A good freind of mine is on the look for a VN Group A and his been hearing all sorts of storys about there build, he would like to know how many actualy produced and did they skip in the build numbers and if its possible to know what the last build number was..
Thanks
John
How Many VN Group A,s ever made
Started by
_TORANASS_
, Jul 26 2006 07:36 PM
19 replies to this topic
#2
REDA9X
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Posted 26 July 2006 - 07:56 PM
302 MADE. There was supposed to be 500. Those 500 build numbers were scattered around those 302. I have seen build numbers in the 400's. They just picked up any number and slapped it on the cars built.
Edited by REDA9X, 26 July 2006 - 07:57 PM.
#3
_TORANASS_
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Posted 26 July 2006 - 08:14 PM
Thanks RED that explains things now cos my mate has seen a build 496 and couldnt understand how only 300 odd cars were made..
If you hear from a good one with low K's his seriously looking to get the right car.
Thanks
John
If you hear from a good one with low K's his seriously looking to get the right car.
Thanks
John
Edited by TORANASS, 26 July 2006 - 08:15 PM.
#5
_rorym_
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Posted 26 July 2006 - 09:31 PM
Be aware that the wheels crack and fall off..
Got to tell this one!
I was State Manager for NEC communications and knew Gregg Hansford for about 25 years. He was running a Group A for someone in the original Cannon Ball Run in the NT. We fitted a mobile phone up on sattillite from the car for the feed back to the press. I rang him about 2 pm..Harry answered..and I said.."What ya doin?"..He replied.."Oh!..About 285".!! KPH he meant!..I said.."Call you back later!"..He said.."That might be an idea!"..
One of my fav stories!!
Loved him!!
R
Got to tell this one!
I was State Manager for NEC communications and knew Gregg Hansford for about 25 years. He was running a Group A for someone in the original Cannon Ball Run in the NT. We fitted a mobile phone up on sattillite from the car for the feed back to the press. I rang him about 2 pm..Harry answered..and I said.."What ya doin?"..He replied.."Oh!..About 285".!! KPH he meant!..I said.."Call you back later!"..He said.."That might be an idea!"..
One of my fav stories!!
Loved him!!R
#6
_TORANASS_
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Posted 26 July 2006 - 10:04 PM
HAHAHAHA, wicked.
NT dont have speed limits on some of them HWYs do they?
John
NT dont have speed limits on some of them HWYs do they?
John
#7
_rorym_
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Posted 26 July 2006 - 10:07 PM
Dont think they have any actually outside the built up areas.. Harry was a clown..ALWAYS!..Still smiling remembering ..Glad you liked the story.
R
R
#8
gtrboyy
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Posted 26 July 2006 - 10:32 PM
Not a bad car.Slight g/box noise/vibration at slow speeds,even mentions it in the car manual lol & can't really use 6th gear until your doing about 125km/h.When I had my one I cracked the front bar on the driveway when I brought it home.
Interesting features:vl diff with toughened gears,vp wiring,awsome stopping,4 bolt block,round port heads,different manifold to walkinshaw,second throttle body didn't open until about 60-70% throttle making it feel turbo like & a few other little details though it did seem like just a done up calais.
Interesting features:vl diff with toughened gears,vp wiring,awsome stopping,4 bolt block,round port heads,different manifold to walkinshaw,second throttle body didn't open until about 60-70% throttle making it feel turbo like & a few other little details though it did seem like just a done up calais.
#9
REDA9X
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Posted 26 July 2006 - 11:03 PM
if only it had won Bathurst it would be a very collectable item, not that it isn't now, low numbers and the last group A built, plus in my opinion one of the best looking Holdens on the outside at least. Prone to breaking main shafts in the gearbox, and the typical low quality VN bodyshell.
#10
Dr Terry
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Posted 27 July 2006 - 09:09 AM
Hi Guys.
gtrboy said "Interesting features:vl diff with toughened gears,vp wiring,awsome stopping,4 bolt block,round port heads,different manifold to walkinshaw,second throttle body didn't open until about 60-70% throttle making it feel turbo like & a few other little details though it did seem like just a done up calais."
Most of this is correct, except nothing unusual with the wiring, ALL series 2 VNs (that's all 1990 & 1991 production & this doesn't just mean the late series 2 with the VP V6 engine) use the VP style wiring connectors. The 2 stage twin throttle body linkage setup works the same for both the VL & VN XV2 SS Group As. And it was Berlina based, not Calais based.
Dr Terry.
gtrboy said "Interesting features:vl diff with toughened gears,vp wiring,awsome stopping,4 bolt block,round port heads,different manifold to walkinshaw,second throttle body didn't open until about 60-70% throttle making it feel turbo like & a few other little details though it did seem like just a done up calais."
Most of this is correct, except nothing unusual with the wiring, ALL series 2 VNs (that's all 1990 & 1991 production & this doesn't just mean the late series 2 with the VP V6 engine) use the VP style wiring connectors. The 2 stage twin throttle body linkage setup works the same for both the VL & VN XV2 SS Group As. And it was Berlina based, not Calais based.
Dr Terry.
#11
gtrboyy
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Posted 27 July 2006 - 11:31 PM
Dr Terry;I always called it vp wiring because it was easier to find the parts that way,bad habit on my part.Too many debates with wreckers over parts.
With the manifolds the walkinshaw & vn grp a had different tops,vn had a slant at the front & vl at the back, different inlet tracts & vn manifold was said to be lighter.There was meant to be another difference but I've forgotten what that was.
