Discussion
Hi Everyone,
I am the proud owner of HSV number 2 which I understand was originally owned by Peter Woods and subsequently by Ric Woods (no relation?) One distinguishing fact about the car is that it is badge-less which causes more than the usual head craning and the obvious resulting question – ‘What is it’? I have owned the car almost 3 years and after spending the best part of 20 years in Australia and NZ it was a natural choice when I returned to the UK in 2001. I embarrassed to say that I have only recently discovered your website and it was due to a need, i.e. a new exhaust! As HSV 2 is a 1999 vintage it is not unexpected that a new exhaust would be required at some stage although it is one of the catalytic converters, which has ‘gone’ first and is making a hell of a rattle. A closer inspection revealed that the rest of the exhaust really needs replacing at the same time. Interestingly one of the previous owners removed the rear box(es), not sure if this is standard practice? I have secured x 2 cats from Mark at LSV however they only stock a stainless steel exhaust replacement at a quoted £1,400. After recently spending £2,300 on a service including two new discs I was wondering if anyone is aware of a cheaper alternative than the S/S version that is available in the UK? I have contacts in Aus who could arrange to source and send the parts from a Holden dealer but thought I would give the forum a go first. I am based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire by the way and the name is David.
I am the proud owner of HSV number 2 which I understand was originally owned by Peter Woods and subsequently by Ric Woods (no relation?) One distinguishing fact about the car is that it is badge-less which causes more than the usual head craning and the obvious resulting question – ‘What is it’? I have owned the car almost 3 years and after spending the best part of 20 years in Australia and NZ it was a natural choice when I returned to the UK in 2001. I embarrassed to say that I have only recently discovered your website and it was due to a need, i.e. a new exhaust! As HSV 2 is a 1999 vintage it is not unexpected that a new exhaust would be required at some stage although it is one of the catalytic converters, which has ‘gone’ first and is making a hell of a rattle. A closer inspection revealed that the rest of the exhaust really needs replacing at the same time. Interestingly one of the previous owners removed the rear box(es), not sure if this is standard practice? I have secured x 2 cats from Mark at LSV however they only stock a stainless steel exhaust replacement at a quoted £1,400. After recently spending £2,300 on a service including two new discs I was wondering if anyone is aware of a cheaper alternative than the S/S version that is available in the UK? I have contacts in Aus who could arrange to source and send the parts from a Holden dealer but thought I would give the forum a go first. I am based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire by the way and the name is David.
Hi David - you've found the best board for Holdens and HSVs in the UK.
Sounds like you have an interesting car. Can't help you with your exhaust query, other than I've had the stainless system fitted by Linden to my Monaro ... and it knocks... it's going back to be sorted.
I'm sure one of the HSV owners can advise on the exhaust - a locally fabricated system - made by an exhaust company here in the UK, if often a solution. Ask "caspy"
As for your contacts in AUS - coudn't get me an ap racing brake kit at discount, could you
(if you don't ask, you don't get
Welcome aboard
Sounds like you have an interesting car. Can't help you with your exhaust query, other than I've had the stainless system fitted by Linden to my Monaro ... and it knocks... it's going back to be sorted.
I'm sure one of the HSV owners can advise on the exhaust - a locally fabricated system - made by an exhaust company here in the UK, if often a solution. Ask "caspy"
As for your contacts in AUS - coudn't get me an ap racing brake kit at discount, could you
(if you don't ask, you don't get Welcome aboard
Hi "HSV2" good to see you on the forum........
My recommendation for a new exhaust from OZ is www.surefloexhaust.com.au and it will cost about £650 + shipping (food grade,polished stainless)
But you might like to contact Picador Vauxhall in Southampton as they have had a twin 3" system made up, and "Caspy" on the forum has it on his VXR (it will also fit a GTS with a small change!!!) it cost about £700 in stainless.............try Chris Ault on 023 8044 9232
Another option is to ask "Jagsy" about his cat back as he is in Newcastle..........
