5.7 vs 6.0 .. older vs newer monaros
Discussion
hello what are peoples thoughts on 5.7 vs 6.0 ? .. is a well sorted 5.7 better than a stock 6.0 ?
from the cars currently on sale there seems to be more 5.7 that have had a lot of work done on them and more standard vxr 6.0
i am also not sure if it is worth looking for low bracket bracket car is the best idea .. is it better to look for the youngest vxr 6.0 pay more road tax but have less issues .. in reality now is there much difference between a 2005 and 2007 car service wise
thanks
from the cars currently on sale there seems to be more 5.7 that have had a lot of work done on them and more standard vxr 6.0
i am also not sure if it is worth looking for low bracket bracket car is the best idea .. is it better to look for the youngest vxr 6.0 pay more road tax but have less issues .. in reality now is there much difference between a 2005 and 2007 car service wise
thanks
Many of the 5.7s are the lower CV8 models, which were hobbled with a lower power output. They were produced at the same time as the rare 5.7 VXR and also at the same time as the 6.0 VXR. There was only a couple of years of production for everything in the UK, so older and newer is very relative.
The main difference you can see between early and late is the nostrils on the bonnet but as some early cars have later bonnets added, you're better off looking to the fuel filler. It's much higher up on the later cars - referred to the 'small boot' model as the tank is in there. Earlier 'big boot' models have the tank underneath.
The main difference you can see between early and late is the nostrils on the bonnet but as some early cars have later bonnets added, you're better off looking to the fuel filler. It's much higher up on the later cars - referred to the 'small boot' model as the tank is in there. Earlier 'big boot' models have the tank underneath.
When looking for a Monaro, you really don't want to get too worked up on buying the newest car, remember an 07 plated car was lying around a dealership for 2 years, these are old cars so you need to buy on its condition.
Monaros went on sale in the UK in 04, (you might see an earlier reg press car) and the last one came over in 05.
The only thing you might want to check is when the car was first registered for the cheaper road tax. March 06 is the start of the higher road tax, and it really irritates me having to pay it .
The VXR models were around £5k more expensive than a CV8, due to the various parts added by HSV.
I suppose it depends on which car you like the look of really, I suspect most cars have similar upgrades and perform about the same, apart from a few really outrageously powerful cars that were mega modified by their owners!!!!
I don't think the VXR's have any serious issues over a CV8 as in reality they are very similar cars underneath.
Watch out for accident damage and rust even on an apparently clean looking car, and be aware body panels, glass, and trim pieces are getting difficult to find. Mechanically however things aren't too bad.
I have seen a few cars advertised with low miles, but in reality these engines can take high miles if serviced properly. The suspension and brakes however will need inspecting.
If I was buying again I would be trying to find a low ownership car with lots of paper work to prove that it has been properly looked after.
John
Monaros went on sale in the UK in 04, (you might see an earlier reg press car) and the last one came over in 05.
The only thing you might want to check is when the car was first registered for the cheaper road tax. March 06 is the start of the higher road tax, and it really irritates me having to pay it .
The VXR models were around £5k more expensive than a CV8, due to the various parts added by HSV.
I suppose it depends on which car you like the look of really, I suspect most cars have similar upgrades and perform about the same, apart from a few really outrageously powerful cars that were mega modified by their owners!!!!
I don't think the VXR's have any serious issues over a CV8 as in reality they are very similar cars underneath.
Watch out for accident damage and rust even on an apparently clean looking car, and be aware body panels, glass, and trim pieces are getting difficult to find. Mechanically however things aren't too bad.
I have seen a few cars advertised with low miles, but in reality these engines can take high miles if serviced properly. The suspension and brakes however will need inspecting.
If I was buying again I would be trying to find a low ownership car with lots of paper work to prove that it has been properly looked after.
John
the other questions are big boot or small boot as newer cars have a much smaller boot , plus twin exhaust or single, older cars are single exhaust plus in my opinion sound much better , mine being a cv8 on an 04 plate , as above rust and condition and mileage are important , i think a lot of cars will be modded any way
The 5.7 VXR is the one to have!
