Holden Commodore VS
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 1
Introduction
The VS represented another Commodore upgrade where
the emphasis was on mechanical rather than visual change.
On the outside, the VS sported new wheels (or wheel
trims for the lower end versions), as well as new badges
featuring a revised lion-and-stone
GMH emblem, only
the third revision since the original 48/215 and makeover
for the HQ range.
Mechanical improvements to the V6 would make huge
improvements in almost every area – power was
increased by 13%, yet fuel consumption was cut by 5%. Helping
achieve these amazing figures was a new cylinder
block and manifolds, reshaped
cylinder heads, lightweight
pistons and a small increase to the compression ratio,
now at 9.4:1.
Smoother, sweeter and much better than
its predecessor, Holden named the new unit the “ECOTEC
3800 V6” – an acronym for Emissions and
Consumption Optimisation TEChnology.
The
automatic transmission was modified to suit the
ECOTEC, now offering even smoother shifts and better
response to throttle pressure. All in all the drive-train
of the Commodore had matured to world-beating standards.
But the Holden engineers did not stop there, providing
considerable safety improvements over the VR.
The VS Series was the first Australian built car to
offer a passenger's airbag (with a capacity of 120L),
while the Bosch ABS system was upgraded to the latest
version. Dual airbags were standard on the Calais and
Acclaim, but those purchasing the Executive could choose
it as an option.
The engineers also made a change to
the security system, allowing you to select either
drivers door or all door unlocking, while a rolling
security code system was incorporated to improve
vehicle security.
So little was changed on the outside that it is sometimes
difficult to identify a VS over a VR – to do
so look for the revised Holden emblem, ECOTEC badge
located under the indicator lights and silver insert
around the edge of the front grille opening.
There
was a slight styling change to the top edge of the
boot, and the Calais was now fitted with 16 inch alloys,
and came standard with fog lights and a two-tone paint
job. And last, but not least, the VS sported revised
wheels or wheel covers.
In April 1995 the VS Statesman and Caprice models
were introduced, and featured all the mechanical improvements
incorporated into the Commodore range. In June 1996
the VS Commodore Series II was released, the update
having refinements to the V8 engine providing both
more torque and power (the power now up to 168kW),
as well as producing a quieter idle. The V6 remained
unchanged, except for the manual gearbox which was
now a Getrag unit.
A minor cosmetic change would see the side indicator
lights replaced with better looking oval shaped units,
but the big news with the Series II was the introduction
of a supercharged V6, available on the Calais, Statesman
and Caprice. The interior was given a mild make-over,
and from January 1st 1997 Holden changed its new
car warranty to 3 years / 100,000 km.
It doesn’t have a plug and my car has been sitting for like 5 years.
I tried a siphon bit it won’t reach to the bottom so I’m sure what to do as I want to start my car but not with bad petrol.
Let me know. Thanks
Can any-one advise where to get parts for the JAKAB ambulance body , such as front glass on canopy and rear door handle - for '95 VS.
Cheers Gene.
Cheers.
Truth is its actually been a really great car, i do oil changes every 5000 and its only ever needed a repacement belt tensioner pulley, other than that with well over 320 thousand on the clock, it still starts, stops, steers, and has a comfortable ride.
the key barrel pops out when the key is removed check if this happes because if it dont when u put the key back in the barrel will not turn
i eave previously worked at holden for a few years n i would recomend you get a new key barrel coz the key barrel locks the steering so try that i very sure that it will solve this problem:Dif that dont work the powerstearing rack would have pooped itself :(
margaret the flasher relay unit is mounted in the the enginebay fuse box. the fuse box is mounted between the right strut top the the right headlight
:)
may god bless:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
If you still have no luck ,email me @ burnie44@hotmail *** and i'll
give you some other advice. OK ?.
All I can say is that with the intermittent function of the Horn, Blinkers, wipers, and air conditioning - you need to visit a good auto electrican, but before you go, ask a mechanic to confirm that your VS1 has not been underwater at some time? If not these annoying electrical problems are easy to fix. In regard to your tape deck, after (14) years its probably time to update it, which will add some value to your vehicle. The ignition barrel, if it was an original Holden Replacement Part then there would be a warranty. Provided that your repairer used a Holden Part and fitted it correctly.
I have driven VS1 & VS2 for (13) years and I have never replaced a radiator or fuel pump, but I always use radiator corrosion inhibitor and I insist in replacing the low cost fuel filter every 20,000km.
Suspension rubbers and exhaust mufflers seem to last about 150,000km. But tie rod ends & Power steer rack? Crickey! it seems like this vehicle has been driven on rough roads, or with poor wheel balance and alignment.
Kristine, in summary if it has been drowned ditch it, if not fix it.
My dad never had any serious problems with any of his holdens, the VS with 700k's never had any serious internal work done on it besides a new water pump , ditto for the transmission.
Bodywise the old girl wasnt looking to flash for her 700k's but mechanically i think she mighta have had a chance at a million k's with regular servicing.
i use castrol and repco filters.
No one said Australians couldn't spell, maybe someone should have?
I still think no other commodore has better looks than a VS.
I have had newer company cars, but I am using the VS again for business as it is a delight to drive. Cheaper to run, and less costly to register than an 8 or a new 6. Try to find a car speced like this one it is as rare as hens teeth! They are much lighter than later VT, VY, VX, VZ & even the plump VE similarly you can forget the Fords, Toyotas etc. check it out this is reason why I didn't buy the VT. KEEP IT LIGHT N' KEEP it Quick!!