Listys HSV Avalanche

[GTS Listy]

I buggered the title. Can someone change it to say HSV not HAV. Thanks
As I have some minor changes happening to the Avalanche I thought I might get a thread going to put some photos up as I go through the process.

ATM it is stock. Basic specks are
VZ HSV Avalanche 2005 model.
Silver
Black leather interior
Full optioned as with all avalanches with sunroof, lots of speakers, amp, subwoofer, in dash 6 stacker, electric everything.
I have a optioned roof mount DVD player and a nudge bar.
I have done the monaro 2 hole air intake mod
0 to 100 time tested as 7.1 sec on the road and 6.8 on the dirt.
Quarter time 15.4 over and over and over again. I did 5 runs and got 15.4 every time. It was a wet track too so the car was the fasted that night.
Has not been dynoed as yet. Top speed 200 as with all of them being limited. Sits on 180 all day long though and still returns about 18l/100.
Only Avalanche in Darwin according to Kerrys Holden and I have never seen another one. Used to be 2 a couple of years ago but now just mine.

Plans over the next two months are:

New 18 inch wheels. 8.5 inch front and 9.5 inch rears. Will be painted gun metal grey. 18s max as I still do dirt work every now and then.
Getting the wheel arches painted in gun metal grey
Big decal down the side with AVALANCHE to help break up the silver.
Gun metal gray pin stripe below the windows all along each side
VZ monaro bonnet with painted vents
HID low beams
Big mongrel HID spotlights to put on the nudge bar (not researched as yet as to what is available)
Big mongrel train horn so mother @#$%%s hear me. I will have 2 setting on the horn.
4 tip exhaust on the back with 2 tips on each side. I will find a way how to do this.
If a tuner comes up I will get a economy tune done to run it on 91 oct as it is a long term keeper.
It wont be everybodies cup of tea as for looks but it was this or sell it and I like the car too much. All this is so people see the car better and I try and stop people running into my car.
Couple of picks.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q298/bigtony20062007/NewImage10.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q298/bigtony20062007/NewImage12.jpg

[Scotty]

mmmm Avalanche...

I know this sexy lady who drives one of those...

great car

[VooDoo]

Pretty awesome cars. I looked at a few HSV versions but they wanted a lot of $$ for them. Picked up this for low 20's. No mods yet but i did get a basic tune (thanks to GHZ28). Pretty much the perfect daily driver as it has space, comfort and handles pretty well too (my HSV GTO Suspension went on there)

http://www.oz8.org/gallery/albums/LX8/03012009042_G.sized.jpg

[NickS]

mmmm Avalanche...

I know this sexy lady who drives one of those...

great car

I've seen her around ... I know another sexy lady who used to drive one of these.

Nice Listy, we had a silver Avalanche for a few years, great go anywhere / do anything car with plenty of poke and great looks. They were never a sales success for HSV but I loved it.

I'd keep the wheel arches the same colour as the car, they look heaps better colour coded and everyone will think it's an Adventra with Avalanche badges if you change them. Interested to see what wheels you'll stick on it.

:thumbs:

[HSV271]

Nice ride listy, always had a soft spot for the Avalanche.

BTW, was this the same one that was involved in this... Bloody airbas (http://www.trackchat.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=2600)

[GTS Listy]

Nice ride listy, always had a soft spot for the Avalanche.

BTW, was this the same one that was involved in this... Bloody airbas (http://www.trackchat.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=2600)

Yes that is the one. I have had this car since new. Build number 10. ( I could not fit in a coupe 4 so this was the next best thing. True story but I am glad I got it now) I am totally happy with this car and as per what other owners of the avalanche and adventras say they really like them and the car covers just about all the areas for a everyday driver.
They are drivers cars and you only know how good they are after a few weeks driving. HSV missed the sales pitch on the Avalanche as they should of sold much much better but they are a hell of alot better than the media and car mags made out. People off the street even today still say they really like the car and ask what is it and always comment they have never seen one like it before. Not sure if it was infront of it time or what.

Nick fair call about the wheel arches and make sence.

I would like to see the VE version of a Avalanche. Those sports wagons are nice.

[GTS Listy]

I can not find anywhere to mount the air horns. If people have ideas I would be happy to know. There is 4 horns and they are not small. Only choice I can see is go a ORI and put them where the airbox was. Only problem the ORI for the VZ are all maffless. Then i will need a tune. As I will be getting a Monaro bonnet the choices for ORI are about $600 odd. (unless someone has a cheap second hand one lying around to fit)

Can you do maffless tunes via mail order. Can not really afford the car to be off the road for a week. Any other ideas what people do other than send their own PCM away.

The HID low/high beam lights are on their way up. I am getting LED parkers and number plate light to match. I have got a set of flash spotties on order and will be getting HID put in these too.

The airhorns I worked out that i can mount the compressor and tank in the back. Only a 1 gallon tank and a baby compressor so pretty small. (this airhorn will be reserved for bad bad road users only)
I will let people know where you can get them once mine is up here.

Bonnet I have a offer on one but not sure if he will take it
Wheels still looking for the right price
Decals sorted just need to be made up which takes a 2 weeks as they are busy.
Exhaust not sure but there is not much room out the back there. Always a way.

