HSV VX.I Senator (2000-01)

Overview

Released in September 2000, the HSV VX Series I (VX.I) Senator was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the VX Senator was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed T56 manual or four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission. In April 2000, the limited-run Senator 300 was released

Compared to the VT Senator , the VX ClubSport was more refined due to the introduction of a dual-damper drive shaft with rubber couplings and foam-filled B pillars.

LS1 and C4B engines

For the Senator Signature, the all-aluminium 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. For the VX Senator, the engine was fitted with a redesigned inlet manifold, fuel injectors and reprogrammed engine management software for a flatter torque curve. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS1 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.

For the Senator 300, the aluminium 5.7-litre C4B pushrod V8 engine was developed by Callaway and featured a big bore CNC billet-machined throttle body, cast steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, titanium valve spring retainers, stainless steel valves, CNC-ported heads, a high-volume exhaust system and a compression ratio of 9.95:1. The C4B engine was solely available with a heavy-duty six-speed T56 manual transmission. 

Dimensions and suspension

The VX Senator was 4937 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2789 mm long wheelbase.

The VX.I Senator had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. For the Senator 300, however, HSV’s multi-link rear suspension included toe control links to reduce camber changes over uneven surfaces and provide more even tyre wear. 

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VX.I Senator included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The VX Senator Signature had 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front discs with twin piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers.

The Senator 300, however, had 343 mm by 32 mm front and 315 mm by 18 mm rear cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs with four-piston calipers (front and rear).

Features: Senator Signature

Standard features for the Senator Signature included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 Bridgestone tyres, eight speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser. The Senator was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

Features: Senator 300

The Senator 300 was distinguished by its 18-inch ten-spoke ‘Chrome Shadow’ alloy wheels, eight-way power adjustable front seats, Shale leather seats, rear parking sensors and a woodgrain instrument surround.

HSV VX.II Senator (2001-02)

Overview

Released in September 2001, the VX Series II (VX.II) Senator introduced HSV’s multi-link independent rear suspension which had revised rear control arm assemblies, toe-control links for more even tyre wear and safer handling over uneven surfaces, and a larger rear anti-roll bar. Other changes included the fitment of Bridgestone S03 high performance tyres as standard and the application of DataDot security identifiers to components throughout the vehicle.

The Senator 300 was not continued for the VX.II Senator range as it was effectively replaced by the SV300 . Visually, the VX.II Senator could be identified by its black headlight bezels, new indicator stalks, instrument graphics and chrome interior door handles.

Safety equipment and features

Standard safety equipment and features for the VX.II Senator were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VX Senator
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VX/VU

Overview

Released in October 2004, the HSV Z-Series I (Z-I) Senator was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Z-Series Senator was powered by a 6.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission or four-speed 4L65-E heavy-duty automatic unit. The Z-Series Senator range consisted of both standard Senator and Senator R8 models.

LS2 V8 engine

The all-aluminium, Generation IV 6.0-litre LS2 pushrod V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 92.0 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, cast-steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, coil pack ignition, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.9:1; maximum engine speed was 6500 mm. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS2 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.

The Z-Series Senator could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and 5.1 seconds for the manual and automatic models, respectively.

Developments and dimensions

As with the Holden VZ Commodore range, however, the Z-Series Senator had a new power steering pump, electronic throttle control and Bosch 8.0 ABS and traction control systems. Like the Y-Series Senator , the Z-Series Senator was 4980 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase.

Suspension

Positioned as the luxury vehicle within HSV’s range, the Z-Series Senator had HSV’s ‘Luxury’ suspension tune for its MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension (the latter with toe control links).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Z-Series Senator included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, anti-submarining seats, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The Z-Series Senator had grooved and ventilated 330 mm by 32 mm front and 315 mm by 18 mm rear brake disc brakes with two-piston calipers front and rear.

Features

Standard features for the Z-Series Senator included 19-inch ‘Chrome Shadow’ alloy wheels with 245/35 ZR19 tyres, a 260 watt Blaupunkt sound system with ten speakers (including twin subwoofers) and a six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, cruise control, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, automatically dipping mirrors when reversing, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, Holden’s telematics system and an immobiliser.

The Senator was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

2006 Senator Skaife Signature Edition

In March 2006, the Skaife Signature Edition was released. Limited to a production run of 50 units, the Skaife Signature Edition featured 19-inch ‘Shadow Chrome’ ten-spoke alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, xenon HID headlights and tyre pressure monitoring. Visually, the Skaife Signature Edition could be identified by its Phantom Black paint finish, GTS-style grille mesh and HSV Performance braking package which consisted of ventilated and grooved 362 mm by 32 mm front and 343 mm by 26 mm rear brake discs with four-piston calipers.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series Senator
• HSV Press: Racing Spirit Celebrated In Special HSV Models (March 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VZ Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – Z Series

HSV Y-Series I Senator (2002-03)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the HSV Y-Series I (Y-I) Senator was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Senator was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission or an upgraded four-speed 4L60-E automatic unit. The Y-Series Senator range consisted of both standard Senator and Senator Signature models.

