The VL SS Group A was the second car built for Group A racing purposes and also numbered 500 in total. Released in 1986 it was hot on top of Grice’s Bathurst win and the launch of the Unleaded V8. Due to the controversial Energy Polariser there was actually two versions of the Group A. Holden could see no technical merit in the Polariser and thus refused to fit it to the cars, so Brock refused to put decals with his signature on cars without it. As a result, Brock’s signature only appears on the higher spec Plus Pack variant.
The Plus Pack also included revised springs and anti roll bars as well as revised front suspension geometry and changed spring mounting pads. It also has improved cylinder head cooling with the introduction of an extra water passage to the head and a higher pressure fuel pump.
On the inside was a plaque on the glovebox indicating the vehicles build number. Seats were the familiar Scheel items and naturally the steering wheel was supplied by Momo, as was the leather gear knob.
The Exhaust was of the low restriction big bore variety and had headers designed with Group A racing in mind and as such featured a flange only inches from the cylinder heads. This was done as Group A regulations allowed a free exhaust from the first flange, so they put the first flange as close as possible to the engine to capitalise on the rules. The engine also featured heavy duty con rods and crankshaft as well as Crane (gold coloured) roller rockers and a lightened flywheel.
For the first time the Borg Warner T5G 5 speed transmission was standard fitment and diff was the 4 pinion Borg Warner item with 3.08 ratio
The new body kit comprised a new radiator grille, colour keyed bumpers, Racing specification spoilers on the front and on the boot lid and a small grooved Induction scoop attached to the bonnet with a new cold air induction set up.
All cars were painted in the Permanent Red colour, but of note is that the two prototypes were white.
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
4.987 Litre V8 Overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder. Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6 x 76.8. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Max Power: (DIN)137kw @ 4400rpm and 345nm at 3200rpm. Max recommended rpm 5600.
INDUCTION
Port matched inlet manifold and four barrel Rochester carburettor with cold air induction.
TRANSMISSION
Borg Warner T5G 5 Speed Manual.
Ratios
1st: 3.250
2nd: 1.990
3rd: 1.290
4th: 1.000
5th 0.720
DIFFERENTIAL
Borg Warner 4 Pinion limited slip differential. 3.08:1 Final drive ratio.
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted Rack & Pinion.
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independant. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Live axle located by trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Bilstein gas-pressurised shock absorbers all round
BRAKES
Power assisted front and rear discs.
Front: 289mm Ventilated discs
Rear: 280mm discs
WHEELS & TYRES
16″ x 7″ Momo star rims, Bridgestone Potenza RE71 205/55 VR16s. 16×8″ Momos were optional.
PERFORMANCE
0-100: 7.64 seconds
400m: 15.54 @ 141.7 best time according to Motor Magazine. Average 15.68 @ 139.8 km/h
FUEL TANK
63 Litres
NUMBER BUILT
500. Approx 173 of these were Plus Packs
PRICES
$29,600
OPTIONS
Air Conditioning: $1225
16″ x 8″ Momo rims
Sunroof
LE Side skirts & rear apron
KERB MASS
1295kg
