🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV)

Model:

Various HSV Models based on Holden platforms

Platform Code Vl:

Holden VL Commodore

Platform Code Vn:

Holden VN Commodore

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential resource for owners, restorers, and mechanics of highly sought-after Holden HSV performance vehicles from the VL and VN eras.

Competitors:

Competes with general Holden workshop manuals but offers specific HSV part numbers and unique HSV component identification.

Distinctiveness:

Unparalleled specificity for HSV models, including the iconic VL Group A Walkinshaw, providing exact HSV part numbers and supersessions.

Value Proposition:

Crucial for maintaining, restoring, or correctly identifying parts for these collectible and performance-oriented HSV vehicles.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Models Covered:

HSV VL Group A Walkinshaw, HSV VL SV88, HSV SV1800 Astra, HSV SV3800/Aero, HSV Enhanced Sedan & Wagon, HSV SV89, HSV Eight Plus, HSV VN LE Sedan and Wagon, HSV VN SV5000, HSV VN Clubsport, HSV SV90, HSV VN Maloo Ute, HSV VN Group A, HSV VN Six Plus, HSV LS Sedan and Ute, HSV SV93

Additional Coverage:

HSV Accessories and Merchandise

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Type:

Parts Catalogue

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (Original Document)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, camshafts, pistons, connecting rods, valves, manifolds, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection systems (specific to HSV variants).

Drivetrain Components:

Transmissions (manual/automatic), clutches, driveshafts, differentials, axles, transfer cases (if applicable).

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Control arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, sway bars, steering racks, power steering pumps, tie rods, steering columns.

Braking System:

Brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinders, brake lines, ABS components (where applicable).

Electrical System:

Wiring harnesses, sensors, ECUs, ignition systems, lighting components, battery, starter motor, alternator.

Bodywork Exterior:

Panels (hood, doors, fenders, trunk), bumpers, spoilers, aerodynamic kits (Walkinshaw specific), grilles, lighting units, mirrors, seals, trim.

Interior Trim:

Seats, door cards, dashboard components, center consoles, carpets, headliners, interior trim pieces.

Fuel System:

Fuel tanks, fuel pumps, fuel lines, injectors, fuel filters.

Part Identification:

Comprehensive listing of HSV part numbers for each component.

Part Supersession:

Information on superseded part numbers, crucial for sourcing correct replacements.

Assembly Disassembly Aid:

Illustrations and diagrams implicitly aid in understanding assembly and disassembly sequences.

Replacement Guidance:

Directly supports the correct part selection for replacements.

Depth:

Parts catalog level: highly detailed component breakdowns and part number identification.

Application Specific:

Focuses on specific HSV variants, detailing unique components and VIN-specific parts where applicable.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed document

Quality:

Original Factory Specification (typically high-quality lithographic printing)

Binding:

Likely perfect bound or saddle-stitched, common for parts catalogues

Paper Type:

Durable, often coated paper stock to withstand workshop use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

LB4

Engine Type:

V8, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

5.0 Litres (4987 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.5 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower Kw:

180 kW @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

Torque Nm:

395 Nm @ 3600 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition

Induction System:

HSV designed intake system for Group A

Engine Code:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.0 Litres (4987 cc)

Horsepower Kw:

177 kW (approx.)

Torque Nm:

375 Nm (approx.)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Common Six Cylinder:

Holden 3.8L V6 (various states of tune in HSV models)

Common V8 Base:

Holden 5.0L V8 (often the basis for HSV enhancements)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 280 gearbox)

Optional Transmission:

None for Group A homologation requirements

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios for performance application (details within manual if available)

Transmission Options:

5-Speed Manual or 4-Speed Automatic (e.g., TH700-R4)

Transmission Features:

HSV performance tuning applied to transmissions

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4761 mm

Width:

1790 mm

Height:

1390 mm

Wheelbase:

2670 mm

Kerb Weight:

Approx. 1460 kg

Wheelbase:

2731 mm (Commodore VN base)

Cargo Capacity:

Varies by body style (Sedan/Wagon/Ute), specified in individual model sections if available

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features:

Limited by era: seatbelts, collapsible steering column, padded dashboard. ABS was optional on some later VL variants, not standard on Walkinshaw.

Safety Features:

Improved safety standards: ABS availability on certain models, more advanced seatbelts, enhanced chassis rigidity. Specific HSV enhancements may vary.

Crash Test Data:

No official ANCAP ratings for this era. Performance was judged by homologation requirements (e.g., Group A).

💡 Technology Features

Vl Era:

Basic. Often cassette tape player, AM/FM radio. Optional digital climate control on higher trims.

Vn Era:

More advanced. CD players became more common, improved speaker systems, analog or digital climate control.

Vn Era Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) became available on certain performance models.

Era Limitation:

No factory integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity. Auxiliary inputs for audio were rare.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Refer to specific model service manual. Typically 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months.

Major Service:

Refer to specific model service manual. Intervals for timing belts (if applicable), spark plugs, etc., are critical.

Engine Oil Vl V8:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 recommended for performance applications. Capacity approx. 5.5L with filter.

Engine Oil Vn V8:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Capacity approx. 5.5L with filter.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (e.g., for Getrag 280)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent) for TH700-R4 and similar GM automatics.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Vl Vl Walkinshaw:

Rust ingress (wheel arches, sills), wiring loom degradation, gearbox synchro wear, original paint condition. Specific engine tuning can be sensitive.

Vn Era Hsv:

Electrical gremlins, ageing plastics and rubber seals, suspension wear, potential for head gasket issues on some V6 variants if overheated.

Catalog Function:

Central to identifying specific part numbers like 92032520 (example of a Holden part number, HSV numbers are distinct and documented within).

📚 Vehicle History

Origin:

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) founded in 1987 as Holden's performance division.

Vl Group A Walkinshaw:

Homologation special for Group A racing. Distinctive aero package designed by TWR. Limited production (around 750 units).

Vl Sv88:

A more luxury-oriented performance variant of the VL Commodore.

Vl Sv3800 Aero:

HSV enhanced versions of the Calais and Berlina with engine and body enhancements.

Vn Introduction:

HSV adapted its performance packages to the new VN Commodore platform, introducing models like the SV5000, Clubsport, and SV90.

Vn Group A:

A road-going homologation version for racing, featuring significant mechanical upgrades.

Production Period Vl:

VL Commodore: 1986-1988. HSV VL Variants: Primarily 1987-1988.

Production Period Vn:

VN Commodore: 1988-1991. HSV VN Variants: Primarily 1988-1991.

Status:

Highly collectible and sought-after performance vehicles, especially limited editions like the VL Group A Walkinshaw.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vl Group A Walkinshaw:

Celebrated as a homologation special and a significant Australian motorsport icon.

Performance Benchmarks:

Consistently ranked among Australia's fastest and most desirable performance cars of their respective eras.

Homologation:

The VL Group A Walkinshaw was specifically built to meet Group A touring car racing homologation requirements.