro 'Pole Position'(Black). 4)Steering Wheel/Boss Kit - SAAS 3-spoke sport. 5)Rebuilt 3.8 V6 motor w/Stage3 chip, K&N filter, Hurricane Extractors, High-flow cat, & 3.5in sports system (Dyno'd 139kw@ flywheel). 6)Re-conditioned Auto w/Hurst ratchet shifter. 7)Replaced drive axle w/Borg Warner LSD unit(2nd hand from wreckers). 8)Engine Bay Strut Brace(also from wreckers).
Cost of 2nd Hand VP: $1100
Total Money Spent: Approx. $15k
0-100kph - 7.1 secs
400m - 14:97secs
Pure Driving Bliss: Priceless!
yea the buick knows about that little thing called torque.... i dont kno wat you drive but wen you can pass a v8 in a v6 like it was stood still and you dont have a clue how fast you wer goin cause the spedo only goes up to 220, lol i think your just not pushing on the accelerator hard enough
jimmy