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Hi all,
I’m chasing some help verifying whether my car is a genuine VH SS HDT Improved.
Here are the key details:
Build date: April 1983
Model: VH8VK69 (Commodore SS Sedan)
Body No: 591806-S (Elizabeth build)
Chassis/VIN: 8K69TC L591806 H
Engine: L31 (5.0L 308ci), number stamped VT38003
Trans: M21 4-speed manual
Diff: GU4 (3.08 LSD)
Trim: 1920-79T (Claret tweed)
Paint: 1F 075-D (Fiery/Flame Red)
Features on the car now:
HDT Improved dash badge
Momo/HDT steering wheel & gear knob
Suspension mods (Pedders Gas Sports Ryder shocks, Whiteline/King springs, thicker sway bars)
Brown Davis drop tank
Engine rebuilt previously with B-cast heads, ACL pistons, late A9L rods (BNB Engines / Terry Wallis Motors)
What I know:
Definitely a genuine VH SS (tags all match).
Previous auction listings described it as HDT Improved.
A few things on it (badge, wheel, suspension, drop tank) aren’t standard SS, so I’m trying to confirm if it went through Bertie Street as an Improved car.
Appreciate any guidance, records, or if anyone here recognises the car or numbers.
Cheers,
Brad
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Not sure about the car but that engine number is out of a VB. |
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Is the engine number missing a 6th digit ? It is not recorded in the "Brock Bible" as HDT build. Thanks Mark. |
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Originally Posted by: Beansy  Hi all,
I’m chasing some help verifying whether my car is a genuine VH SS HDT Improved.
Here are the key details:
Build date: April 1983
Model: VH8VK69 (Commodore SS Sedan)
Body No: 591806-S (Elizabeth build)
Chassis/VIN: 8K69TC L591806 H
Engine: L31 (5.0L 308ci), number stamped VT38003
Trans: M21 4-speed manual
Diff: GU4 (3.08 LSD)
Trim: 1920-79T (Claret tweed)
Paint: 1F 075-D (Fiery/Flame Red)
Features on the car now:
HDT Improved dash badge
Momo/HDT steering wheel & gear knob
Suspension mods (Pedders Gas Sports Ryder shocks, Whiteline/King springs, thicker sway bars)
Brown Davis drop tank
Engine rebuilt previously with B-cast heads, ACL pistons, late A9L rods (BNB Engines / Terry Wallis Motors)
What I know:
Definitely a genuine VH SS (tags all match).
Previous auction listings described it as HDT Improved.
A few things on it (badge, wheel, suspension, drop tank) aren’t standard SS, so I’m trying to confirm if it went through Bertie Street as an Improved car.
Appreciate any guidance, records, or if anyone here recognises the car or numbers.
Cheers,
Brad all these don't make sense ... Build date: April 1983
Model: VH8VK69 (Commodore SS Sedan)
Body No: 591806-S (Elizabeth build)
Chassis/VIN: 8K69TC L591806 H
Engine: L31 (5.0L 308ci), number stamped VT38003Elizabeth build with a 'L' tag is ok but ... Body number has - S ? Isn't Elizabth - A? Engine number starts with VT.. that code sequence started with VB build (and went until VK LV2 started) so needs a proper engine number and preferably block casting date too but Build plate?.. no details but MUST have XV2 (- SS Commodore Sports Sedan (VH & VK)) following on from VH8VK69 stamping on plate |
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Originally Posted by: justgm Is the engine number missing a 6th digit ? It is not recorded in the "Brock Bible" as HDT build. Thanks Mark. When looking at this more, yes I did drop a number and also made a typo (apologies) I guess it makes it a tad hard to get help when i give the wrong info... sorry about that Model -VH8VK69-XV2 Body - 591806-A Trim - 1980-79T Paint 1F 075-D Apr 83 L31, M21 GU4 CVH1040103A VT380009 on another tag it has the following 8k69TC L591806 H Appreciate the response Mark.
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That’s better for the engine number.
Notice how consistent GMH were with RPO codes? HQ SS was V8 Belmont sedan with XV2 applied. The next time they used SS for the sports sedan based upon the base vehicle was on VH. |
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If we all had the same (good) taste, who would buy all the Fords? |
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Originally Posted by: Smitty2 Originally Posted by: Beansy Hi all,
I’m chasing some help verifying whether my car is a genuine VH SS HDT Improved.