LS1 V8 engine

The all-aluminium 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1; for the Y-Series Senator, calibration changes resulted in a peak power increase of 5 kW to 260 kW. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS1 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the VX Senator , the Y-Series Senator was 43 mm longer (at 4980 mm), but width (1842 mm), height (1450 mm) wheelbase length (2789 mm) were unchanged.

The Y-Series Senator had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with toe control links. Changes for the Y-Series, however, included new steering components and a new suspension tune which included digressive shock absorbers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Y-Series Senator included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The Y-Series Senator had ventilated and grooved 330 mm by 32 mm front and 315 mm by 18 mm rear brake discs with two-piston PBR calipers. The Senator Signature, however, had cross-drilled 343 mm front and 315 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers front and rear.

Features

Standard features for the Y-Series Senator included 18-inch alloy wheels, a 200 watt Blaupunkt sound system with six speakers and a six-disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, ‘Light Shale’ leather seats and door inserts, eight-way power adjustable front seats, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, cargo net and immobiliser. The Senator was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

In addition to its more powerful brakes, the Senator Signature was fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Brochure

• Brochure: HSV Y Series Range (February 2003)

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series I Senator
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series I Senator Signature

HSV Y-Series II Senator (2003-04)

Overview

Released in September 2003, the Y-Series II (Y-II) Senator introduced a more powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, 4L65-E heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission, a front strut brace and, for the R8 variant, HSV’s ‘Performance’ suspension tune. Inside, there was a new backlit anthracite steering wheel.

To achieve the 25 kW and 35 Nm increases in peak power and torque, changes were made to the intake, extractors and engine calibration. Specifically,

• the lower air box was redesigned with a bigger opening and the ‘zip’ tube (which directed air into the air box) had its ‘bellows’ section replaced with a tube that had less airflow resistance; and,
• new primary 44 mm pipes (previously 41 mm) were matched to the exhaust ports, the four-into-one collectors were redesigned and a 63 mm down pipe was introduced (previously 57 mm).

Safety equipment

Compared to its Y-I predecessor, standard safety equipment was improved with the introduction of active front seat head restraints.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series II Senator
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series II Senator Signature
• Press Release: HSV Y Series II and V2 III Coupe (September 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VY Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – Y Series

Recalls: HSV Y-Series Senator

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: HSV Y-Series Senator

• In May 2004, a recall was issued for HSV Y-Series Senator models built from 26 August 2002 and 2 September 2003 due to the possibility of the power steering cooler hose rupturing during cornering (PRA 2004/6978).
• In May 2004, a recall was issued for HSV Y-Series Senator models manufactured in the first two (2) weeks of May 2004 due to some driver’s seat having been manufactured with incomplete riveting and welding between the seat track and the mounting foot on the front right hand side (PRA 2004/7011).
• In March 2006, a recall was issued for HSV Y-Series Senator models manufactured from 1 April 2003 to 2 December 2005 that were fitted with front seat-mounted side airbags. The electrical earth wire fitted underneath either front seat could become detached, potentially causing an electrostatic charge to transfer through the seat and causing unintended deployment of the front side airbag when the vehicle was stationary and while an occupant was exiting one of the front seats (PRA 2006/8380).
• In February 2011, a recall was issued for HSV Y-Series Senator models manufactured from 2002 to 2006 that were fitted with a factory-fitted sunroof. A bonding condition with the glass panel on the sunroof could result in the panel potentially separating from its frame and dislodging while the vehicle was in motion (PRA 2011/12317).

Problems and faults: HSV Y-Series Senator

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

HSV Y-Series Senator: LS1 V8 engine

Overview

With the exception of the early 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engines, General Motors’ LS V8 engines are regarded as being generally reliable. However, they may experience the problems described below.

Hydraulic lifter failure

For GM’s LS V8 engines, the hydraulic lifters may fail due to:

• A failed plunger within the lifter itself. When the plunger fails, it cannot maintain oil pressure and remains in a collapsed state – the lifter therefore cannot take up valve lash such that a tapping noise is heard that increases in volume and frequency with engine speed;
• The spring mechanism jamming – this is more common in older engines;
• Inadequate lubrication of the lifter roller wheel surface causing friction on the lobe (this generally results in a squeaking noise);
• Softened valve springs which also require replacement; or,
• Worn lifter buckets.

A failed hydraulic lifter can bend the pushrods which can then fall out of the space between the rocker arm and the top of the lifter. Once a pushrod falls out of that space, it may cause broken rocker arms, broken valves, cracked heads, a damaged cam or total engine failure.

It is recommended that the lifters be replaced every 100,000 kilometres, though failure of the hydraulic lifters is more common in engines with high-lift camshafts because higher spring pressure are required to prevent valve float, putting extra pressure on the lifter. Replacing the lifters requires that the cylinder heads be removed such that new head gaskets and head bolts are required.

