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Introduction
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Market Position
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Target Audience:
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Holden Commodore VK Calais owners, DIY mechanics, independent workshops
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Competitive Analysis
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Advantage:
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Provides factory-level detail comparable to official workshop manuals, offering a comprehensive resource for a classic Australian performance sedan.
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Key Features
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Content Detail:
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Hundreds of pages with detailed photos, diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions.
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Value Proposition:
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Enables owners and technicians to perform all necessary repairs, servicing, and troubleshooting accurately and efficiently.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Mechanical:
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Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor & early injection), exhaust system
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Engine Electrical:
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Ignition system, starting system, charging system, emissions control systems
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Transmission Drivetrain:
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Manual transmission (4 & 5-speed), Automatic transmission (3-speed 'Trimatic' & 4-speed 'Turbo Hydramatic' derivatives), clutch, driveshafts, differential
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Brakes:
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Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system
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Suspension Steering:
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Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear live axle with four-link and Panhard rod, power steering system
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Electrical Body:
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Lighting system, wipers, horn, instruments, power windows, central locking (where applicable), interior trim, exterior body panels, chassis components
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Climate Control:
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Heating and ventilation systems
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic procedures, fault finding charts, common problem resolutions
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Repair:
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Component removal, installation, overhaul, adjustment, and replacement
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Diagnostics:
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Step-by-step diagnostic routines for various systems
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to major overhauls and troubleshooting
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Options Vk Series:
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RB30 3.0L inline-six (OHC), LW9 4.9L V8 (304), LC-H 5.0L V8 (308 - likely SL/E and some Calais)
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Performance
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Horsepower 304 V8:
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Approx. 166 kW (117 kW for unleaded version) (Specific to Calais trim might vary)
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Torque 304 V8:
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Approx. 330 Nm (Specific to Calais trim might vary)
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Horsepower Rb30 I6:
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Approx. 100 kW
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery V8:
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Carburetted (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Holley variants)
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Fuel Delivery I6:
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Carburetted (e.g., Stromberg, Zenith variants)
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Engine Oil Capacity
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Rb30 Oil Capacity With Filter:
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Approx. 5.0 Litres
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V8 Oil Capacity With Filter:
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Approx. 6.0 Litres
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Transmission
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Standard
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Standard Transmission Calais:
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Likely 4-speed automatic (e.g., Turbo Hydramatic 400 derivative) or 4-speed manual
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Optional
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Optional Transmission Calais:
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Availability of 5-speed manual or higher-spec automatics for performance models
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Features
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Automatic Transmission Type:
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Typically GMH 'Trimatic' or 'Turbo Hydramatic' family (e.g., TH180, TH200, TH350 derivatives)
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Transmission Fluid
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
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Dexron II (or equivalent)
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Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
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GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (Viscosity grade as per service manual, e.g., 80W-90)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact specification based on usage)
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Tune Up Interval:
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Recommended at intervals specified in the manual, often around 20,000-40,000 km
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Specification:
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API SF/CD or SG/CD, SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 (specific grades depend on climate and engine type - refer to manual)
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Coolant Type:
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Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified for improved performance)
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Known Issues
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Common Issues Vk:
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Rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, boot floor), carburettor tuning issues, potential for worn engine mounts, aging electrical components, leaks from cooling system hoses and seals.
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Common Procedures
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Spark Plug Replacement V8:
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Requires specific spark plug type and gap setting for V8 engines.
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Timing Belt Chain:
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The RB30 engine uses a timing belt, requiring periodic replacement. V8s use a timing chain, which is generally more durable but may require attention if noisy.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Holden Legacy:
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Holden is Australia's iconic automotive manufacturer, renowned for producing vehicles tailored to Australian conditions.
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Model Evolution
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Commodore Lineage:
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The Commodore was introduced in 1978 as Holden's mainstream large car, replacing the Holden Kingswood. The VK series, launched in 1984, was a significant styling update based on the VL platform, featuring European styling cues and updated powertrains, including Holden's first V8 engine designed to run on unleaded fuel.
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Vk Generation Significance:
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The VK marked the last of the 'original' Commodore body styles before the introduction of the fuel-injected, Nissan-based VL. It represented a blend of classic Holden V8 power with a more modern aesthetic for its time.
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Production
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Manufacturing Location:
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Australia (Fishermans Bend, Victoria)
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Production Period:
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VK Commodore production: 1984-1986
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