Wasn't sure it was Berlina based,but thinking back that sounds correct.I assumed it was a Calais due to the climate control (very last ones apparently) & electric sunroof (optional I guess) but then again the vk grp a was based on an executive wasn't it.
These differences I'm sure you would have known anyway.When I bought the vn I was actually looking for a walkinshaw strangely enough.
With the manifolds the walkinshaw & vn grp a had different tops,vn had a slant at the front & vl at the back, different inlet tracts & vn manifold was said to be lighter.There was meant to be another difference but I've forgotten what that was.
Wasn't sure it was Berlina based,but thinking back that sounds correct.I assumed it was a Calais due to the climate control (very last ones apparently) & electric sunroof (optional I guess) but then again the vk grp a was based on an executive wasn't it.
These differences I'm sure you would have known anyway.When I bought the vn I was actually looking for a walkinshaw strangely enough.
#12
_Hotrodder_
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Posted 28 July 2006 - 01:18 AM
The VN GpA manifold IS lighter than the VL, has revised and more streamlined runners. It also features a specific thermostat housing and coolant bypass hose.
The throttle bodies are the same as VL GpA except the secondary has a revised idle setting to match the higher idle speed requirement for the VN GpA.
Fuel rail is same as standard but injectors are specific high flow rate pintle type. easily identified by the off-white band. the manufacturers part no in case youre interested is 0280-150-706.
BTW, even the rocker covers, gaskets and bolts are unique as well.
If anyone wants specific info on the VN GpA lemme know, if I cant get the answer Im not sure who can (except HSV).
The throttle bodies are the same as VL GpA except the secondary has a revised idle setting to match the higher idle speed requirement for the VN GpA.
Fuel rail is same as standard but injectors are specific high flow rate pintle type. easily identified by the off-white band. the manufacturers part no in case youre interested is 0280-150-706.
BTW, even the rocker covers, gaskets and bolts are unique as well.
If anyone wants specific info on the VN GpA lemme know, if I cant get the answer Im not sure who can (except HSV).
#13
_Hotrodder_
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Posted 28 July 2006 - 01:29 AM
Actuall Dr tyerry the VN GpA had a unique wiring harness, although similar to the statesman/calais.except nothing unusual with the wiring,
Dr Terry.
There were quite a few differences tho. Obvious ones like the high mount stop light in rear spoiler, but others not so subtle like the engine harness had alot of differences to the standard loom. Knock sensor, coil location changed, loom location changed (longer loom), throttle position sensors were different, map sensor location, EGO sensor different etc etc. ECM plug was different too.
Another thing in the manifold was the VN GpA didnt have the restrictor gasket as fitted to the secondary TB in the VL GpA manifolds.
#14
_TORANASS_
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Posted 28 July 2006 - 06:52 PM
Did the VN grp A have different power output to the VL grp A(walky) or were they much the same..
John
John
#15
Dr Terry
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Posted 29 July 2006 - 03:03 PM
Hi Guys.
What I meant about the wiring was, that there was nothing uniquely 'VP' about it. Obviously it was different & specific in the areas of the engine & other Group A bits, where they differ from a standard V8 Berlina. Also, yes the 2 inlet manifolds are different, but they both have the same progressive throttle linkage. The 'restrictor gasket' AFAIK was actually to limit intake noise for road going cars & was allowed to be removed for racecars.
The 0 280 150 706 injectors are the same Bosch injectors used in early (TN/TP) EFI Magnas.
Wasn't the VL Group A SS (XV2) 'Walkinshaw' also Berlina based ?
The power output for the VL XV2 was 180 kW & the VN XV2 was 215 kW.
Dr Terry.
What I meant about the wiring was, that there was nothing uniquely 'VP' about it. Obviously it was different & specific in the areas of the engine & other Group A bits, where they differ from a standard V8 Berlina. Also, yes the 2 inlet manifolds are different, but they both have the same progressive throttle linkage. The 'restrictor gasket' AFAIK was actually to limit intake noise for road going cars & was allowed to be removed for racecars.
The 0 280 150 706 injectors are the same Bosch injectors used in early (TN/TP) EFI Magnas.
Wasn't the VL Group A SS (XV2) 'Walkinshaw' also Berlina based ?
The power output for the VL XV2 was 180 kW & the VN XV2 was 215 kW.
Dr Terry.
#16
REDA9X
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Posted 30 July 2006 - 08:29 PM
VL was 187kw, VN was 215kwDid the VN grp A have different power output to the VL grp A(walky) or were they much the same..
John
#17
_keith1962_
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Posted 30 July 2006 - 08:56 PM
What was the KW rating of the VP SS while we are on this
subject
cheers keith
subject
cheers keith
#18
Dr Terry
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Posted 30 July 2006 - 10:20 PM
Hi keith.
The VP SS has the same standard 165 kW engine as other V8 VPs. The 180 kW Police Pack/HSV engine was also an option, but quite rare.
Dr Terry.
The VP SS has the same standard 165 kW engine as other V8 VPs. The 180 kW Police Pack/HSV engine was also an option, but quite rare.
Dr Terry.
#19
_wldgtr_
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Posted 09 December 2009 - 07:52 AM
Does anyone know what size thermostat the VL Group A Walkinshaw ran when released?
#20
Statler
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Posted 09 December 2009 - 09:00 AM
A little off topic....but....a m8 of mine had a set of 4 VN GPA rims sitting in his shed for years.
He sold them 2 weeks ago....for 1K.
I thought they were worth more.
He sold them 2 weeks ago....for 1K.
I thought they were worth more.
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