Review: Holden VN Commodore (1988-91)

Overview

Released in August 1988, the Holden VN Commodore was available as a large sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VN Commodore was initially available with newly introduced 3.8-litre V6 engines. From March 1989, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of 5.0-litre V8 engines which featured received multi-point EFI (electronic fuel injection). During its production, the VN Commodore range consisted of Executive, Berlina, S, SS, Vactioner and LE variants. The full range is given in the table below.

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 October 1989 and November 1990, however, the 3.8-litre V6 was upgraded (see ‘V6 engine upgrades’, below).

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, 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.

V6 engine upgrades: October 1989 and November 1990

As noted above, the 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine underwent upgrades in October 1989 (sometimes referred to as ‘Series 1.5’) and November 1990 (‘Series 2’); for the latter, the code ‘EV6’ was printed on the engine block. The changes are as follows –

• October 1989 update:
  • Introduction of moulded plastic rocker covers with revised seals and retainers;
  • Single valve springs (previously double valve springs);
  • Steel pushrod guide plate replaced by three alloy retainers with revised rocker arm pivots;
  • For the camshaft, changes included decreased lobe lift, increased valve timing duration and installation of a thrust washer;
  • For models with automatic transmissions, a retaining plate was fitted to the drive plate;
  • The gasket between the pick-up pipe and the cylinder block was replaced by an ‘O’ ring and the direction arrow on top of the pistons was omitted;
  • For the cooling system, a coolant reserve tank was installed, while an overflow hose and cap were fitted to the surge tank; and,
  • During 1990, high flow hydraulic tappets were installed (identifiable by a yellow snap ring above the pushrod seat).
• November 1990 update (EV6, L27 )
  • 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.

Dimensions

Compared to the VL Commodore , the VN Commodore sedan was 84 mm longer (at 4850 mm), 72 mm wider (1794 mm), 35 mm taller (1403 mm) and had a 63 mm longer wheelbase (2731 mm). Compared to the sedan, the VN Commodore wagon was 46 mm longer (at 4896 mm), 19 mm taller (1422 mm) and had a 91 mm longer wheelbase (2822 mm). The wagons were fitted with five seats as standard, though an additional row of forward-facing seats could be ordered (suitable for children only).

Suspension

The VN Commodore had MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and a 26 mm stabiliser bar and a live rear axle with parallel short upper arms, long lower trailing arms, a Panhard rod (between the axle and underbody) and a 16 mm decoupled stabiliser bar. The optional FE2 sports suspension provided firmer springs, different stabiliser bars and a lower ride height.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the VN Commodore consisted of 271 mm by 22 mm vented front brake discs and 278 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear discs (both with single piston calipers). Models with 15-inch wheels (i.e. the S and SS variants), however, had 289 mm by 22 mm front brake discs.

Features: Commodore Executive and Berlina

Standard features for the Executive included 14-inch steel wheels with 185/75 HR14 tyres, a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, cloth seats, a height adjustable driver’s seat and a power-operated boot release.

The Berlina was further equipped with a four speaker sound system, air conditioning, soft velour seat fabrics and cut-pile carpets.

Features: Commodore S and SS

Compared to the Executive, the S was fitted 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/65 HR15 tyres, FE2 sports suspension settings and sports interior trim. Visually, the S could be identified by its sports bodykit and paint stripes. In addition to its V8 engine, the SS was further equipped with front fog lights.

Features: Commodore Vacationer

Compared to the Executive, the Vacationer was further equipped with air conditioning, central locking, power windows and power mirrors. Visually, the Vacationer could be identified by its eponymous badging.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VN Commodore