When you get some time could you send over some pic's of your car so I can add them to the site
My recommendation for a new exhaust from OZ is www.surefloexhaust.com.au and it will cost about £650 + shipping (food grade,polished stainless)
But you might like to contact Picador Vauxhall in Southampton as they have had a twin 3" system made up, and "Caspy" on the forum has it on his VXR (it will also fit a GTS with a small change!!!) it cost about £700 in stainless.............try Chris Ault on 023 8044 9232
Another option is to ask "Jagsy" about his cat back as he is in Newcastle..........
When you get some time could you send over some pic's of your car so I can add them to the site
Hi UK HSV,
Many thanks also for the prompt reply and information which I will certainly follow-up ASAP. I'm starting to get paranoid that the admiring glances I used to get from the throaty roar of the V8 are now from concerned pedestrians wondering what's going to fall off!
Regards
David
Many thanks also for the prompt reply and information which I will certainly follow-up ASAP. I'm starting to get paranoid that the admiring glances I used to get from the throaty roar of the V8 are now from concerned pedestrians wondering what's going to fall off!
Regards
David
Hi David, welcome to the board.
I originate from Pateley Bridge and grew up in Harrogate.
My brother is still down there and has heard / seen you rumble around a couple of times.
As for zorst systems, any good stainless steel zorst fabricator can make a cat back system. There are numerous suppliers of pipes and mufflers - again a good fabricator will have his preference.
As for what you get will depend on how loud and what you like - but seriously, if you are spending in excess of £600 for a stainless system your are probably getting a gold one?!?!?!
I have an approx 10" long by 4" dia cherry bomb in each pipe of the dual flow system - pics and sound can be seen in "video" on the web site. Other folk go for the single resonator at the rear - not alot of difference I believe.
If you have any questions - just ask.
Richard
I originate from Pateley Bridge and grew up in Harrogate.
My brother is still down there and has heard / seen you rumble around a couple of times.
As for zorst systems, any good stainless steel zorst fabricator can make a cat back system. There are numerous suppliers of pipes and mufflers - again a good fabricator will have his preference.
As for what you get will depend on how loud and what you like - but seriously, if you are spending in excess of £600 for a stainless system your are probably getting a gold one?!?!?!
I have an approx 10" long by 4" dia cherry bomb in each pipe of the dual flow system - pics and sound can be seen in "video" on the web site. Other folk go for the single resonator at the rear - not alot of difference I believe.
If you have any questions - just ask.
Richard
Hi Richard,
Thanks for reply, I trust I was behaving myself when your brother clocked me! Also thanks for the advice and information, I am now waiting for a final price for a complete exhaust system from Aus and then will make my decision. I will post a further reply with prices etc once available so that everyone is aware of what they could be up for.
Regards
David
Thanks for reply, I trust I was behaving myself when your brother clocked me! Also thanks for the advice and information, I am now waiting for a final price for a complete exhaust system from Aus and then will make my decision. I will post a further reply with prices etc once available so that everyone is aware of what they could be up for.
Regards
David
Hi There were 3 HSVs brought in at the same time in 1999. I have number 3 I seam to remember that the first three were Bronze in colour mine black and red which one do you have.
I had the same exhaust problem earlier this year. Part of the problem was that in an attempt to make the cars sound better the rear exhaust boxes were removed and a satraight throw pipe put in place. Unfortunately this was not done well as was constructed in mild steel. I had also one cat go so have had both replaced (for balance) and a new stainless system welded to the back end. The whole job was around the £600 mark (cannot be precise as had other work done.
If you want any specific info on the car let me know as I assume its the same as mine.
I had the same exhaust problem earlier this year. Part of the problem was that in an attempt to make the cars sound better the rear exhaust boxes were removed and a satraight throw pipe put in place. Unfortunately this was not done well as was constructed in mild steel. I had also one cat go so have had both replaced (for balance) and a new stainless system welded to the back end. The whole job was around the £600 mark (cannot be precise as had other work done.
