[LS1 WGN] Updated 27/07/09

Update July 09: A year after the last update, I had better let everyone know that I decided to part with the VT early in 2009 and I found a very worthy new LS1 WGN... an 04 VY HSV Avalanche. I was starting to get bored with the VT having owned it for 5 years and having done most things I had wanted to do to it, plus I kept wondering about modding an AWD wagon. Then of course there was the fact that my baby daughter was born in March this year and I wanted a bit more comfortable ride for us than the VT.

So in early March the VT went to it's new home in Perth and is being very well looked after and improved by it's new owner Blake. It now wears the plates WAGO.

After many hours spent researching and browsing online for Adventras and Avalanches I came across a Turbine Mica Avalanche in Canberra and made an offer. It wasn't too long before the new wagon was sitting in my driveway, and not long after that it was wearing the old plates LS1 WGN.

The VT:

Here is the 5th Holden wagon I owned, it's a '99 Holden VT Berlina wagon. It all started when I was 16 with my first car, a HQ Kingswood wagon being offered to me by my uncle for $100. From then on I've only ever wanted to drive wagons. There's pictures and details of my old rides on page 2.

Update July 08: Ok it's literally been years since I've updated. Since I was on here last I've changed a few things on the car.

I changed the air intake to an over the radiator setup which works really well and collects air from under the front edge of the bonnet and forces it directly through the throttle body, instead of the old in through the airbox then around a couple of bends and into the motor.

I finally upgraded the brakes like I had intended and found a second hand VX HSV Clubsport brake package for sale. With a bit of painting and machining of the rotors they were on and it's one of the better mods I have done to the car! They look much better for starters but the improved braking capability is the most important thing. No more brake fade on hot summer days!

The next major change has been the wheels. I decided I wanted a new look and had the wheels painted in the same metallic black as the body of the car, Phantom Mica. Then I changed the paint on the tyres to some redwalls and the look is a winner if I do say so myself!

Somewhere in between all that the car was featured in Street Commodores, Issue 127. A few things have changed since the shoot but it was something I had been hoping for with the car and it was great to have my pride and joy in a magazine.

Check out the new pics:

Specs:

Model: 99 VT HBD Berlina
Colour: Phantom Mica
Bodykit: V2 Monaro front bar, VZ Monaro vented bonnet, VY SS side skirts, VY rear bumper with VY SS wagon skirt
Engine Type: LS1 5.7L
Engine Mods: LS6 intake manifold, over the radiator cold air intake (OTRCAI), mafless tune, K&N filter
Power: around 240 rwkw
Exhaust: Advance tri-y extractors, hi-flow cats, stainless x-pipe, twin 2.5" system with centre mufflers and twin hotdogs at rear, dual outlets with stainless oval tips
Gearbox: 4 speed auto
Diff: 3.7:1 LSD
Brakes: VX R8 brake package; 330mm front and 315mm rear rotors with HSV calipers, Bendix pads, braided lines, all detailed
Suspension: King heavy duty springs front and rear, short throw shocks/struts, full rear camber kit, strut brace
Wheels/Tyres: 19" ROH Furys painted Phantom Mica, 245/35 tyres with redwalls
Interior: Dark grey leather seats and console lid with red stitching, red/grey leather gear shifter, red/grey leather HSV Momo steering wheel, custom red LS1 embossed leather door trim inserts, chrome door handles, dash facia painted metallic silver, white style dials, chrome gear selector button, chrome handbrake button, stainless Holden sill panels, genuine Holden floor mats
Other Mods: Monaro headlights, VY tail lights with tinted edges, red LS1 engine covers airbrushed with candy orange flames, debadged except lion badges front & rear, tint, air horns, custom engine bay caps and wheel centre caps, tinted overflow bottle, tinted side indicators, custom plates, detailed engine bay
Stereo: Pioneer 7650 cd/tuner, Pioneer door speakers powered by Boss 400w amp, Alpine 12 inch sub powered by Pioneer 600w amp, custom boot install
Build Period: 4 years
Future Mods: hmmmm...?

Older Pictures-

Here's what the wagon looked like when I got it.

My previous car-

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