Overview

Released in September 1989, the HSV VN SV5000 was a limited-production performance sedan. Manufactured by Holden in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the SV5000 was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The HSV SV5000 could be identified by its SV89 front and rear lower air dams and Group A-style front wheel arch extensions. The side skirts, grille and bootlid spoiler, however, were unique to the SV5000. Only 359 models were produced before production was discontinued in September 1991.

LB9 engine

The 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder and multi-point fuel injection. HSV modifications, however, included flat-top pistons, a higher compression ratio of 9.0:1, bigger valves, a revised camshaft, special throttle body, knock sensor, modified induction system (including a cold air intake), special extractors and a recalibrated engine management system.

Dimensions and suspension

The HSV SV5000 was 4865 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1460 kg. To accommodate its eight-inch wide wheels, the SV5000 was fitted with a narrower rear axle that was originally produced for the VL range.

The SV5000 had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms and a live rear axle with lower trailing arms. Initially, the front suspension included a 27 mm diameter anti-roll bar, though this increased to 28 mm from July 1990 for a 16 per cent increase in roll stiffness.

Brakes

The SV5000 had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with heavy duty twin-piston calipers (as per the Corvette ZR-1), while the 278 mm by 20 mm vented rear brakes were based on front Commodore discs that were specifically cast to fit the rear.

Features: HSV SV5000

Standard features for the HSV SV5000 included 16 x 8.0J alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather seat trim, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and a trip computer. From April 1990, the SV5000 was fitted with climate control air conditioning.

The SV5000’s interior was similar to that of the VN Calais but featured modified Statesman seat pads.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VN SV5000
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VN Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VN/VG/VQ

Recalls: HSV VN SV5000

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 VN SV5000

• In May 1994, a recall was issued for Holden VN Commodore and related HSV models due to the potential for the seatbelt webbing to become abraided – this could result in a reduction in the strength of the webbing. The affected vehicles were in the serial number range L273550 to L465000 (PRA 1994/2165).

Problems and faults: HSV VN SV5000

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.

Problems and faults: HSV VN SV5000

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the HSV VN SV5000.

Released in September 1989, the HSV VN SV5000 was a limited-production performance sedan. Manufactured by Holden in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the SV5000 was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission… Read full HSV VN SV5000 review

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