Voodoo those wheel look pretty good to. $500 can not complain either.

[VooDoo]

Ziggy makes a decent OTR for the monaro bonnet.

I have a basic tune for an adventra and can send you my EFIlive up if you want or im sure there are a few tuners up there that can flash it in. Its not the ETB version but if you send down your base tune first im sure a tuner can tweak it and you can upload (if i can work it out anyone can)

BTW, the M5 rims are going to be sold as i have some new ROH Modena's in 18" to match the 19's on the GTO.

[GTS Listy]

Yes forget the Ziggy one. Tad cheeper and work with the bonnet. I will chase up a my mate who has the EFI live kit and see what he can do. Chipmaster is coming up in the next few months again but he proberbly will laugh when I say detune it for 91 oct oh and make it maffless. WTF.

Sorry I mentioned the dollars on the wheels but you can not get any where near that now anyway and the offset is so nice for circuit racing to get that -camber. Plenty of rooms on those wheels for some big brakes too. 365 AP should fit no problems.

I just drove past a 4x4 shop and thought I might get some prices and ended up buying these. $240 plus 2 free clear covers, relays and a roll of wire. Could not go past it. I will cancel the expensive one I ordered and put the money towards a ORI.
Chuck a kit of HID in these and woohoo light up them roads
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Lightsspoties.jpg

[GTS Listy]

Should of checked e-bay but I did want the 2 long range lights and got 2 free covers worth $21 each so I am on par with this deal.

Good price too with free PH
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NITE-STALKER-215-SERIES-DRIVING-SPOT-LIGHTS-KIT-4X4-4WD_W0QQitemZ200294521030QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2009 0103?IMSfp=TL090103124001r3593

[GTS Listy]

Most likely wheel choice. The misses made a good point in that we only put new tyres on the car a few months ago so I am staying with 18x8 for now.
As my photoshop program is dead I can not photoshop them but I think they will look good.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avewheelphoto.jpg

and the plan for the 4 tip exhaust. It will look similar just not too sure about the exhaust tips and what size to make them. (thanks Steve wheels too for the directions on how to do this)

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Averearexhaust4tip.jpg

New HIDs and LED parkers ordered but they are not going to be here for 2 weeks.

Question for people with HIDs on their high beams.
Is there a moment of blackness until the HID light up or do you get instant light and it just gets brighter over the next 15 seconds. Just not sure to go the spotties to HID or leave them so I have some instant light.

[GTS Listy]

The air horns I am getting and are on order.

http://www.airide.com.au/product_info.php/cPath/2_50/products_id/543?osCsid=287a6effb029dad79ca67ffaddaef1c1
I like the logo

TOO LOUD TOO BAD.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/trainhornkit_4.jpg
Monaro bonnet I might leave for a bit as people want 1200 to 1500 and $180 freight and 400 paint. 2k+, too much for two small holes (they do look cool though). I would only go steel and dont want to cut up my original.
Unless someone knows of a VZ monaro bonnet going for a good price.

I am going to put the money towards a ORI and tune and then it opens up more ORI options.

[WOMBIE]

The air horns I am getting and are on order.

http://www.airide.com.au/product_info.php/cPath/2_50/products_id/543?osCsid=287a6effb029dad79ca67ffaddaef1c1
I like the logo

TOO LOUD TOO BAD.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/trainhornkit_4.jpg



:shock: But I love your style :bravo:

I'm very keen to see how you go with the install of these babies and where you mount the trumpets but man you are gunna have some fun when they're set up :D

[DaveHAT]

TOO LOUD TOO BAD.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/trainhornkit_4.jpg


Holy crap Listy ... any set of airhorns that needs a compressor that large and a reservoir tank to run them is pretty damned serious.

We should be able to hear those down here in NSW ... :shock:

[GTS Listy]

:shock: But I love your style :bravo:

I'm very keen to see how you go with the install of these babies and where you mount the trumpets but man you are gunna have some fun when they're set up :D

That is why the ORI is needed. They will fit nicely where the airbox is. The compressor and tank I will put in the cargo area in a small carpeted box. I will have quick releace connectors so the box is removable. Wont take up much room not that I am limited for room in the wagon.

[450 kW LUBEHAT]

There's a bloke on ebay doing bonnets (fiberglass) perfectly made, no ripples, easy to paint, for $650.

I have one on mine, Underwood smash across the road just put one one a car and they were also impressed.

Fitted mine my self.

I'll put his ebay handle up if your interested.

Cheers

Steve

[GTS Listy]

Thanks Steve. Please do so. I heard all firbo ones dont work and end up being a distaster.

Good feedback is always a good thing so happy to look.

Cheers

[GTS Listy]

I dropped into the 4x4 shop to get a small mounting kit for the HID spotties and Hi/lo beam set and he told me if you want to really stand out put these on.
I had my camera with me so a photo.

I kindly said thanks but no thanks. Too much coyboy look for me and the misses. This set is 4 HID bulbs and the power packs at 4300k. That would be allot of light. That was $900 for that thing on the roof with the HIDs and $230with normal bulbs. Not cheap and look a bit policeman want to be
Not sure why they put blue tint on HID but I guess looks is what you want than that would be what you get.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Stuff001.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Stuff002.jpg

[Scotty]

Those look like a rally car setup... and therefore to classy for a coyboy look...

