Comments: 1-15, 16-18
Burnouts in 4th gear hurts the back pocket, have had to replace 2 sets of rear tyres, 235/45/17's, not cheap either.
No other problems to date.
Looks and feels like it just came off a racetrack.
Unbelievable performance (straight line and cornering) from factory twin throttle (race spec)engine and 6 speed gearbox.
Interior and seats, great support and comfort, not as good as current HSV's though.
Well worth the high $30k price tag for 1990 car.
Must have been a step up from a VN V6??? They are a joy to drive.
What about the rough idle of the VN V6. that can't be a joy.
My VN S'pak is a very reliable car and it goes extremely hard if I want it to as well. I don't really flog it, but whenever I'm in the mood to do a burnout or two for the audience it really puts on a show for the on-lookers.
I haven't found the FE2 suspension to make much difference in the handling side of things, but the car in itself blows away the executive Commodores performance wise and it's a really great car to drive hard. I have also driven the new VT's and VX's and they just don't go as hard as the VN S pak and the 5 speed manual gearbox is a very fun, but rough gearbox to drive with.
Only thing wrong with the car is that it probably sits a bit too high and even with the FE2 suspension the car looks like its really sitting too high and is begging to get lowered. Door seals have come loose too.
All in all it's a mad car to drive and will keep you entertained for ages... if you drive it hard enough.
I envy anyone lucky enough to own one of the greatest production cars ever built. I was lucky enough to drive one of these rare power plants and will never forget the experience. To the people out there enjoy and savour this truly astonishing piece of Australian muscle car history, as there will never be another car like it.
Long live the VN SS GROUP A the greatest muscle car ever built.
Andy.
Does any one now how to fix the rough idle on a VN - VP V6 bt1?
My car does not spin the wheels off the mark and I'm not happy with this, can't locate the problem, could be the computer or chewed teeth on the diff.
I purchased a mint VN group A in 95, stolen by scum-bag pro thieves from secured parking in 97 - thankfully insured.
Hitting second gear from first at red-line in this vehicle remains one of my defining moments of excitement. An Irish doctor friend holidaying in my home town of Sydney agrees: dropping back to second from fourth to grab a lane change on Parramatta Road, he declared experiencing an epiphany (he drives a Ford Ka when at home).
The VN wasn't cheap to maintain: A/C blew after one month - $500; Replaced brake pads - $350; major engine maintenance to the replace head and other seals and oil pump etc etc - $2600. Two attempted thefts, both involving extensive electrical and cosmetic damage trying to locate the fuel cut-off switch - $1000 (insurance excess). I could go on...
But hell, I loved that car. Every time you'd drive it, other motorists would notice it - they'd either make a comment at the lights, or you'd just see 'em drooling and checking it out.
You can stuff your 4WD Japanese hot-rods. They might be a smidgeon quicker, but they're a dime a dozen and sound like steroid-pumped sewing machines. Only 302 Group A's were built, and while it weren't perfect, I still consider it the best looking, hottest beast HSV ever bolted together.
Out of the 302 built, I wonder how many genuine articles exist now? The morons who steal these classic muscle cars and cut them up deserve to swing.
Pity these things are all over the place on the corners, there's way too much body roll for my likeing.
Anybody know if there a HSV sv90 built in sedan not statesman I own one that may not be a genuine how do I find out?
I have an original HSV VN SS GROUP A BUILD :114 I am only 19 but was lucky enough to have it handed down from my very nice father who now drives a 11 second vt clubsport. And I would like to say thank you to holden for creating such a weapon of a car "and yes they do drop a nice burnout" cheers.
I am 16 I am currently on my learner plate's, but I have already got my first car a mint condition holden vn ss hsv plus 8 a limited eddition there was only 80 of these cars built I have build number 39 a one of the 25 manuals they bought out they also had 55 automatics. I can just say they lay a mean strip although it rather expensive to keep the back tyre's street legal specialy on a apprentice wage. The car cost me $6500 of the its orriginal owner. Keep up the awsome work holden.
Mr jackson, I don't own a group A, but I do own a vn ss.
I've spent over 8 thousand on it and it puts out 262kw at the fly wheel. so I understand what you mean about a joy to drive. They have been my favorite holden ever since I saw one, and they are with out doubt the best V8 ever to see the road in Australia.
What ever you do don't sell your group A because id have my vn ss over my mrs.
To anyone who doesn't believe these cars are the ultimate muscle cars I recommend a quick drive at your local performance yard. To me there is nothing that beats a Vn Group A, it might not be the quickest production car, but you can't help, but admire it's street presence and muscle. I own a Vn V8 (hope to make it to a Group A in a year or 2) I have always loved the Vn's, long live the VN Group A!
I also have a vn ss recently got it resprayed same colour (grey) my boyfriend loves it would let me sell it anyday. we are looking into a 5 speed for it as the auto seems to hold it back. Its great when we drive it around the streets to see people turn there heads to look. wouldn't never sell it. I admit it has more power than I can handle that's for sure.
VNs will kill you. Narrow track, lots of torque, rubbish suspension, poor build quality. They evaporate in a smash and you will have one eventually, because they're so damn twitchy. They are marginally better with some decent rubber. Buy a Corolla and save your money for a VS or later.