2002 Holden Commodore Executive review from Australia and New Zealand
"Oh for the money to buy a new one!!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought the car as a build up. It is/was a 1992 VP, now building a November 1995 engine. This engine is I think an ex supercharged one due to the roller rockers, not lifters.
As with all V6 Commodore 3800's, the main cause of death is poor servicing, cheap oil etc, resulting in big ends 2/3 failing due to poor oil supply and/or pressure. To avoid ever pulling this engine down again, I had the blocks number 2+3 oil ports drilled to 3/8" to help with oil flow, not pressure, as recommended by one of the best Chev builders in the USA. Also fitted CLEVITE 77 bearings and race series cam bearings, as they cook and spin due to this oil problem, using Hastings Sealed Power rings too. I asked our friends at Holden about oiling issues; "for legal reasons, can't comment".
About the window rattle at full up; try adjusting the limit switch for the electric winder so it cuts out a few mm later, holding a bit of pressure on the mechanism, stopping the rattling.
Some rear noise can be faulty universals, giving impression of differential slap.
Vibration at speed from the drive line,can be center bearing support rubbers worn; a common head ache in much earlier models.
When dropping the suspension, consider an adjustable pan hard rod, so the axle is not pushed to the left.
Some clunking at take off, worn trailing arm bushes, something the pits love failing you for; change them all for Neoprene as I did.
In closing, my build will/has headers, 2 1/2 full flow system, 1995 supercharger heads with the roller rockers, rods, GM pistons, block, but a stock cam, after durability not a speeding fine. Anyone with something similar?
jimrichards1964@westnet.com.au
General comments?
Can't wait to fire it up, and license it.
Love the hip hugging seats, and the interior, but the dash is a bit basic. Why only 1 electric mirror, if 1 at all?
New strut cartridges, kings springs, within the allowed 1/3 drop in bump height.
My premature mid life crisis, no penny wasted, lots of time spent, doing it right first time, ground up build.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 3.8 / Buick Build Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 0 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 17th February, 2008 |