[GTS Listy]

Those look like a rally car setup... and therefore to classy for a coyboy look...

I have driven this car pretty hard a few times on the dirt back roads to out favorite tourist area at Litchfield forest and I tell you these cars may be big but the sure handle and go well on dirt.
Drifting on dirt corners at 100 plus they do great. The traction control system in them is spot on for dirt track work incase people have not tried it in their own Adventra/avalanche.

[seldo]

Question for people with HIDs on their high beams.
Is there a moment of blackness until the HID light up or do you get instant light and it just gets brighter over the next 15 seconds. Just not sure to go the spotties to HID or leave them so I have some instant light.

I've got HIDs in low and high beams, and there is no appreciable delay when you dip to high, especially when they have been in use and are still warm. The first time you use high-beam there is a very miniscule delay of maybe 1/10th of a sec, but it is never a problem, and once they've ben in use and are warmed-up they are fine. In fact -the delay is so minute that most would not even notice.
Also - I have 4300k in low and I think 6000k in high (just what they sent me)but would have preferred 4300k all round.

[blown408chev]

Holy crap Listy ... any set of airhorns that needs a compressor that large and a reservoir tank to run them is pretty damned serious.

Iwas thinking the same thing.

Thats one mean set of air horns Listy, should be able to hear you anywhere in Darwin.

Good decision with the spotlight mount,leave it to the B&S cars.

Spotlights shining over the windscreen can also be painfull for the eyes.

[GTS Listy]

Iwas thinking the same thing.

Thats one mean set of air horns Listy, should be able to hear you anywhere in Darwin.

Good decision with the spotlight mount,leave it to the B&S cars.

Spotlights shining over the windscreen can also be painfull for the eyes.

Cheers. I will have a switch to work either horn just in case it is just too painful on the ears. When the kids are in the car it is proberbly not the best for their ears too. I have seen the vids of people using these sets and it is not a good idea to have a pushbike rider cut you off. You will scare them half to death.
Just U tube train horns and there are dozens of vids. The kit I have is classed as the extreme kit they get in the us. Funny thing the kits are cheeper here in australia.
There is other kits above this kit but it they are not advertised and go to 8 airhorns that you literly see on top of trains. Somehting like 180db+ Over $1000 for the horns along and you need the back of a landcruiser to fit them into and a big air tank.

[GTS Listy]

I've got HIDs in low and high beams, and there is no appreciable delay when you dip to high, especially when they have been in use and are still warm. The first time you use high-beam there is a very miniscule delay of maybe 1/10th of a sec, but it is never a problem, and once they've ben in use and are warmed-up they are fine. In fact -the delay is so minute that most would not even notice.
Also - I have 4300k in low and I think 6000k in high (just what they sent me)but would have preferred 4300k all round.

Thanks Seldo. I was told that if light you what you want go all round 4300 so it seems a good choice. When I was at the 4x4 shop the other day and he showed me a demo and yes it is instant light up. I was confused that the 15 seconds they say meant the light but it is actually the color on the higher 6000k plus kits that takes the 15 seconds to reach full color.
On top of this the low beams will already be on anyway and with HID it will be plenty bright already

[GTS Listy]

Bit of luck with the wheels fitting over the brakes. About 8 to 10mm clearance too. These brakes take up alot of room. I think looking at the room they should fit the 363mm APs on the GTS. Might chuck them on just for a look tomorrow.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Download16109099.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Download16109100.jpg

I am going to wait until the decals are here before getting them changed over. On the hunt for a second hand bonnet (another one including the GTS one I am looking for) to fit the monaro bonnet fibro bits.

Another annoying thing is that the chipmaster visit might be March/April now so I might look at other options or just get a over internet tune.

[GTS Listy]

Always a bit of a downer. Opened up the rest of the boxes of wheels tonight and found one wheel has had a tyre fitted on it before and there is the old school tyre machine marks and scrapes on it. Even was in the box in the packet and taped up same as the others. I think I got a ex display set it seems.
I will e-mail the shop and get it sorted. Seemed a reasonable bloke so we will see how resonable he is once he gets my e-mail.

Down side of not seeing before buying.

[GTS Listy]

That was easy. Freight company picking them up Monday and he is sending new ones to me.
He apoligised and no BS just striaght to the point. Cant complain at all. Good for him

[GTS Listy]

New wheels even fit over the big AP racing brakes. Fills the wheels nicely them brakes. About 3-4mm spare room. These are a +40 offset wheel.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/NewAvewheels2005.jpg

[blown408chev]

I like the new rims Listy,always a bummer when they come damaged ,had this happen a few times,good that he sorted it without any drama's as it should be.
Cheers

[GTS Listy]

Test fitted the airhorns in the GTS engine bay for room and no problems. Will be more room again in the Avalanche. Plenty of bling.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newaveairhorn001.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newaveairhorn002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newaveairhorn003.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newaveairhorn004.jpg

[GTS Listy]

Sorry to the Ls? members. Copied straight over from there

Tune is all sorted. I am getting the whole thing done when Dan visits in Feb. Cant afford the time with the car off the road to sent the PCM down

The HID hi/lo beam and spotlights kit got here today. Very flash looking gear and great packaging. Can wait to get these fitted. This weekend I should get some time.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newavelights001.jpg


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newavelights002.jpg

I am just trying to find another temporary spot to mount the air horns until I get the maffless tune done.
Decals will be another week still so I have to wait until they are here for the wheels to get fitted as I want to do the decals and wheels togeather to see what it looks like. Not one or the other.