If you want any specific info on the car let me know as I assume its the same as mine.
Hi Crazy of Cookham,
Good to hear from you and many thanks for the information and your offer of assistance. My car is all black with a grey/black interior, i.e. no coloured seat/door inserts as per most I have seen. It is definitely the original colour.
Sounds like the exhaust problem is age related as I suspected. I heard the same feedback about the rear box being removed to give them a better V8 'roar'. This would also explain why the rear chrome pipes plus approx 12 inches of exhaust snapped off within 2 weeks of taking possession!
The only other problems I have encountered are a failed electric window winder mechanism (front passenger) and a mysterious fuel pump problem which blew the fuse. I was in a very busy carpark and had just set off, gone about 20 yards and it stalled. Called the AA and the problem was quickly diagnosed but the pump was pulling about 20 amps and of course blew the replacement fuse. After getting the engine going again and watching the amps on the AA's laptop (very impressive actually) it slowly dropped down to a normal ampage and has not faulted since. My only explanation was that I had previously nearly run out of fuel (does everyone have the same problem with the miles to go reading!) and this could have dragged some rubbish into the fuel pipe/feed. If my explantion and diagnosis demonstrates my limited mechanical / electrical knowledge - guilty as charged!
Regards
David
Good to hear from you and many thanks for the information and your offer of assistance. My car is all black with a grey/black interior, i.e. no coloured seat/door inserts as per most I have seen. It is definitely the original colour.
Sounds like the exhaust problem is age related as I suspected. I heard the same feedback about the rear box being removed to give them a better V8 'roar'. This would also explain why the rear chrome pipes plus approx 12 inches of exhaust snapped off within 2 weeks of taking possession!
The only other problems I have encountered are a failed electric window winder mechanism (front passenger) and a mysterious fuel pump problem which blew the fuse. I was in a very busy carpark and had just set off, gone about 20 yards and it stalled. Called the AA and the problem was quickly diagnosed but the pump was pulling about 20 amps and of course blew the replacement fuse. After getting the engine going again and watching the amps on the AA's laptop (very impressive actually) it slowly dropped down to a normal ampage and has not faulted since. My only explanation was that I had previously nearly run out of fuel (does everyone have the same problem with the miles to go reading!) and this could have dragged some rubbish into the fuel pipe/feed. If my explantion and diagnosis demonstrates my limited mechanical / electrical knowledge - guilty as charged!
Regards
David
Cannot remember anyone mentioning your fuel pump problem. I have always found the miles to go reading fairly accurate have run to zero (not advised) on a few ocassions but never run out. I recon at zero on mine about 2-3 ltrs remain. I tend to do a lot of short journeys so 160 mile !! range not unusual.
Hi David,
This is going back a few years, but with my VN 1990 model, the fuel pump was in the fuel tank, the fuel kept it cool apparently and I was told never to let the fuel level get below a quarter as this could cause the fuel pump to burn out due to over heating. I also lived in Cairns at the time and it's a lot hotter up there.
This may well have been your problem, but then again it could also be an urban myth and I'm not entirely sure if Holden still place the pump in the tank with the newer models.
Adrian
This is going back a few years, but with my VN 1990 model, the fuel pump was in the fuel tank, the fuel kept it cool apparently and I was told never to let the fuel level get below a quarter as this could cause the fuel pump to burn out due to over heating. I also lived in Cairns at the time and it's a lot hotter up there.
This may well have been your problem, but then again it could also be an urban myth and I'm not entirely sure if Holden still place the pump in the tank with the newer models.
Adrian
Hi Crazy & Aussiedude,
Thanks for the feedback. The day the fuel pump faulted it was very warm for the UK, however I would say it be have been the equivalent of the coldest day in Cairns! I believe running the fuel tank down to zero was the cause of the problem.
