Vehicle Class:
Full-size sedan/wagon (Australian market)
Key Competitors:
Ford Falcon (XE/XF), Nissan Maxima/Cedric, Mitsubishi Sigma/Galant
Vehicle Appeal:
Comfortable, spacious, rear-wheel-drive, available with powerful engines, Australian icon
Value Proposition:
Enables DIY repairs, saves significant service costs, provides professional-level technical data
Engine:
Yes (All engine variants for VK series)
Transmission:
Yes (Automatic and Manual)
Brakes:
Yes (Hydraulic systems, parking brake)
Suspension:
Yes (Front and Rear)
Steering:
Yes (Power steering and manual)
Electrical System:
Yes (Wiring diagrams, components, ignition, starting, charging)
Fuel System:
Yes (Carburetor or fuel injection depending on engine)
Cooling System:
Yes (Radiator, thermostat, fans)
Body And Chassis:
Yes (Panels, doors, glass, interior trim)
HVAC:
Yes (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Safety Systems:
Yes (Seat belts, structural safety)
Maintenance:
Yes (Regular servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic procedures, common faults and fixes)
Repair:
Yes (Component removal, installation, overhaul)
Rebuild:
Yes (Engine, transmission, differential rebuilds)
Restoration:
Yes (Procedures for refurbishing components and systems)
Diagnostics:
Yes (Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and tests)
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (A-Z, from basic maintenance to advanced repair and rebuilds)
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Mechanics, DIY enthusiasts
Engine Options:
3.3L (RB30) Inline-6, 4.2L (2H) V8 (Holden V8), 5.0L (308) V8 (Holden V8)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Stromberg BXUV-2 on 3.3L) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for some V8s and later models.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 100-166 hp (75-124 kW) depending on engine and tune.
Torque Range:
Approximately 170-320 Nm depending on engine and tune.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual (e.g., M21/M22) or 3-speed Automatic (e.g., Trimatic)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual (e.g., T5) or 4-speed Automatic (e.g., THM200-4R, THM700-R4)
Drive Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Safety Features:
Standard seat belts, reinforced passenger cell. No official crash ratings available from the era.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assisted brakes standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Lap-sash seatbelts in front, lap belts in rear (standard).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (manual specific).
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 commonly recommended (manual specific).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (manual specific).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron II or equivalent for Trimatic/THM transmissions (manual specific).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (manual specific).
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition system components (points, condenser, coil), exhaust leaks, suspension bushings, rust (especially in certain regions).
V8 Specific Issues:
Potential for overheating in older V8s if cooling system is not maintained, oil leaks from rocker covers.
Holden Legacy:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing vehicles for the Australian market.
Commodore Lineage:
The VK was the fourth iteration of the Holden Commodore, building upon the WB Statesman chassis and introducing updated styling, including the 'Blue Meanie' styled Group 3 models. It preceded the VL Commodore, which introduced the Nissan RB engine and fuel injection.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (Fishermens Bend, Victoria)
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Widely reviewed by Australian automotive journalists of the era, often praised for comfort and road holding, particularly performance variants.
Performance Variants:
Special mention for Brock-prepared models (HDT VK Group 3, Group A SS) which were highly regarded for their performance and racing heritage.