[blown408chev]

Listy, i have know idea what pcm the Avalanche has , but i have a spare VZ pcm if that is the the same you can have it.

Also no one seems keen for the ute run on monday if your keen, i can pick you up,with you and me we should get some traction :lol:

[GTS Listy]

Listy, i have know idea what pcm the Avalanche has , but i have a spare VZ pcm if that is the the same you can have it.

Also no one seems keen for the ute run on monday if your keen, i can pick you up,with you and me we should get some traction :lol:

There is some issue with the VZ and that you can not swap PCM due to some reason. I just took Dans word for it.

The ute run count me in for sure. I sent you a PM.

[DaveHAT]

Those horns are metal Listy?

Have you considered the impact of running them in the engine bay and what they may do to wiring etc?

Just a thought ... nice and shiney though. :)

[WOMBIE]

Dave are you asking if they will have an effect on the wiring to the air horns themselves or in general?I've had my steel ones for ages now and no problems at all with any wiring :cool:

[GTS Listy]

Those horns are metal Listy?

Have you considered the impact of running them in the engine bay and what they may do to wiring etc?

Just a thought ... nice and shiney though. :)

I wont be touching them that is for sure. If wires come close I will wrap it in that corrugated wrap. I guess the two feed wires I will wrap just in case. Just about all the photos from the US where they put these horns they are under the bonnet. Thanks for the note as I probably would of just left them as they are.

[blown408chev]

There is some issue with the VZ and that you can not swap PCM due to some reason. I just took Dans word for it.

Dan would know but i am not sure what it is,probably should know because he got me to buy a new VY one for the VZ as we are running a normal throttle,really cant remember why on that either,thats why i have the spare.

Memory is terrible these days.

I notice you have one of the billet power steer tanks ,very good looking piece of gear

[GTS Listy]

Found the PM he sent me

The PCM stores dash info and fuel guage info on the VZ's

And yes the PS bottle is another bit of bling for the GTS. Should go with the 8TB intake well. (GTS that is)

[GTS Listy]

Few more bits here.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/AveORI.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/AveORI1.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avebonnet.jpg

[GTS Listy]

Bad start to the mods. I ordered the wrong HID bulbs. The service book, the lights covers and the Holden people said H4 were the low beams.
They dont fit. Aparently I needed the HB4 to suit the HSV. That is what the Hella book says. Also the bulbs sit very close to the plastic cover on the low beam light so I am not sure if they will melt

The spotties are all done except the switch as the mechanic said in this car it uses earth to do the switching instead of the postive i.e you have to rig up the spottie switch to switch earth to isolate them but as soon as you turn the actual car lights off the spotties come on.

So I can either think how to get around it or just do away with the switch to isolate the spotties.
Some help by people who have the HID in the VY11/VZ lights and the spotlight installs would be helpful.

The spotties look ok but they dont do anything just yet. Zip ties are temporty until the switching is sorted

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avespotties.jpg

[ghz28]

Tony my Adventra has HID in all positions, low, high and spotties.

I have run relays for each of them to keep the wiring simple and effective.

I mounted the three relays together on the radiator support panel near the battery. Never had any issues with them at all and been there since 2004 when we bought it.

Negative switching basically means that you need to use relays to keep things "normal".

Cheers,

Garry

[seldo]

Bad start to the mods. I ordered the wrong HID bulbs. The service book, the lights covers and the Holden people said H4 were the low beams.
They dont fit. Aparently I needed the HB4 to suit the HSV. That is what the Hella book says. Also the bulbs sit very close to the plastic cover on the low beam light so I am not sure if they will melt

The spotties are all done except the switch as the mechanic said in this car it uses earth to do the switching instead of the postive i.e you have to rig up the spottie switch to switch earth to isolate them but as soon as you turn the actual car lights off the spotties come on.

So I can either think how to get around it or just do away with the switch to isolate the spotties.
Some help by people who have the HID in the VY11/VZ lights and the spotlight installs would be helpful.

The spotties look ok but they dont do anything just yet. Zip ties are temporty until the switching is sorted

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avespotties.jpg Tony - I think you'll find that your car has H11 low and H9 High beams - not HB4.... I have HIDs in both and find the improvement is well worthwhile.

[GTS Listy]

No worries Seldo. I will try holden again to see what they say this time.

[GTS Listy]

H 11 it is. Thanks for letting me know. This time Holden said H11 so I went to a auto elec place and checked again and yes H11.

WTF do you have to do for such a simple bit of info. Anyway they are sending the new set up to me and I will return the others.

[GTS Listy]

I decided to put the wheels on today. Sick of waiting for the decals that were posted 2 weeks ago but are no shows as yet.

