We recently had the opportunity to delve into the details of such a car, and the results are nothing short of astonishing.
The VF GTS is considered by many to be the pinnacle of HSV's engineering. With its robust build and high-performance capabilities, it's a car that many believe went out with a bang. Even in its stock form, the VF GTS is a magnificent machine to drive. Some owners opt for mild tuning—boost pulleys, exhausts, and tunes—to make good power and speed. However, the owner of this one had something far more ambitious in mind.
The owner wasn't content with just mild modifications. Instead, he opted for a complete overhaul, turning his VF GTS into a genuine eight-second street car. The transformation involved a series of upgrades, starting with the engine. The original LS motor was replaced with a 427 Dart LS Next block, Mast LS7 heads, and a host of other high-performance components.
One of the most significant changes was the turbo. The car now sports a G57 94mm turbo, a step up from the original. This upgrade was made with future plans in mind, as the owner has even bigger aspirations for the car.
The car still runs on the factory ECU, but plans are in place to switch to a Haltech or similar system. The transmission is a Paul Rogers Reid case Turbo 400, capable of handling the immense power generated by the modified engine.
Safety is paramount when you're dealing with a car of this calibre. The owner has installed a six-point roll cage, neatly tucked away but providing essential protection.
What sets this car apart from many other high-performance vehicles is that it's not just a weekend warrior. This car is driven five days a week, come rain, snow, or sunshine. It's a testament to the build quality and the owner's passion for using what they’ve built.
The car recently ran an 8.9-second quarter-mile at over 150 mph at Heathcote, with the owner driving it to and from the track. The goal is to bring that time down to 8.5 seconds, and given the car's performance on its first outing, that seems entirely achievable.
The owner has no plans to stop here. With the turbo and engine set up for even more power, the sky's the limit for this HSV VF GTS. Future plans include a new ECU and possibly more mechanical tweaks to push the boundaries of what's possible.
Explore the transformation of a Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) VFGDS into an eight-second street car. From engine upgrades to daily driving, discover how this car pushes the boundaries of performance.
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