- Powerful 5.7-litre LS1 C4B V8 engine
- Excellent dynamics
- Suspension compliant enough for everday use
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Stiff ride on rougher roads
- High fuel consumption
- Steering lacks feel
HSV VX.II SV300 (2001-02)
Overview
Released in September 2001, the HSV VX Series II (VX.II) SV300 was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the SV300 was powered by the Callaway-developed 5.7-litre C4B engine and solely available with a heavy-duty six-speed T56 manual transmission.
The SV300 was based on the VX Senator and a successor to the limited-run VX.I Senator 300 (which was also fitted with the C4B engine).
C4B engine
The aluminium 5.7-litre LS1 C4B pushrod V8 engine had 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 final drive ratio for the SV300 was 3.91:1.
Dimensions and suspension
The HSV SV300 was 4937 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase.
The SV300 had HSV’s ‘Performance’ suspension arrangement with MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with toe control links (which reduced camber changes over uneven surfaces and resulted in more even tyre wear).
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV300 | 5.7-litre LS1 C4B petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 300 kW at 6000 rpm | 510 Nm at 4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the HSV SV300 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Brakes
The SV300 had 343 mm by 32 mm front and 315 mm by 18 mm rear cross-drilled and ventilated discs with four-piston calipers (front and rear).
Features: HSV SV300
Standard features for the HSV SV300 included 18-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone 235/40 ZR18 S03 directional tyres, a six speaker Maestro sound system with a 260 watt amplified and ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, Mustard and anthracite leather upholstery, contoured sports seats with a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.
As standard, the SV300 was fitted with a Hydratrak limited-slip differential which used a cartridge-type fluid coupling to progressively increase torque to the rear wheel with traction.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VX SV300
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VX/VU