I think they look ok. The misses said it has made the car look more manly/toughish. She said she will give it some time. Maybe once the decals are on she might be happier.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveplusstuff002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveplusstuff003.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveplusstuff004.jpg

The brakes stand out now instead of being hidden. Looks good IMO

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveplusstuff001.jpg

[GTS Listy]

After nearly a month or wariting the decals got here. Look great, spot on design BUT wrong color. They sent silver instead of gun metal grey. Hopeless but hopefully they come to the party and sort it out.

So far
Wheels damaged in transport, sent back and new one sent up
HID lights were the wrong sort (my fault but holden and the manual said H4)
Decals took a month when they say next day delivery. Get here finially and the wrong bloody colour.
Chipmaster may not be visiting as they may not have the numbers so I have to wait to fit the air horns.

I am a tad over it. I prefer modifiying the GTS

[GTS Listy]

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Camgearandlights001.jpg

I think it is enough light now

[GTS Listy]

The lights got installed today. I had all them in there but decided to put the spoties back to the normal bulbs. Just too much as it was just one big white glow. Not the affect I wanted as I wanted to break the shape up so the originals went back in. Low beams work really well with brightness and do stand our really well on the road

Plenty bright but due to the rain no picks of how good they are at night or any before and after photos of how they look on the road.
The maffless, ORI and airhorns should be on by Friday.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avenewlights001.jpg

[blown408chev]

No excuse for taking the avalanche on holidays :driving: now listy,if the lights dont scare the animals ,blow the air horns they will die of fright :eek:

Looks good though and should have no trouble seeing at night.

[GTS Listy]

Cheers Dave.

I had a spur of the moment decision just then and bought another set of wheels for the avalanche. Just surfing e-bay for wheels and come accross these 3 piece ones. Put in a price at the death and could not believe I did not get outbit so now I am the owner of these beauties. I will get the centres cut out professionally. $1170 is less that one wheel by a fair margain. $1400 each wheel aparently from a quick net search.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220359434838
Long story but the misses is not too keen on the other wheels. Too boyish. They might sit in the shed for a little while until I find some rubber. The offset is just perfect for both the GTS and the avalanche. (GTS guard roll)

[DaveHAT]

Wheels look interesting Listy ... love reading your build threads.

Does a day go by that you don't buy something for your cars? :lol:

:)

[GTS Listy]

Wheels look interesting Listy ... love reading your build threads.

Does a day go by that you don't buy something for your cars? :lol:

:)

Just got to fine tyres to fit now so anyone got some. What tyres will fit being a offset rim. I would say 19x245x40 front and 19x275x35 back. Is that is what is on the VEs with the offset rim type.

I also got a 3000cfm fan for the GTS today but did not think it was worth putting up. So today 2 things but you are right I seem to be always ordering bits and peices. Got to get the good deals and find a day to get all the gear fitted. Stillwaiting on some cam gear, new PS pump and a couple of others.

[blown408chev]

Bloody hell listy ,thats the quickest wheel change ever, your worse than me.
You will have to come to ebay anonymouse with me shortly if you keep this up.

New ones look good, but i did like the other ones.

[GTS Listy]

Yea it is a problem e-bay but sometimes the deal is just too good. It is one place where you can sometimes get allot more than you pay for and also it has some affect on the other saying if it is true good to be true it probably is.

Now to work out the rolling diameters so the ABS and the crosstrack system does not go silly. I am working off the coupe 4 tyre measurement as a maximum difference from front to back. They are 9 inch front +38 and 10 inch rear +50 (not sure if the GTS will have this much room from tyre to strut at the back but the avalanche does for sure. Fronts fine on both cars. GTS I will be getting a front guard pump anyway)
Options are

255/35
295/30
(both size perfect for rolling diameter and speedo accuracy but both tyres are only in the expensive brands) $2300

245/40
275/35
Near perfect once again but 245 a tad skiny for 9inch wheels but the ride would be better with the higher profile. Tyres cheap and easy to find. $1090

255/35
285/30
1.1% diameter difference front to back same as coupe 4. 255 only expensive brand tyres $1650

265/35
295/30
1.3% so slightly over coupe 4 and both tyres are expensive tyre. $2100

and
265/30
375/30
Diameter is fine but speedo out to poo. Cheap tyres and easily available but both low profile.$1100

[GTS Listy]

Finially got some night time testing done tonight. Few photos of the new lights in action

Low beam HIDs
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight001.jpg

High bean without spoties
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight003.jpg

High beam with spoties. The signs range in distance but I measured the road and the furthert one in the way distace you can see is about 1km away so you can see the shine from way way away. Actual light projection up the road would be around 400-500m. The camera seems to cut the actual light short looking at the photo.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight002.jpg

High beam and spoties and what you can see around you
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight004.jpg

What you see coming towards you on low beam
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight007.jpg
High beam with spoties. Dont think it is a good idea to flash someone at night. Bloody blinding when you look at them.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight005.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight006.jpg

and a close up of the LED parker lights at night
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newlightsatnight008.jpg

I also found some dirt road and a open bit too. Nothing better than pulling the traction control fuse, lock it in first and do some mild entertaining. These car sould pretty good on full throttle doign what a awd V8 does best. Of couse I went out there to get the toads. I got 4 all up but missed 2. Shame shame.