Here are the key details:
Build date: April 1983
Model: VH8VK69 (Commodore SS Sedan)
Body No: 591806-S (Elizabeth build)
Chassis/VIN: 8K69TC L591806 H
Engine: L31 (5.0L 308ci), number stamped VT38003
Trans: M21 4-speed manual
Diff: GU4 (3.08 LSD)
Trim: 1920-79T (Claret tweed)
Paint: 1F 075-D (Fiery/Flame Red)
Features on the car now:
HDT Improved dash badge
Momo/HDT steering wheel & gear knob
Suspension mods (Pedders Gas Sports Ryder shocks, Whiteline/King springs, thicker sway bars)
Brown Davis drop tank
Engine rebuilt previously with B-cast heads, ACL pistons, late A9L rods (BNB Engines / Terry Wallis Motors)
What I know:
Definitely a genuine VH SS (tags all match).
Previous auction listings described it as HDT Improved.
A few things on it (badge, wheel, suspension, drop tank) aren’t standard SS, so I’m trying to confirm if it went through Bertie Street as an Improved car.
Appreciate any guidance, records, or if anyone here recognises the car or numbers.
Cheers,
Brad all these don't make sense ... Build date: April 1983
Model: VH8VK69 (Commodore SS Sedan)
Body No: 591806-S (Elizabeth build)
Chassis/VIN: 8K69TC L591806 H
Engine: L31 (5.0L 308ci), number stamped VT38003Elizabeth build with a 'L' tag is ok but ... Body number has - S ? Isn't Elizabth - A? Engine number starts with VT.. that code sequence started with VB build (and went until VK LV2 started) so needs a proper engine number and preferably block casting date too but Build plate?.. no details but MUST have XV2 (- SS Commodore Sports Sedan (VH & VK)) following on from VH8VK69 stamping on plate 100% right, apologies. I was making notes and flicking in between and left some crucial info out... Model -VH8VK69-XV2 Body - 591806-A Trim - 1980-79T Paint 1F 075-D Apr 83 L31, M21 GU4 CVH1040103A VT380009 on another tag it has the following 8k69TC L591806 H not sure if i read this right, correct me if im wrong, I think the casting number is "11k2" Thank you for your response.
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Originally Posted by: HK1837 That’s better for the engine number.
Notice how consistent GMH were with RPO codes? HQ SS was V8 Belmont sedan with XV2 applied. The next time they used SS for the sports sedan based upon the base vehicle was on VH. Getting there... must admit though, the intricacies isn't of the history isn't my strong point, which you've probably already guessed. Initially, I thought I had a standard vh ss, which im completely happy with, but there are a few other bits on it that made me want to learn more about it. Appreciate you taking the time to comment. Cheers
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I thought a VH SS was standard with a 4.2? Even the HDT modified Group 1-3. The standard GMH 5.0L or the V5H version were optional depending upon the car. |
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 1 user thanked HK1837 for this useful post.
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Originally Posted by: HK1837 I thought a VH SS was standard with a 4.2? Even the HDT modified Group 1-3. The standard GMH 5.0L or the V5H version were optional depending upon the car. This was my original thought as well. However, there are a few that came out with the 5lt. Happy to be told otherwise, as im sure, there are much more knowledgeable people on this matter then me. So this, plus a few other bits on the car has lead me to wanting to build out the history. Which I might regret 😀
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5.L was optional was what I meant. A standard SS. regardless of if a Group car or not was a 4.2. |
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Originally Posted by: HK1837 I thought a VH SS was standard with a 4.2? Even the HDT modified Group 1-3. The standard GMH 5.0L or the V5H version were optional depending upon the car. correct that ! 4.2 V8s rule in all VH models.. GMH or HDT with the 5.0 as an option in all too just gotta find my copy of the HDT build book to see if this is a VH 'Group car or just a standard SS with some HDT options (aka enhanced) Edited by user Tuesday, 16 September 2025 6:05:22 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Smitty2 Originally Posted by: HK1837 I thought a VH SS was standard with a 4.2? Even the HDT modified Group 1-3. The standard GMH 5.0L or the V5H version were optional depending upon the car. correct that ! 4.2 V8s rule in all VH models.. GMH or HDT with the 5.0 as an option in all too just gotta find my copy of the HDT build book to see if this is a VH 'Group car or just a standard SS with some HDT options (aka enhanced) That would be greatly appreciated Smitty2. Edited by user Tuesday, 16 September 2025 10:46:21 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: HK1837 That’s better for the engine number.
