VFACTS April 2024

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Each time I read about American I-6 engines, it makes me realise just how fantastic the Barra six was.

I wonder if Holden had it’s time over whether it would have evolved its I-6 the same way…
The painful cost of Nissan I-6 that nearly broke them and then settling for Buick V6…yikes….
I guess the Alloytec won back a lot of buyers but still seems like the long way around…
Still, the Alloytec probably won back a lot of lost ground…

Do you mean the Ecotec? The Alloytec had the Holden service department telling my Dad not to upgrade his VY to a VZ as they were having so much trouble with the latter motor.

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Jeep takes axe to Grand Cherokee prices

Jeep has slashed prices of its Grand Cherokee by up to $28,000 as sales of its latest generation of family SUV have continued to slump.

https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-new...herokee-prices

This illustrates just how much fat is built into car pricing in this country.

That's a reality moment right there. We had an older model GC overseas and as a new hire car it was quite nice - so checked them out and gasped at the price seeing 70's and 80s asked. Thought it would be selling in 50s to 60s. Their sales results are a pity as the design of it is really good, and it's still one of the only ways to get AWD/4x4 and a petrol 6.

Edit: if only the Americans had listened to this man

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming

Instead, he went to Japan...

[XR Martin]

Ecotec was a rough old nugget, but were just as indestructible as the Falcon six without the headgasket issues.

[Sprintey]

Yep a 186 was both smoother and indestructible.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Yep a 186 was both smoother and indestructible.

My parentage was not of Ford origin, but of Holden, so don't ask me how or why I landed in the blue camp. My father owned a number of Holden's, although none after I was born. He has always been adamant that the 186 was the best 6-cylinder engine they made, in particular the specific balance between capacity/ability to rev, and how they responded to modifications.

[Franco Cozzo]

I got love for the Ecotec/Buick V6, thats the best modern-era GM 6 cylinder ever.

Yeah its rough, but **** its indestructible, just everything about it, even electrically its good.

That era Commodore basically only do intake manifold gaskets, DFI, coil packs, CKP, ignition key slip rings and sometimes BCM.

The HF V6 'Alloytec' successor is an absolute turd from a reliability standpoint in comparison.

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My parentage was not of Ford origin, but of Holden, so don't ask me how or why I landed in the blue camp. My father owned a number of Holden's, although none after I was born. He has always been adamant that the 186 was the best 6-cylinder engine they made, in particular the specific balance between capacity/ability to rev, and how they responded to modifications.

Agree, grew up with Holden 6's and the 186 was held in higher regard than my red 173 and 202s. Apparently 202s would burn out valves out in the tropics - still quite robust though. Base 186 is a joy, a bit of torque down low (peak 1600 revs) and it can get up and go along for us Grampa Sports enthusiasts. Very tuneable, I could probably still adjust the carby and distributor in my sleep. Would love to try a 186S or 186 X2 to see what they are like.

For the more recent era I like their ecotec, but without being a mechanic I'd be stuffed trying to replace that timing sensor thingy on the side of the highway.

If I had the space:

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...17227521/?Cr=0

Do you have space for that wags Franco?