Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, restoration enthusiasts, owners seeking to reduce service costs.
Advantage:
Provides professional technician-level information at a fraction of the cost of dealership service.
Accessibility:
Instant download and user-friendly interface, printable sections for on-hand use.
Information Source:
Consolidates information typically found in multiple OEM service manuals.
Engine:
4.2L V8 (2V & 4V options), 5.0L V8 (4V), 3.3L Inline-6 (RB30), 1.9L Isuzu Diesel (Turbo & Non-Turbo)
Transmission:
4-speed Trimatic Automatic, 5-speed M21/M22 Manual, 3-speed Saginaw Automatic
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes (solid and ventilated options), Rear Drum Brakes, Power Assistance, Proportioning Valves
Suspension:
Independent Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Live Rear Axle, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Sway Bars
Steering:
Power Steering (Recirculating Ball type), Steering Column, Rack and Pinion (optional on some variants)
Electrical:
12-volt system, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Ignition System (points and electronic options), Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, rust repair, panel alignment, glass replacement, door mechanisms, trim components
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fan, Hoses
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Stromberg, Quadrajet), Fuel Pump (mechanical/electric), Fuel Tank, Lines
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifolds, Pipes, Mufflers, Catalytic Converter (where applicable)
Climate Control:
Heater Core, A/C System Components (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid checks, lubrication, belt adjustments, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, braking issues, and drivability problems.
Repair:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Rebuilding:
Complete engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, differential overhaul, power steering pump rebuilds.
Restoration:
Guidance on component refurbishment, plating specifications, and period-correct assembly techniques.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Inline 6:
3.3L (202 cubic inch) RB30, 12-valve, Overhead Valve (OHV), Carbureted (single barrel typically).
V8 4.2L:
4.2L (253 cubic inch) Holden V8, 16-valve, OHV, available in 2-barrel (2V) and 4-barrel (4V) carburetor configurations.
V8 5.0L:
5.0L (304 cubic inch) Holden V8, 16-valve, OHV, 4-barrel (4V) carburetor, often found in higher-spec models like the VK Group C and SS.
Diesel:
1.9L Isuzu Diesel (C190), 8-valve, OHV, naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.
V8 Horsepower Estimate:
Varies by engine and tune, typically 100-130 kW (134-174 hp) for 5.0L V8, 80-90 kW (107-120 hp) for 4.2L V8, 72 kW (96 hp) for 3.3L I6.
V8 Torque Estimate:
Varies, 5.0L V8 typically around 320-350 Nm (236-258 lb-ft).
Carburetor Types:
Stromberg 2V/4V, Rochester Quadrajet 4V, possibly some Zenith applications.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating as per OEM recommendation, typically 91-95 RON for standard engines).
Manual Options:
M21/M22 'Muncie' 4-speed, possibly Richmond 5-speed on some later models or aftermarket.
Automatic Options:
Trimatic 4-speed automatic (BW T400 based), Saginaw 3-speed automatic.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF) for Trimatic, Gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-4) for manual transmissions.
Crash Testing:
Limited formal crash safety ratings available for this era in Australia. Structural integrity and passive safety features typical of the period.
Braking:
Front ventilated disc brakes (on V8 models and some 6-cylinders), rear drum brakes. Optional Power Assisted Brakes.
Seatbelts:
Lap/sash seatbelts standard in front, lap belts in rear. (Compliance with modern standards would require aftermarket upgrades).
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones incorporated into front and rear structure.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific intervals based on engine and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 20,000-30,000 km, depending on spark plug type (copper vs platinum).
Timing Belt Chain:
Holden V8s and Isuzu Diesel utilize timing chains which are generally designed for the life of the engine. RB30 Inline-6 uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil:
API SG or SF specification, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 depending on ambient temperature (e.g., 20W-50 for hotter climates).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (glycol-based).
Rust:
Common rust points include wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, boot lid, and around windscreen/rear window seals.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetor wear, vacuum leaks, sticking floats, and maladjustment can lead to poor running or fuel economy.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded wiring connections, failing voltage regulators, and worn ignition components are common with age.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and shock absorbers can lead to poor handling and steering wander.
Engine Mounts:
Degraded engine and transmission mounts can cause excessive vibration and noise transfer into the cabin.
Holden Legacy:
Holden, an Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing iconic vehicles for the Australian market, built on GM platforms.
Commodore Lineage:
The VK was the fourth iteration of the original Holden Commodore, a major facelift of the VL that preceded it, bridging the gap between Holden's home-grown engines and the introduction of Holden's own V6 engines in later models. It was a significant update to styling and features.
Production Years:
1984-1986
Manufacturing Location:
Melbourne, Australia
Key Variants:
Berlina (luxury), Calais (high luxury), SS (sports oriented with V8), SL/X (intermediate trim), SL (base model). Also police pursuit variants (SS Group 3).
