In 1998, HDT’s Magnum was re-released to the public in ute form. The new VS Magnum’s offered an optional suspension package consisting of Adjustable Koni Shocks with lowered Lovell springs along with a 32mm HDT Sway bar and engine bay strut brace. As with the Aero, a Hi-flo air filter was used while the memcal chip increased power and also increased efficiently. Exhaust was of the standard GMH variety with the exception of the 63mm headers and the 75mm stainless tip. Externally the Magnum sported the obligatory colour coded body kit consisting of a one piece front bumper, side skirts, individual door panels, and rear bar extension piece. Like the Aero colour coding continued to the engine bay where the strut bar and engine covers were also coloured.
The Hydratrak diff was also there for the taking on some of the WA flavoured cars. The T5 was stock but was recommended to run Mobil Synthetic Oil and was backed up by an HDT performance clutch and balanced flywheel. While on this point I might highlight that WA’s HDT Operator Bill Lee oversaw the production of a one off Magnum, fitted with a CAPA Powerdyne supercharger and produced somewhere around 300kw at the wheels – all within full approval from the HDT hierarchy.
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
HDT Improved 304 Cubic Inch (5.0 Litre) V8, overhead valves, 2 valves / cylinder Bore x Stroke (mm): 102.0 mm bore and 77.0mm stroke, 9.5:1 compression. Max Power 195kw
INDUCTION
Electronic Multi-point port fuel injection.
TRANSMISSION
Turbo HydraMatic 700 (THM700) Automatic or T5 5 Spd Manual.
Ratios:(T5 only)
First: 2.950
Second: 1.940
Third: 1.340
Fourth: 1.00
Fifth: 0.730
DIFFERENTIAL
3.08:1
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted Rack & Pinion. 2.8 turns lock to lock. 10.4m turning circle.
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independant. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Live axle located by upper and lower trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar.
BRAKES
Split circuit hydraulic system with power booster.
Front: 287mm Ventilated discs.
Rear: 279mm Discs.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System):Bosch 5.0
WHEELS & TYRES
Milano 16″ x 7.0″ with Dunlop Bathurst 225/50/16 tyres.
PERFORMANCE
Unknown
FUEL TANK
64 Litres
NUMBER BUILT
100.
PRICES
Around $60000
