Could you get a V8 outside of S in VR?

I only just bought a set of VR parts catalogues last week, haven’t even opened the package yet. Will fire up the ‘fiche reader and look if no-one else has the info at hand.

I remember when I bought my VSIII ute that V8 was only on S ute, you couldn't get it on a Holden ute. I thought it was the same in VG as well. I do remember thinking how stupid, Ford allowed V8 on the base Falcon ute or cab-chassis. By the time I got mine though VSIII SS ute and the Olympic Edition had been around with V8 but earlier than those it was just Holden or S utes.

The base one only had Holden badges from memory. I know some had Commodore badges for some weird reason, but I think it may have been as simple as not wanting specialised parts for the side strips and maybe the dash where the Commodore name was.

I've never been convinced either way Terry. It seems like Holden at the time were confused themselves exactly what the Utes were.

For example, the VP Parts Catalogues are quite clear - they all say "VP" Calais & Commodore. Holden Utility. Yet the service manuals (VPII at least) are only Calais, Commodore, Statesman and Caprice with utes in them - the upshoot being the Utes must be included as a Commodore as they aren't a Calais, Statesman or Caprice.
Then you get to VSIII sales brochure, no mention anywhere of Commodore. Always called Utility or Holden Utility, yet there is the COMMODORE badge but only on the S. The colour chart that I got when I bought my VSIII says Commodore, Calais and Holden Utility. Yet the VS Parts Catalogues just say "VS" Caprice/Statesman. Calais/Commodore.
Just found another book here. VP glovebox manual, says COMMODORE, CALAIS, UTILITY. Same as VN/VG does. From what I can see VR says "COMMODORE, CALAIS, STATESMAN, CAPRICE". And VS just says "COMMODORE, CALAIS" although I cannot remember what was on the Owners Manual for my VSIII.

Edited by user Tuesday, 25 April 2023 9:59:43 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Thanks for all the responses. Picked up the ute quite cheaply and the 304/T5 mechanicals seem healthy at 190k. Was just going to try return a few things to std and tidy the interior a little. It has the usual clearcoat issues but is fairly straight and rust free.

Was just going keep one and put it away as they are getting rarer and I just like the older V8 sound over the Chev ones.

Mauser

Edited by user Wednesday, 26 April 2023 9:51:45 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I think he means the LS1/2/3 type GM engine. I have heard some refer to these as "Chevs", when they are really GM-Powertrain engines.

Dr Terry

Good point. I always thought that GM-Powertrain began around 1991/92, when the TH700 became the 4L60. I assumed that's when the Chev name was dropped from the engines.

I've never looked close enough at a late small block to see if there are any marking or bowties etc. There is certainly no mention of Chev or a bowtie anywhere on an LS style motor.

Dr Terry

Edited by user Wednesday, 26 April 2023 12:49:56 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I had a typo in my last post, typed 1997 but meant 1992.

It looks like they began consolidating the Powertrain divisions in 1984 and that continued until 1991. GM Powertrain was formed in 1992 and lasted until 2016 when the name was changed to General Motors Global Propulsion Systems.

So this would mean any one piece rear main seal small block is a GM Powertrain engine like any GenIII onwards. I’m pretty sure GM Powertrain continued to offer the two piece as a crate engine though.

Edited by user Wednesday, 26 April 2023 1:49:14 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Proper 16” or the 17” ones of passenger VS?

I’ve got some VR SS wheels that were new on an early VS ute, they were an optional on them. I had them for a trailer but my mate wants them for a VR SS HBD he has for his daughter to learn to drive in, it has some ugly aftermarket bogan wheels on it.

VS SS utes were 16". That one in the link is one off an SS ute. The ones I have are VR SS sedan 15x7, they were optional wheels on VS S ute.