[GTS Listy]

Got me some serious bling today. Crap these wheels are pretty special. I thought there would be some catch due to the price I got them for but they are perfect, brand new, no tyre fitment marks, nothing. Friggin amazing looking wheels and for the size of them weigh bugger all. Starting to wonder what the hell do I do with them. Seem too good to put on my cars. In thory the offset will fit both cars perfectly. Do I put them in the trading post for extra money. They are actually VE wheels so I am not too keen to cut the lip out until I am 100% what I do with them. They fit the big VEGTS brakes I have been told. Not confirmed though.
Check out what they do with the valve cap. Intergrate it into the bolts to tie the wheels togeather. Originially when purchased by showwheels Australia each front costs $1460 and each rear $1680. $6280 all up. That would be a fair bit more now with the crap aussie dollar. Cancelled order so the bloke who camcelled must be out allot of money.
Specks: 19x9 +38
19x10 +50.
FAT as.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Blingbilletwheels002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Blingbilletwheels003.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Blingbilletwheels001.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Blingbilletwheels004.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Blingbilletwheels005.jpg

[GTS Listy]

Did all the measurement on the wheels tonight on both cars. They will fit both fine both cars. The GTS the rear only by 2mm from the wheel to the inside of the wheel inner guard (shock side with all the metal and stuff) so dam close but there is bits I can tap to give me more room. The avalanche truck loads on the back both inner and outter.
On the front 9 inch wide is marginal with both cars. I am planning a small front guard pump on the GTS so they will be fine there and the avalanche it is flush with the flares so they will do. Strut to tyre is not problems and exact on both cars.
I will go 255 front and 285 rear tyres when I get around to buying them. Instead of going all out with the 295 on the back having 285 will give me that extra tiny bit for the GTS. When I buy the tyres, I have no idea. Wont be for a few months anyway.

These will come out for shows only so I will keep them for that purpose. Not worth the hassle selling them.

To sum up for a 19 inch wheel only what I would call ideal and workable.
Max width without major mods VX.
Front 8.5 and 245 tyre with a offset of +45
Back 9.5 inch 275 tyre should still fit with a guard roll off set of +52.
With a front and rear guard pump and they will fit the below like on the avalanche except a 285 rear tyre.

Avalanche/adventra
Front 9 inch and 255 tyre +38 offset
Back 10 inch and 295 tyre at +50 offset. There is more in it for bigger wheels but not much more on the tyre width.

[GTS Listy]

Small bit of progress. The air horns fitted without the ORI. Just went a pod filter instead that way the maff stays and not need for mucking around with tune stuff.
The tank and aircompressor is still to be fitted. The horns came up looking pretty good in that spot. No other mods required other than a pod filter to make them fit. Pretty happy and even the misses is happy with them.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhornsandintake001.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhornsandintake002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhornsandintake003.jpg

[GTS Listy]

It is all installed BUT I just happen to get a dodgy compressor so no go with any noise. I am sending it back tommorrow but as with anything warranty they have to inspect and and send a replacement. They said by the end of next week they will have a new one up here.
Here are some photos. Totally removable unit just as I wanted and so looks like nothing out of the ordinary in the back. It might seem bit rought putting it in a plastic container but the work is good and its clean. The fan is overkill I thought but no harm. It only comes on with the compressor.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhorns001.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhorns002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhorns003.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhorns004.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Airhorns005.jpg

[GTS Listy]

Got the replacement compressor today and it is atleast 50% bigger in size. All the better for filling the tank quicker. They said they had none in stock.

I will get it temporary installed tomorrow so I can hear what they sound like. Should be good

[GTS Listy]

New compressor got here so I temporary wired it up so I could get some noise.
Loud YES. I can see why they say dont use them near pushbike riders as it scared me and I was turning the thing on. Incredable noise, like smashes you brain loud. Also the noise is just instant like bank from nothing straight to 150db
This is the new comresssor. About 30 -40 seconds to fill the tank to some crazy PSI. It is over rated big time for the job. It does not seem to have air leaks so the compressor should not come on unless the horn is used.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Trainhorn001.jpg

Quick blast. True train horn noise too. GREAT
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/th_Trainhorn002.jpg (http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/?action=view&current=Trainhorn002.flv)

[GTS Listy]

Bit of progress. I repostioned the compressor into the little cargo bits in the back and it has shut it up pretty well. Not that it turns on very often unless you use the horn. The tank I put in the spare wheel well so atleast it is safe there under the wheel. I just pulled all the foam stuff out.
Also I put the decals on today and YUK. I will leave them for a week and bin them. Good idea but just too much.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avedecalson001.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avedecalson003.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avedecalson002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Avedecalson005.jpg

[DaveHAT]

:shock: You do love your stickers Listy.

Can I be so bold as to suggest that no stickers looks much better?

Just a personal opinion but ... they scream rice. :hide:

[GTS Listy]

:shock: You do love your stickers Listy.

Can I be so bold as to suggest that no stickers looks much better?

Just a personal opinion but ... they scream rice. :hide:

I hear that. Those ones on there are just aweful. I thought they would look ok but massive fail. They were cheap from a mob on e-bay. They are doing the GTS decals for me too and there is allot of them to do and way bigger.

[Muncha]

I think it would look better without the red.

[seldo]

I think it would look better without the red.
I think it would look better without....

