- V6 engine coarse above 3000 rpm
- Sensitive throttle
- Clunky downshifts for automatic transmission
- Poor standard of interior fit
Overview
Released in August 1990, the Holden VG Ute was a rear-wheel drive, single cab utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VG Ute was available with 3.8-litre V6 or 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines. As per the table below, the range consisted of Ute and Ute S models.
V6 and V8 Engines
Initially imported but subsequently manufactured by Holden, the 3.8-litre LN3 (or HV6) pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft, three coil-packs for ignition, a Delco electronic control module and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. In November 1990, however, 3.8-litre L27 or EV6 engines were introduced with the following upgrades:
- Redesigned inlet manifold;
- Bellmouth fitted to the throttle body;
- Cast iron exhaust manifolds introduced;
- Redesigned pistons;
- Revised coolant passages for the cylinder heads;
- Improved valve stem oil seals;
- Stainless steel welch plugs;
- Longer oil pressure regulator spring to increase oil pressure;
- Timing cover shield introduced to protect the crankshaft sensor;
- Press-fit crankshaft pulley introduced;
- Standardised crankshaft for models with automatic and manual transmissions; and,
- For the cooling system, the radiator had a conventional filler neck and radiator cap, while the surge tank was replaced by a reserve tank
The 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection, a Delco electronic control module and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. Compared to the V8 engine in its VL predecessor, the VN V8 had upgraded main bearings, stronger A9L connecting rods and ‘high port’ cylinder heads.
Transmissions: TH700 R4, 4L60 and T-5
Both the V6 and V8 engines were available with new four-speed Turbo Hydramatic 700 R4 automatic and five-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual transmissions. In October 1989, the internal components of the TH700 R4 transmission were upgraded and it was known as the Hydramatic 4L60.
Suspension and dimensions
Based on the extended wheelbase VN Commodore platform, the VG Ute had MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle with five links and coil springs. The VG Ute was 4903 mm long, 1780 mm wide, 1512 mm tall and had a 2821 mm long wheelbase. The maximum payload for the VG Ute was 720 kg.
| Engine | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ute | 3.8-litre LN3 petrol V6 | 1990 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
125 kW at 4800 rpm | 292 Nm at 3200 rpm |
| 3.8-litre L27 petrol V6 | 1990-91 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
127 kW at 4800 rpm | 288 Nm at 3200 rpm | |
| Ute S | 3.8-litre LN3 petrol V6 | 1990 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
125 kW at 4800 rpm | 292 Nm at 3200 rpm |
| 3.8-litre L27 petrol V6 | 1990-91 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
127 kW at 4800 rpm | 288 Nm at 3200 rpm | |
| 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 1990-91 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
165 kW at 4400 rpm | 385 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Brakes
The standard Ute had 271 mm by 22 mm vented front brake discs and 278 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear discs (both with single piston calipers). The Ute S, however, had 289 mm by 22 vented brake discs (both with single piston calipers).
Features
Standard features for the VG Ute included 14-inch steel wheels with 185/75 HR14 tyres, a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, vinyl seat trim, a height adjustable driver’s seat and rubber cabin flooring.
The S variant was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/65 HR15 tyres and sports trim.
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