Seriously though, forget age. The oldest Monaro is a 2004 the newest a 2006. Registration plate is just that, when the car was registered. A '2007' plated Monaro is not a 2007 car.
And to some degree try to not get eaten up by mileage. Buy solely on condition, what does it look and feel like? There are low mileage cars out there that have had a tough life and can easily be in worse condition than a well looked after, garaged 100k miler. Believe this as it is true!
Having had a 6.0VXR and now the 5.7VXR I can certainly say the extra boot space of the 'older' car is much appreciated. The small boot grinds on you over time and it isn't an issue at first! I can also say that the difference is road tax is also a nice incentive as mine was a 56 plate '2005' car. My current 5.7VXR is a 05 plate '2004' car.
Performance wise, I can't tell, but I'm sure I would if I'd bought an early standard CV8.
I also prefer the cooling system arrangement in the current car too with its expansion bottle, makes knowing what the level is much easier with just a glance.
I prefer the 6.0VXR seats to the 5.7VXR seats as they wear better.
Twin exit exhaust on the later CV8 and 6.0VXR is a better look IMO, especially when even 2.0TDI's are running with them!
Seriously though, forget age. The oldest Monaro is a 2004 the newest a 2006. Registration plate is just that, when the car was registered. A '2007' plated Monaro is not a 2007 car.
And to some degree try to not get eaten up by mileage. Buy solely on condition, what does it look and feel like? There are low mileage cars out there that have had a tough life and can easily be in worse condition than a well looked after, garaged 100k miler. Believe this as it is true!
Having had a 6.0VXR and now the 5.7VXR I can certainly say the extra boot space of the 'older' car is much appreciated. The small boot grinds on you over time and it isn't an issue at first! I can also say that the difference is road tax is also a nice incentive as mine was a 56 plate '2005' car. My current 5.7VXR is a 05 plate '2004' car.
Performance wise, I can't tell, but I'm sure I would if I'd bought an early standard CV8.
I also prefer the cooling system arrangement in the current car too with its expansion bottle, makes knowing what the level is much easier with just a glance.
I prefer the 6.0VXR seats to the 5.7VXR seats as they wear better.
Twin exit exhaust on the later CV8 and 6.0VXR is a better look IMO, especially when even 2.0TDI's are running with them!
Some great advice so far. Having recently bought and spent 12 months looking this is what I’d add.
- buy the car you like the look and colour off.
- power wise a modified 5.7 will quickly catch up to the 6.0. The main difference I believe engine wise is the mapping and cam on the 6.0 gave better torque early on.
- if your planning on modding anyway, buy a car that already has the mods your after. In my mind an exhaust, radiator, clutch and brake upgrades are worth getting.
- as stated buy on condition, look for one that has been with the same owner for a while with good history to demonstrate it’s been cared for. These engines will do 300k with just regular oil change every 3k
- look for one that has been under sealed, they rust badly underneath as Aussie roads don’t get gritted
- personally I’d choose between a cv8 and either vxr - baes Monaro just ain’t worth it for the price difference you might as well get the added goodies of the other.
- also worth noting stock there isn’t much between the cv8 and 5.7vxr, which is why they didn’t sell many even in Oz
Hope this helps!
Good luck with the purchase
- buy the car you like the look and colour off.
- power wise a modified 5.7 will quickly catch up to the 6.0. The main difference I believe engine wise is the mapping and cam on the 6.0 gave better torque early on.
- if your planning on modding anyway, buy a car that already has the mods your after. In my mind an exhaust, radiator, clutch and brake upgrades are worth getting.
- as stated buy on condition, look for one that has been with the same owner for a while with good history to demonstrate it’s been cared for. These engines will do 300k with just regular oil change every 3k
- look for one that has been under sealed, they rust badly underneath as Aussie roads don’t get gritted
- personally I’d choose between a cv8 and either vxr - baes Monaro just ain’t worth it for the price difference you might as well get the added goodies of the other.