Notice how consistent GMH were with RPO codes? HQ SS was V8 Belmont sedan with XV2 applied. The next time they used SS for the sports sedan based upon the base vehicle was on VH. Was the VH XV2 the same basic spec as the HQ XV2? That is, 4.2, 4 speed, same diff ratio, dual exhaust, 14x6 Sports wheels??? |
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Originally Posted by: Blu253 Originally Posted by: HK1837 That’s better for the engine number.
Notice how consistent GMH were with RPO codes? HQ SS was V8 Belmont sedan with XV2 applied. The next time they used SS for the sports sedan based upon the base vehicle was on VH. Was the VH XV2 the same basic spec as the HQ XV2? That is, 4.2, 4 speed, same diff ratio, dual exhaust, 14x6 Sports wheels??? Hey Blu253, No, 5lt with the m21, which i believe is different ratios? and the diff is GU4 LSD, to that of the HQ was an open diff and different ratios? Currently has HDT Aeros on it. Also, it appear to what im guessing as a group side skirts and rear spoiler put on. Just not sure at what stage this was done. Apparently, it was done from dealership. As of today, i spoke to the original owner of 30 years today and he noted it was sent back for the HDT enhancements, so not sure what this means or outcome yet. He is going help chase papers up, as he originally also worked at holdens for 50 years.
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Originally Posted by: Beansy Originally Posted by: Blu253 Originally Posted by: HK1837 That’s better for the engine number.
Notice how consistent GMH were with RPO codes? HQ SS was V8 Belmont sedan with XV2 applied. The next time they used SS for the sports sedan based upon the base vehicle was on VH. Was the VH XV2 the same basic spec as the HQ XV2? That is, 4.2, 4 speed, same diff ratio, dual exhaust, 14x6 Sports wheels??? Hey Blu253, No, 5lt with the m21, which i believe is different ratios? and the diff is GU4 LSD, to that of the HQ was an open diff and different ratios? Currently has HDT Aeros on it. Also, it appear to what im guessing as a group side skirts and rear spoiler put on. Just not sure at what stage this was done. Apparently, it was done from dealership. As of today, i spoke to the original owner of 30 years today and he noted it was sent back for the HDT enhancements, so not sure what this means or outcome yet. He is going help chase papers up, as he originally also worked at holdens for 50 years. Thanks Beansy, sounds a nice car. I was more thinking of the basic spec VH SS. It seems to me to be a re do of the HQ pack, but with the ability to build upon it to get to a car like the one you are looking at. 👍🏻 Edited by user Wednesday, 17 September 2025 3:59:28 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Blu253 Originally Posted by: HK1837 That’s better for the engine number.
Notice how consistent GMH were with RPO codes? HQ SS was V8 Belmont sedan with XV2 applied. The next time they used SS for the sports sedan based upon the base vehicle was on VH. Was the VH XV2 the same basic spec as the HQ XV2? That is, 4.2, 4 speed, same diff ratio, dual exhaust, 14x6 Sports wheels??? Nup.. no way guys! VH XV2 had 4 wheel diskbrakes, (NOT on HQ) 4.2 litre XT5 engine - better heads, HEI and 4BBL Quaddie STANDARD (5.0 if you wanted more power) HQ only had XT4 253ci engine with 2BBL carb and points ignition VH has M21 box (as used with 5.0 engine) and 3.08 ratio diff. HQ? ... M20 V8 box and 3.36 diff Neither diffs had LSDs standard Similarities?? Both had N10 twin exhaust and 14"sports wheels. VH was alloy, HQ was steel Edited by user Wednesday, 17 September 2025 5:44:53 PM(UTC)
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Makes sense Smitty.
If i knew how, I Would have added a photo
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Both XV2 are similar, the Torana XV1 was too (Gpack).
The HQ SS was a sporty V8 Belmont sedan. It got the two performance options available, N10 dual exhaust and GV4 3.36 rear axle. It got some items not available on Belmont or V8 Belmont: Fluted guards, Sports steering wheel and console shift. Plus some of the regular options: XS6 buckets, U21 sports dash and N66 Rally Wheels. Plus they were only limited colours. I know it’s not the same thing as a VH SS but it’s essentially the same concept. So was the XV1 Gpack.
Smitty, HQ SS didn’t have an XT4 engine, they weren’t around until HX pilot production began. |
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