Hydraulic lifter noise

From cold start-up, the hydraulic lifters may make a tapping noise. The most common cause of hydraulic lifter noise is particles in the engine oil becoming jammed between the lifter plunger and the lifter body, causing the plunger to become stuck down. The clearances between the plunger and body of a hydraulic lifter can be as little as 3 microns (0.003 mm) such that any particle larger than this in the oil can jam the lifter plunger in its body.

Lifter noise may also be caused by aeration of engine oil in the lifter’s pressure chamber since this increases valve closing velocity. Aeration of engine oil may be caused by:

• air in the higher pressure chamber of the lifter affecting valvetrain lash;
• air that is ingested into the lifter during a cold start due to a suction side leak at the oil pump or oil pump pick-up tube O-ring; or,
• low oil levels and high engine speeds.

Once air gets into the high pressure chamber, it will be slowly expelled through the narrow clearance of the plunger and body.

Rocker bearing failure

The rocker bearings – which sit on top of the valve train and transfer energy from the pushrod to the valve – can develop a sideways slop which can damage the valve tops, the rocker or valve springs. Furthermore, the rocker bearings can split such that the needle bearings fall out and end up in the oil pan.

Trunion bearing upgrade kits can be installed in the factory rockers which reduce sideways movement and provide a better range of vertical movement. Alternatively, after-market roller rockers can be installed which have better geometry than the standard rockers and control the valve more precisely via the centre of the valve tip.

Valve spring failure

The LS engine has ‘beehive’, single valve-type valve springs (as opposed to a dual valve spring which has a smaller spring inside the primary spring) and, in rare cases, the valve spring may break at its top where the coils are tightly wound. If a single valve-type valve spring breaks, it is common for the valve to be dropped, causing significant engine damage; sometimes, however, the valve may be held up by the valve locks when the spring is breaks. Symptoms of broken valve spring include:

• Engine vibrations;
• Loss of power beyond 4000 rpm;
• Misfire under load; and,
• Constant misfire.

If the vehicle is driven with a broken valve spring, a valve may come into contact with the piston, causing the valve to be bent. Furthermore, if the valve head breaks off, the engine will seize. To fix a failed valve spring, the cylinder heads need to be removed so that a new valve, head gasket and head bolts can be fitted.

For durability, it is recommended that high rpm are avoided when the engine is cold.

LS1 V8 engines: other problems and faults

• A rough idle, high-pitched hissing noise and ‘check engine’ light illuminating may be due to the PCV (positive crank case ventilation) pipe deteriorating. A revised PCV pipe was subsequently released.
• For VY.II models manufactured up to late 2003, the front exhaust pipe heat shields could rattle if the internal insulator pads became detached.

Transmissions

• The gearshift lever could rattle due to excessive clearances in the remote shifter linkages; a revised remote shifter was introduced in late 2003.
• For models with the V8 engines, it may be difficult to engage gears and the clutch pedal may feel soft and/or have a low disengagement point due to a chemical reaction between the clutch fluid and clutch slave cylinder housing (which produces a gas in the hydraulic system); a revised clutch slave cylinder was released in late 2003.

Problems and faults: HSV Y-Series Senator

• A shudder through the steering wheel during low-speed manoeuvres may be rectified by fitting a longer high-pressure power steering line which ran from the power steering rack, was routed and secured in front of the engine, and then continued to the power steering pump.
• Clunking noises from the front suspension when changing direction may be attributable to bent tie-rod pins.
• Steering rack boots may be damaged by excessive heat from the exhaust system; revised silicone steering rack boots were subsequently released.
• For manual models, a loud knocking noise from the rear during hard acceleration may be due to the rear cross-member insulators missing. As a result, the cross-member would knock against the rear floor area.
• For models manufactured from January 2003 to July 2003, a faulty low-speed engine fan relay may cause the fan to remain on even after the ignition is switched off.
• Pressing the horn pad may activate the top radio buttons (mode and mute) due to incorrect assembly reducing clearances between the horn pad and the switches. Assembly procedures were revised in late 2002.
• The fuel gauge may be inaccurate for readings below one-quarter of a tank – a revised fuel gauge calibration was introduced in late 2003 for this problem. Alternatives causes, however, include a bent fuel float and faulty sender unit.
• A thudding or knocking noise may be heard when the cruise control is activated or deactivated if there is insufficient clearance between the cruise control module and the mounting bracket under the bonnet. In mid-2004, a washer was fitted to increased clearance between the module and the bracket.
• Electrical interference may prevent the central locking system from responding to signals from the key fob.
• The door locks may intermittently stop locking or unlocking due to insufficient tolerances in the door lock mechanism; mechanisms with modified operating clearances were introduced in early 2004.
• The Blaupunkt clock may lose time and the CD player may not eject – software updates were released in late 2003 to fix these problems. The CD player may also display error messages, particularly with burnt CDs; resetting the CD player by disconnecting the battery, waiting for a few minutes and then reconnecting may fix the problem.
• The glove box lid may become distorted; a revised glove box lid was introduced in early 2003 with added ribs and which was manufactured from less heat-sensitive material.