- also worth noting stock there isn’t much between the cv8 and 5.7vxr, which is why they didn’t sell many even in Oz
Hope this helps!
Good luck with the purchase
The heads are better on the LS2 (6.0) they breathe better so help, you can find some 6.0ltr vxr's that qualify for the lower tax, some got through, it is only 300cc so there won't be a massive difference only some advantages because of better breathing, there are 5.7ltr cars with over 600bhp but they have superchargers or prochargers on them. Brakes are better on the later models than the earlier ones but are adequate for road driving but if you want to track the car then AP or similar would be a good upgrade to look for
Yeah the brakes are a weird one...
2004 big boot CV8 = smallest/not really adequate brakes.
2005/6 small boot facelift CV8 = adequate brakes IIRC 320mm fronts.
2004 5.7 VXR & 2005/6 6.0 VXR have the same = best standard brakes, still not fantastic, IIRC 330mm fronts.
AP kit fits all versions (all CV8's require hub holes enlarging for mounting bolts) = superior braking - I can personal vouch for these having them recently fitted. Should have come standard on VXR models for sure. 365mm fronts.
2004 big boot CV8 = smallest/not really adequate brakes.
2005/6 small boot facelift CV8 = adequate brakes IIRC 320mm fronts.
2004 5.7 VXR & 2005/6 6.0 VXR have the same = best standard brakes, still not fantastic, IIRC 330mm fronts.
AP kit fits all versions (all CV8's require hub holes enlarging for mounting bolts) = superior braking - I can personal vouch for these having them recently fitted. Should have come standard on VXR models for sure. 365mm fronts.
selym said:
There isn't much of a Vs, but I will say if you are buying a car like this on the strength of boot size then think seriously about why you want/need a Monaro.
My Monaro is a toy pure n simple, but occasionally and I mean just that, the daily isn't available and the Monaro might have to earn its keep, this is so rare though I agree not particularly an issue.I did go camping to the lakes in my first Monaro though, yes the small boot one and frankly it was a PITA. Most of our gear was splattered all over the rear seats and floor. Not what I want for my pride and joy. But why wouldn't I want to take my roaring V8 to the lakes for a week?
Basically given the choice, I'd have a big boot rather than a small boot when the external dimensions of the car are the same. Unfortunately there is no big boot 6.0 VXR, so if that's what you must have small boot it is.
I have used my small boot Monaro to take us on holiday many times over the years. This included taking two dogs!!!!
Looking back is was a mega pain trying to load the car up with our luggage and the dog stuff.
It can be done, but it generally just caused a argument as to why I bought such a stupid car in the first place!!!!!! happy days....
Looking back is was a mega pain trying to load the car up with our luggage and the dog stuff.
It can be done, but it generally just caused a argument as to why I bought such a stupid car in the first place!!!!!! happy days....
Big boot is a relative term with these cars but like others there are times when my car needs to earn it's keep albeit rare these days as I've a Volvo S90 for that now. I was also put off by the small boot of the 6.0 but looking back it wouldn't have been an issue in reality. Plenty of interior space though
Few things I can say, although I’m still a relative newbie being only 10 months in:
As others have said, buy on condition and paperwork/history. Many cars will already be known among owner’s groups either here or Facebook, so can be worth sharing details of any cars you’re considering to see what can be dug up.
Some can have a high number of owners: as with many performance cars with higher running costs, some folk don’t get on with them (weird folk them) and don’t keep them for long. Although several owners in a short time period would ring alarm bells for me.
6.0 VXR low-tax models exist – I’ve got one. Good option having the nostril bonnet and dual-sided exhaust, the highest standard output, the bigger brakes, but that damn small boot.
If not undersealed already, check out the underside (and bodywork) for rust. And if you buy then get it undersealed straight away. Was the first job I did on mine.
Small boot is fine although a bit galling the first time you see how much space there is in a big-boot’s boot!
I’d not worry too much about CV8 vs VXR or 5.7 vs 6.0 – they’re all great.
