Review: Holden VY Ute (2002-04)

Review: Holden VY.I Ute (2002-03)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the Holden VY Series I (VY.I) Ute was a two-door, rear-wheel drive utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VY Ute was available with 3.8-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 engines. As per the table below, the VY.I Ute range consisted of standard, S and SS variants; in May 2003, a limited-run Storm variant was released.

V6 and V8 Engines

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L36 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. For the VY range, service intervals for the V6 engines were extended to 15,000 kilometres; and,
• The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, sequential multi-port fuel injection, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. For the SS Ute, peak power increased to 235 kW due to the introduction of a twin exhaust system.

Transmissions: 4L60E, M35 and T56

All engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions which had recalibrated gearshift mapping and, for V8 versions, greater durability. Models with V6 engines were available with M35 Getrag (‘Getrag 260’) manual transmissions which had a revised vehicle mounting that included a new transmission cross-member and rear extension housing casting to reduce gear noise; models with V8 engines were available with six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmissions.

Development and dimensions

Developed in conjunction with the VY Commodore , the VY Ute had greater off-centre steering response (through increased torsion bar stiffness and valve revisions), a stiffer body structure (through the use of finite element analysis) and greater refinement with new dashboard insulation, aerodynamic door mirrors and a plenum ramp which deflected air over the windscreen wipers.

The VY Ute was 5049 mm long, 1845 mm wide, 1484 mm tall and had a 2939 mm long wheelbase. Compared to the VU Ute , the VY Ute could be identified by its trapezoidal grille and more angular headlights. Inside, there were new Blaupunkt audio systems, a new instrument panel, steering wheel, transmission lever and handbrake.

Development and dimensions

The VY Ute had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VY.I Ute included a driver’s airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners; the S added ABS, while the SS was further equipped with a passenger airbag.

Brakes

The VY Ute had 296 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear brake discs with single piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the VY Ute included 15-inch steel wheels, a four speaker Blaupunkt sound system with CD player, automatic headlights, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Ute S was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, limited slip differential, air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, power windows, power antenna and tonneau cover.

The range-topping Ute SS was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, six-stack CD player with equaliser, front fog lamps and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Visually, the SS could be identified by its new rocker mouldings and an exclusive rear bumper.

2003 Storm Ute

In May 2003, a limited-run Storm Ute was released. Based on the Ute S, the Storm added a passenger airbag, 17-inch five spoke alloy wheels with FE2 sports suspension, a six-stack in-dash CD player and leather seat bolsters. Visual cues for the Storm Ute included an S sedan front fascia, SS Ute lower body kit and ‘Storm’ decals.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: 2003 Limited Edition Storm Ute (May 2003)

Review: Holden VY.II Ute (2003-04)

Overview

Released in August 2003, the VY Series II (VY.II) was a minor update for the Ute range. The standard 5.7-litre V8 engine was fitted with a twin exhaust system that increased peak power to 235 kW, while the 5.7-litre V8 for the SS Ute received a higher-output tune and the engine bay was fitted with a front strut brace for greater rigidity. Furthermore, all engines were recalibrated to satisfy emissions requirements, with the V6 engines fitted with revised exhaust systems.

Visually, the VY.II Ute could be identified by its circular-design themed jewelled tail lamps.

Safety equipment

Compared to the VY.I Ute, all models were fitted with an audible and visual driver’s seatbelt warning and steering column modifications reduced the risk of occupant injuries.

Features

Compared to their predecessors, the entry-level Ute gained a power adjustable driver’s seat and the S variant was fitted with front fog lamps. The Ute SS, however, was substantially unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Holden Adds Refinement Across The Range (August 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VY Ute, Crewman and One Tonner