Peter's VD Commodore

Affectionately known as Pete’s ‘VD’ Commodore, it would have to be the best testament to the strength and reliability of the 308 engine.

Prior to purchasing this car, it was an SLE model (which had a bit of work done to it in the past, though nobody knew exactly what), and was only used for shopping, and picking up the kids from school.

A bit of ‘race’ war paint, roll cage, a change of exhaust and tyres, and it was off to the track as a club sprint car.
For four years it stood up to this ‘thrashing’. and In December 2005 I decided to give it the ‘refresh’ that it truly deserved.

Engine:
TopTorque Engine builders Mitcham
L34 Spec Heads
‘Wade’ Camshaft; grind No. 1474, with heavier ‘Crow’ springs to match it,
‘Crow’ retainers, and valves
Valve lift:    Exhaust .518
                   Inlet .516
‘Hypertech’ ‘Flat Top’ pistons
Chrome Molly rings
+. 030” bore
Compression: 9.8 : 1
Engine builder’s calculations 194KW approx (we’ll see)

Ignition:
Scorcher electronic distributor by ‘Performance Ignitions’

Carburettor:
Quadrajet

Exhaust:
‘ExhaustWerks’ Bayswater

Cooling: ha! Ha!
Radiator: triple pass radiator, set at angle, with ‘lower outlet’ relocated to lowest position to maximise useable cooling area.
Still is only just able to ‘cope’, on tight tracks.

Gearbox:
M20 (so far so good)

Wheels:
Chevy Corvette wheels 8 ½” rims 245 x 45 x 16 Hoosier Competition tyres

Brakes:
Standard discs front and rear (ducted fronts)

Diff:
CIG Locker, 2.78 ratio. (Great for salt flat speed events, but not so good for getting out of corners quickly). Soon to be changed to 3.08 or 3.36 ratio

Suspension:
Pedder sports suspension. Height adjustment courtesy of a large ‘angle grinder’.

While the car will never be a ‘powerhouse’, it does have that happy balance of power and reliability.