[GTS Listy]

The stickers are still there. Going to have to take them off this arvo. The maf tune is booked in for next Thursday with Dan from Chipmaster. I will have a dyno result too. Then I will be taking it to the drags on Friday night to see if I can better the 15.4 I got last time.
I am hopeless at drag racing. Even with AWD I can not get a decent time.

[VooDoo]

With 2tonne of car your still doing ok. Im fitting my supercharger to the LX8 this weekend if i can get the tuner lined up and a 2800 stally so hope to see 12's at least.

[GTS Listy]

Tuning by Dan is all done and the car is just so smooth. It is like driving the VE 6 speed auto around the changes are so good. The first to second is almost seamless. It used to jar like buggery. Same with second 3rd.

Dan found 3 fault codes in the car which was causing grief with the timing, knock and it was running very rich. These were all cleared and he fixed the Service Vehicle Now alarm which is just awesome. The beeping was driving the misses nuts.
It has been averaging 18.5 to 19.5 for the last 6 months since the crash adn about 17.5-18 before that. I did about 40 km around town after the tune and it averaged 15.5 straight up. I will keep and eye on over the next week or so to see what it settles down on.

The power is definitively improved. It reves faster and free'er and really changes hard when you get you boot into it. The kick down is set just right not to be intrusive but give you the get up when you want it. Even better with the power shift button pressed. I will do a 0 to 100 test tonight to see how it goes. Just from seat of the pants it feels faster. The throttle response is better as it seems more responsive to the electronic TB. Before it used to delay from when you powered on and when the engine started to rev. Really impressed.

I need to get a airbox around the pod filter as intake temps were around 65 degrees still and about 50-55 on the move. That is bad and costing power and fuel consumption. I am ordering a G and D air box with a second intake pipe as the avalanche will need to get air from the radiator grill as there is not openings anywhere else like on other cars.

Still need some more driving but in summery it was a great decision and well worth it.

BTW not dyno as the dyno wont suit these AWD transmissions. It potentially could bugger it. Dan said the only ones you can use is the flash mainline ones but even then the power will be low. Better off doing the AWD road tuning.

[GTS Listy]

I went for a run tonight with the little Gforce meter and recorded the below for 0 to 100. It is actually 0 to 60mph but that does not matter as it is only my time against my time.

6.78
6.71
6.81
6.71
Considering the fastest I have gone previously was 7.11 that is a good result.
Drags tomorrow night and then the avalanche will be retired from the drags.

[GTS Listy]

I am going to have to miss the drags tonight. Wifie has got crook so i will be baby sitting.

Maybe another day

[GTS Listy]

Fuel comsumption update. The misses has been through almost 2 tanks. Average is 17.2 so not quite as good as expected but better than seening 18.5 to 19.5. Still the average km is way low which it alwasys will be in the drop off car and all the trips seem to be very short ones.

I got me some small tyres too. NOT. They are for the bling mags if I actually put them on the car/either car. Having second throughts now even if I want to put them on. They are for a VE so I dont really want to modify the wheels to fit the early model. Someone with a VE may want them more than me. The offset is perfect to the mm for the VE to run 295 rear and 255 fronts as that is what the wheels were designed for. Clearance for the VE HSV GTS rotors too but I would prefter to test that first if I was ever to sell them. Going by the offset calculators they should fit the Avalanche, just. The GTS no hope without 25mm wheel adapters.

Cool tread patten and good compound so should have plenty of grip. Not cheap but finding good and at the correct load rating in this size is not easy without paying $900+ a tyre. These are not that far off that either
Now to track down some 255/35/19 and these are available in the new yokos too so we will see. That is for another day.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newtyres002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Newtyres001.jpg

And to sum up. I just want my GTS back NOW

[Delft Maloo]

Toyo proxy 4's listy? i have a set on the back of my maloo atm, and iv been quite happy with them so far.

[GTS Listy]

Toyo proxy 4's listy? i have a set on the back of my maloo atm, and iv been quite happy with them so far.

They look the goods. I am amazed how deep the tread is. Not far off 4x4 tyres. THey do look cool and will look good on the back of a car.
Certainly will make the near 12 inch wide tyres stand out.

[GTS Listy]

I spent about 2.5 hours this arvo giving the avalanche a good clean and polish. I used the Meguirs soft wash and the NextWax 2. Good budget combo and come up great. I have decided to leave the decals off as the wheels break up the shape enough.

As for future mods I proberbly will leave it be. I am just so happy it is driving so good after the tune. Im not bothering with the fat wheels and the monaro bonnet. The wheels on the car are not a perfect match but they are there to serve a purpose. As for the fat wheels the GTS or avalanche can have for shows or special events.
I am just glad the avalanche is finailly all back togeather back to 100% after the crashes. Now to avoid the dickhead drivers but atleast this time I will have 4 incar cameras, GPS tracker, a bloody loud horn/security horn and lights that are bright enough to light up in the day.
I am happy and content and that will do. (for the next little while anyway Maybe a Harrop 122 supercharger, tough auto and a exhaust system in a year or two providing no other issues:bat: :bat: . )

Few photos of the polish

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveallpolished002.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveallpolished003.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveallpolished005.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveallpolished006.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveallpolished004.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveallpolished001.jpg

The great thing about the Next wax is that is does not leave a white residue behind and you can polish the cars plastic and window surrounds. Also gets rid of the fine scratches and marks really well without doing a cut and polish.
Good stuff for a budget wax and polish.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/Aveallpolished007.jpg

[DaveHAT]

I have decided to leave the decals off as the wheels break up the shape enough.

