Holden hotshop turns its attention to restoring past models to full health
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is set to expand the engine optimisation program it launched in March this year.
Currently limited to MY17 Gen-F3 models powered by a LSA 6.2-litre supercharged LSA V8 with fewer than 5000km on the odometer, the program is planned to expand to all LS-engined cars, Walkinshaw Group commercial director Chris Polites told Carsales.com
This would include essentially every HSV model from the VTII ClubSport onwards, which introduced the Chevrolet LS1 engine, allowing owners to have their engines rebuilt to better-than-new specifications by factory technicians.
The work will be carried out by the Walkinshaw Racing engine shop, whose technicians have a little more time on their hands with Supercars moving to a single engine supplier from 2023.
Engines will be balanced, blueprinted, hand-assembled and dyno tested at the Walkinshaw Racing engine shop, in a similar manner to the ‘engine blueprint’ option offered for the VS GTS-R back in 1996.
However, while ticking that option box increased outputs from 215kW/475Nm to 226kW/507Nm, no uplift in power and torque is expected from the new program.
Instead, the intent is to ensure the engine is producing its stock outputs; Polites confirmed that while Walkinshaw Performance handles modifications, HSV will remain OEM.
Initially, just one slot per calendar month for the remainder of 2022 was made available and all were spoken for immediately, even at an expected cost of $15,000 plus GST.
Output is expected to double going forward, but at just 24 cars per year, it will remain a very exclusive club.
The engine optimisation program is the next phase in HSV ramping up its support to existing owners, the brand recently announcing it would begin to reproduce parts for older models using the original tooling and suppliers.
Full body kits for VY and VE models are now available as well as badge sets and the list of parts will continue to grow.
HSV is also taking one-off commissions for customers who want something a bit different.
A number of one-off HSVs have been built over the years including a VXII GTS, WH Grange with a six-speed manual, Gen-F3 GTSR Sportwagon and Lamborghini Green W427, among others. For more information visit HSV’s Heritage website.
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Keyword: HSV expands engine optimisation program