Good luck and let us know what you buy.
As others have said, buy on condition and paperwork/history. Many cars will already be known among owner’s groups either here or Facebook, so can be worth sharing details of any cars you’re considering to see what can be dug up.
Some can have a high number of owners: as with many performance cars with higher running costs, some folk don’t get on with them (weird folk them) and don’t keep them for long. Although several owners in a short time period would ring alarm bells for me.
6.0 VXR low-tax models exist – I’ve got one. Good option having the nostril bonnet and dual-sided exhaust, the highest standard output, the bigger brakes, but that damn small boot.
If not undersealed already, check out the underside (and bodywork) for rust. And if you buy then get it undersealed straight away. Was the first job I did on mine.
Small boot is fine although a bit galling the first time you see how much space there is in a big-boot’s boot!
I’d not worry too much about CV8 vs VXR or 5.7 vs 6.0 – they’re all great.
Good luck and let us know what you buy.
ARAF said:
Many of the 5.7s are the lower CV8 models, which were hobbled with a lower power output. They were produced at the same time as the rare 5.7 VXR and also at the same time as the 6.0 VXR. There was only a couple of years of production for everything in the UK, so older and newer is very relative.
The main difference you can see between early and late is the nostrils on the bonnet but as some early cars have later bonnets added, you're better off looking to the fuel filler. It's much higher up on the later cars - referred to the 'small boot' model as the tank is in there. Earlier 'big boot' models have the tank underneath.
thanks i didn't know they made 5.7 vxrs i thought all the big boot models were the same until the 6.0 vxr came along The main difference you can see between early and late is the nostrils on the bonnet but as some early cars have later bonnets added, you're better off looking to the fuel filler. It's much higher up on the later cars - referred to the 'small boot' model as the tank is in there. Earlier 'big boot' models have the tank underneath.
how can u tell a 5.7 vxr from a cv8 ?
thanks for the all the advice guys
being in london even a 2004 cv8 if complaint for the ULEZ !!
i am very surprised that vauxhall did not seal all the cars coming from oz .. that is very poor form
that lack of spares body work wise and the cost of importing is a concern
it is becoming a major issue for older oz cars in the uk
being in london even a 2004 cv8 if complaint for the ULEZ !!
i am very surprised that vauxhall did not seal all the cars coming from oz .. that is very poor form
that lack of spares body work wise and the cost of importing is a concern
it is becoming a major issue for older oz cars in the uk
selondonman said:
thanks i didn't know they made 5.7 vxrs i thought all the big boot models were the same until the 6.0 vxr came along
how can u tell a 5.7 vxr from a cv8 ?
A 5.7VXR has the same body kit as the 6.0VXR except it doesn't have the bonnet nostrils BUT many have since been fitted with the later bonnet. It also has a single exit exhaust from the LHS as apposed to both sides.how can u tell a 5.7 vxr from a cv8 ?
Unfortunately there were only 63 imported, I can bet at least 10 are dead now so they are ultra rare compared with the 6.0VXR and other CV8's.
Here's one...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-54-Vauxhall-Monaro...
...which has also had the later bonnet fitted. They don't come up for sale too often compared to the rest.
The wheels on this example are also unique to the 5.7VXR as is the half leather seats.
Versus the CV8 it also comes with beefier suspension, the larger brakes same as 6.0VXR and also the only version to get a shorter ratio diff and short tubular headers.
Edited by Lincsls1 on Wednesday 25th September 19:22
selondonman said:
thanks i didn't know they made 5.7 vxrs i thought all the big boot models were the same until the 6.0 vxr came along
how can u tell a 5.7 vxr from a cv8 ?
Easiest way to be sure from a far is ask for a photo of the HSV is badge under the bonnet. CV8s are modified by Holden, the vxr are all hsv models.how can u tell a 5.7 vxr from a cv8 ?
As stated the wheels are quite rare, even in Oz. They came out of the top of the range HSV GTS, which didn’t sell for long due to the price and the introduction of the 6.0
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