:thumbs: :dance: :yahoo: :woohoo: :bow: :werd:

Thank you !!

The 5 spokers suit it nicely Listy and sometimes the simplest of appearences are the best.

:cheers:

[GTS Listy]

Nothing has changed on the Avalanche but this heppened the other day. Rather piss poor I thought.

While I am here the Train Horns ROCK. Best mod ever. Saved the car or atleast some damage on more than one occasion and does exactly what I wanted. Also I really really like these cars. Fantastic and I still think they are the best all rounder Holden ever did.

Just need to shrink a foot or a bit less so I can buy either of those two awesome coupe 4s for sale atm for a every day car and retire the GTS.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/100_2430.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/100_2429.jpg

[GTS Listy]

I hope like crazy this is third time lucky and that is it for the Avalanche bingles. Only a baby hit but still enough damage for a claim. The misses reversed out and someone in a red car was not looking straight ahead and run into the back of the car in a carpark. He would have had stacks of room to know the car was reversing out but must of been looking for parks and not straight ahead. Late 70s or more in age.
You can see the sun shade totally blocked the misses view so it was impossible to see the red car with the sun pointing into it. By the video she was only going totally slow like almost not moving reversing out yet someone still managed to hit the car. I have the actual hit on video but will leave that until insurance etc is all sorted. The other car was a real old barina

Still if you have a sun shade on the back windowns to look after the kids with the sun be aware the buggers can totally block views if the sun in going into them directly and some color cars.
Check the very start of the video and you can see the red car just dissapear in the shade. Passenger back window

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCDoa2GJe3w

This is the damage. The other car was a fair bit worse as they nailed the toe bar and not exactly doing the 5km/h limit.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/100_2919.jpg

and a pic sample from the video. Disapearing red car.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/CH1_20100621_045006.jpg

[GTS Listy]

The damage seems to be a rear bumper and teh back plasic number plate surround. The back bumber goes all the way around and is part of the rear flairs too. bloody huge thing. Since it is all apart I am going to see if I can get the 4 tips installed and custom make the bumber to suit. I will chat to the smash repair and the exhaust shop to see how much trouble it will be.

Once again a call to shannons for another claim. Amazing in 20 years zero accidents yet in the 4 years we have had the avalanche that is 3 on the one car. Must be the silver. No other reason I can see.
Considering I was going to get the older model CLK 55AMG in silver I am really wondering if that is a good idea.

[ghz28]

A bit dated, 2003, but here is a bit of info......

Which are the safest cars? Drivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars! While the results are surprising, more studies need to be performed before we all rush out and repaint or replace our vehicles.

The scientists did not explain why there was such a disparity in accident rates. Perhaps lighter colored cars are more visible, or perhaps the people who choose such cars are a self-selecting group of safe drivers

So maybe it is just self fulfilling destiny, stuff happens...... :)

I think in Europe now silver and black are more than half the new cars sold. Especially black, never seen so many outside the Secret Service garage as when I was in Germany last time.

gh

[GTS Listy]

$4500 repair. What a joke parts cost. Rear bumper $1900, the surround bit above the bumper around the plate $790+gst. Then the side flair which got cracked somehow when the back bumper flexed $590+gst.
Paint, fitting etc make up the rest. No wonder insurance costs a fortune for this car. Add to that the history of damage and man very expensive.

I am doing the 4 tip exhaust by using parts from the old bumper to match the other side. Pretty handy actually as it is just a quick cut and some plastic welding. Issue is finding the right tips to do the job. There is enough room for a T off and 2 inch cross pipe just behind the fuel tank. It is purely for some added style on the back and nothing to do with performance.

Now to wait 4 to 6 weeks for the parts but no problems as I have polished out all the red and crap and you can not really tell from a distance there is damage.

[GTS Listy]

Well the KBR are being retired from the GTS to get replaced with some others. I have put them on the Avalanche now. Fit perfectly down to the mm perfect offset.

Look pretty good and the old bugger is getting some looks again.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/100_3131.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/100_3140.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/100_3134.jpg

These are the planned exhaust tips but still thinking. I am struggling to find copies atm. The originals are over $1000usd.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/HSVListy/253357.jpg

[GTS Listy]

Well only took2.5 months for the parts to get her this time. Last time was 4 so I guess I have to be greatfull

Also in that time the bloke I had lined up to do the plastic welding on the car to make the twin side outlets has left town and sold his business so again no one I can trust for the work. Not havng much luck

Simply put I will just stick to what is there.
The KBR wheels and good fat tyres fatten the car up nicely and adds a bit of uniqueness to it not that it needs it as it is the only Avalanche wagon in town. Strangly enough the ride is so much better than the 18s, better turn in, less weight on the steering wheel in slow turns which is all good news.

So no mods on the avalanche for now and the forceable future. Just enjoying the car.
Not sure but did I mention the train horns friggen rock.