My 'miles to go' reading starts at 300 plus and seems to fairly reflect fuel usage until about 30 miles to go when it drops dramatically. It could be my driving which is generally all at one speed and cost me £600 and 21 days off the road in November 2002 for a paltry 106mph on the M4. Which brings me onto another issue, why are speeding fines related to income? I struck a mean magistrate on my day in court, hence the driving ban and fine. Our local paper reports speeding cases from the A1(M) between Wetherby and Boroughbridge and I have seen higher speeds rewarded with points (no ban) and much reduced fines.
Angry of Harrogate!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the feedback. The day the fuel pump faulted it was very warm for the UK, however I would say it be have been the equivalent of the coldest day in Cairns! I believe running the fuel tank down to zero was the cause of the problem.
My 'miles to go' reading starts at 300 plus and seems to fairly reflect fuel usage until about 30 miles to go when it drops dramatically. It could be my driving which is generally all at one speed and cost me £600 and 21 days off the road in November 2002 for a paltry 106mph on the M4. Which brings me onto another issue, why are speeding fines related to income? I struck a mean magistrate on my day in court, hence the driving ban and fine. Our local paper reports speeding cases from the A1(M) between Wetherby and Boroughbridge and I have seen higher speeds rewarded with points (no ban) and much reduced fines.
Angry of Harrogate!!!!!!!!!!
5 points and £185 fine for average of 100.7 mph, would have swapped £600 fine for three points as I now have 11 in total, its where you get caught I think.
Powerflow exhasts (Basingstoke) who have branches n/wide did mine for £400, no cats, no mufflers, just one incy wincy little box with the tailpipe, they used the 'h' section cross over and welded stainless pipes to it from where the pussy was back, they offer cats at £150 ea, good for 500 bhp and claim they are not restrictive.
LSV claim you should not run at full bore under less than a 1/4 tank.
>> Edited by V8HSV on Friday 15th October 16:29
Powerflow exhasts (Basingstoke) who have branches n/wide did mine for £400, no cats, no mufflers, just one incy wincy little box with the tailpipe, they used the 'h' section cross over and welded stainless pipes to it from where the pussy was back, they offer cats at £150 ea, good for 500 bhp and claim they are not restrictive.
LSV claim you should not run at full bore under less than a 1/4 tank.
>> Edited by V8HSV on Friday 15th October 16:29
Hi V8HSV,
Thanks for the information. I've found a custom stainless steel exhaust fabricator in Bradford (not too far from Harrogate) and I'm confident he can supply a well priced exhaust that will suffice. The price I got from a Holden dealer in Adelaide was expensive for a standard exhaust, AU$1,773.97 excluding GST, the cats and headers plus AU$637 air freight.
With regards to speeding fines and points I have no problem with being caught speeding or the methods employed to catch speeding drivers. This may not be the opinion of a lot of drivers but we are all aware of the speed limits when we get in our cars. My beef is with the fact that any magistrate can apply their own prejudices on any given day which results in a totally inconsistent system. If you break the law then you must suffer the consequences but under the current system the consequences could depend on what the magistrate had for dinner last night!
Regards
David
Thanks for the information. I've found a custom stainless steel exhaust fabricator in Bradford (not too far from Harrogate) and I'm confident he can supply a well priced exhaust that will suffice. The price I got from a Holden dealer in Adelaide was expensive for a standard exhaust, AU$1,773.97 excluding GST, the cats and headers plus AU$637 air freight.
With regards to speeding fines and points I have no problem with being caught speeding or the methods employed to catch speeding drivers. This may not be the opinion of a lot of drivers but we are all aware of the speed limits when we get in our cars. My beef is with the fact that any magistrate can apply their own prejudices on any given day which results in a totally inconsistent system. If you break the law then you must suffer the consequences but under the current system the consequences could depend on what the magistrate had for dinner last night!
Regards
David
Gassing Station | HSV & Monaro | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff