[CUBED] InsaneVL's LS1 VL Calais Build Thread

[RB30DEVL]

It's probably too late now, but a couple of things I will point out regarding the brake booster unit and ignition coils.

- To give extra clearance for the coils, you could've probably used either a V8 VB - VS Commodore booster unit or a modified VT onwards Commodore unit which is smaller in diameter and sticks out further, yeah, you'd have to get the tape measure out and do some measuring there to see if that's worth doing.

- Fitting the coils where you have, the coils are very susceptible to getting moisture all through them when it rains, the low voltage side has weather pack connectors I know, but the high tension side is still very moisture prone, I can remember all the times I've had to stick the hose down in the ends there and blast all the leaves & debris out from in behind the front 1/4 panels.

These Commodores tend to be very rust prone in these areas if leaves block off those drain holes as the water just sits there.

[InsaneVL]

I'd prefer the coils wern't on the rocker covers anyway - much cleaner look.

I will be re-covering all the wiring on the coils and will get a cover made up for them. Theres plenty of room under them for water to run without soaking them. My drains work ok so no pooling of water in there.

[5spdvl]

A sealed rain cover will adequate drainage would be totally fine IMO. Looking good!

[InsaneVL]

If anyone was out at QR yesterday for QSC C4C and got some shots of the car, feel free to post them in here.

[InsaneVL]

Got some photo's from the weekend. The dorky knob in front of the car is (surprise) me... hahaha..

[*LOACH*]

Looks fantastic mate, great work.

[3lturbo]

How are you finding it power wise compared to the 30?

[InsaneVL]

Hmm... Ok - time for an update I think then

Since the above post about the QSC C4C, I had some issues with the gearbox. Seems output shafts don't like tailshafts that are too long.

So - the box was pulled apart, damaged parts replaced, and rebuilt.


The Tailshaft was also modified so it didn't cause the issue again.

Got the VL back on Friday, just before PowerPlay and headed off for a Dynotune to finalise the tune and push it a bit.
I'll upload a vid of it on the dyno a bit later - end result was 383 RWHP. The standard manifold is limiting the power, so that will be something on the list for next round of mods.

Headed off to PowerPlay and had a great time... for the first 1/2 the day....
The gearbox developed a noise in 3rd and started to bind up / lock up, but only in 3rd. Called it a day and towed it home - will be checked out later this week to see what the issue is.

The short time I got to drive the car - it was alot different than the 30. The instant power is awesome. No waiting for boost - it just takes off. Very responsive.

---------- Post added 05-02-13 at 22:12 ----------

Vid of VL on the Dyno on Fri night....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3FMqnSumyA

A few pics of the VL out at PowerPlay on Saturday...

[Adam007]

Sounds like you are not having much luck with your gearbox. I hope the tailshaft issue was at no cost to yourself?

[DA HOON]

what tailshaft did you use?

its the same length as trimatic for the front half or are you using one piece?

its a new setup mate, these things are expected. dont let it stop you

---------- Post added 25-02-13 at 15:48 ----------

Originally Posted by RB30DEVL

It's probably too late now, but a couple of things I will point out regarding the brake booster unit and ignition coils.

- To give extra clearance for the coils, you could've probably used either a V8 VB - VS Commodore booster unit or a modified VT onwards Commodore unit which is smaller in diameter and sticks out further, yeah, you'd have to get the tape measure out and do some measuring there to see if that's worth doing.

- Fitting the coils where you have, the coils are very susceptible to getting moisture all through them when it rains, the low voltage side has weather pack connectors I know, but the high tension side is still very moisture prone, I can remember all the times I've had to stick the hose down in the ends there and blast all the leaves & debris out from in behind the front 1/4 panels.

These Commodores tend to be very rust prone in these areas if leaves block off those drain holes as the water just sits there.

shes right, she runs and she registered

mine are in stock spot, just move back coil up and put 2 leads together to cover the extra distance. done and done

[InsaneVL]

Tailshaft is a custom made single piece 3.5" diameter with 1350 uni's and a T400 yoke.

I'll be pulling the dash out soon so might end up mounting the coils under the dash. They are in the windscreen wiper panel at the moment, but not sure if I really like them there...

[DA HOON]

hopefully get it sorted asap mate... you gotta skid it!

[InsaneVL]

Haha yeah - can't wait to skid it - haven't done that yet!

Box is out again getting yet another rebuild. Damage this time is the case - its cactus. Suspect there may have been some hair line cracks from the tailshaft damage, and when a bit of pressure was put on it in a 3->2 shift, the circlip holding the drum in has ripped all but 2 of the holding lugs out.

So the search is on for another Aus T400 case.

Not happy

[DA HOON]

shiiiiiiiiiiit no good man. ill check my shed, if i got one ill send it up, you just pay post bloke.

[Vl416]

Hi mark did you have any problems with the header hitting the steering rack. I'm putting a ls3 stroked to a 416 in a vl calais but I can't get the headers to fit without the steering rack hitting then. Any information on how to get it to work would be appreciated

[Walky1988]

Damm really wish i could have seen photos about to build up a LS1 and T56 into a VL. This thread would of been perfect!