Why the Holden Commodore Is an Aussie DIY Legend... Still

Advice /

July 2025

10 minute read

Whether your Commodore is a long-distance highway tourer, an inner-city runabout, a V8 burnout hero or a retired fleet car, how you use it determines how you maintain it. Aussie roads, heat, towing loads, and fuel quality each stress different systems—auto trans fluid, suspension bushes, ignition coils, timing chains, and cooling systems.

Holden Commodores, particularly in the form of the Commodore SS and HSV models, achieved significant success in Australian touring car racing (like the Bathurst 1000), further cementing the Commodore's status as an icon - and the status of one particular racing legend who became known as "King of the Mountain".

If you have grown up in Australia or have even touched its shores in some way, its hard not to have a strong emotional connection to this Aussie-built favourite - it symbolises so much that was and is still great about Australian ingenuity.

Why the Holden Commodore Is an Aussie DIY Legend

From VLs to VE SSs to VF wagons hauling tradie gear, the Holden Commodore is one of Australia’s most wrenched-on vehicles. Whether you’re maintaining a family sedan or modifying a V8 for track days, the Commodore community thrives on DIY fixes.

“Its clear that nearly every Commodore platform, from RB30s to Alloytecs and LS engines. They’re built tough—but they’re also made to be repaired with common tools in the driveway.” Haynes Editorial Team

What Makes the Commodore DIY-Friendly

Aussie-Built, Aussie-Tested: Designed for local roads, climate, and conditions—makes diagnosis more predictable
RWD Layout, Room to Work: Engine bay access and conventional drivetrains mean easier repairs and upgrades
Parts Availability: Strong aftermarket support across all models, especially for the VT–VF series
Huge Owner Base: Forums, wrecker yards, Facebook groups—Commodore ownership means DIY support
A range of Holden Commodore Haynes manuals!

Commodore Generations at a Glance (Australian Market)

Gen	Years	Key Engines	Usage	DIY Watch-outs
VB–VL	1978–1988	202, 253/308, RB30E/T	Classic cruiser, track toy, resto project	Cooling issues, rust, carb tuning, brittle plastics
VN–VS	1988–1997	Buick 3.8, 5.0L V8, Ecotec	Daily drivers, tow cars, bush bashers	Coil packs, heater cores, trans mounts, rear shocks
VT–VZ	1997–2006	Ecotec, LS1, Alloytec	Fleet sedans, SS builds, wagons	Timing chains (Alloytec), radiator tanks, front control arm bushes
VE	2006–2013	Alloytec V6, L76/L98/L77 V8s	Tradie workhorses, weekend V8s	Timing chains, aircon compressors, suspension wear
VF	2013–2017	SIDI V6, Gen IV V8s (LS3)	Last-gen pride cars, modded sleepers	Mylink bugs, auto trans service needs, DI carbon build-up
ZB	2018–2020	2.0T, V6 AWD	City commuter, ex-rental	Electronics, AWD service difficulty

Commodore VB, VC, VH, VK and VL (1978–1988) - the beginning of the Australian love affair

The early Commodores combined European chassis tuning with Aussie muscle, particularly in the VL with its RB30 straight-six or turbocharged RB30ET. These models were based upon the original Opel Commodore and Rekord platforms.

These early Commodores were built to survive tough Australian conditions—but age and time are now their biggest enemies. This generation remains a favourite for restoration builds, track toys, and grassroots burnouts.

VB (1978-1980):

Introduced as Holden's new mid-size car, replacing the well-known Kingswood at the time. It was smaller and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, reflecting the impact of the 1973 oil crisis that triggered many design changes during the period.

VC (March 1980-1981):

A minor update to the VB, featuring some styling changes and mechanical improvements.

VH (1981-1984):

Introduced a new body style with sharper lines and a more modern look compared to the VB and VC. The last of the SLE series found in this model.

VK (1984-1986):

Further refined the design with a focus on aerodynamic improvements and a more luxurious feel.

VL (1986-1988):

This was a significant update, particularly notable for the introduction of the Nissan RB30 engine, replacing the older Holden six-cylinder engines. The VL also saw changes to the dashboard and exterior styling, including new headlights and a smoother body.

Usage & DIY Impact

Classic cruiser or Sunday special: Long periods of sitting leads to fuel varnish, clogged jets, dry seals, and brittle plastics. Fuel system cleaning and attention to carburettors can often be the first tasks.
Track day RB30ETs or paddock beaters: Frequent high revs can mean cracked engine mounts, oil blow-by, and cooling system fatigue. Oil catch can installs, radiator swaps and engine bay re-bushing are potential DIY projects.
Beach or bush cars: Rust blooms in wheel arches, boot seams, and lower doors from sand and moisture.

Watch-outs

Rust-prone when parked outdoors: Common around the boot floor and inner guards
RB30 loves revs but hates poor cooling: Thermostat and radiator upgrades common
Carby engines need tuning love: Poor idle or pinging under load? Check jets and timing

“Many VLs still on the road today have original hoses and brittle wiring. Before tuning for power, handle the basics—coolant, earth straps, and vac lines.” Haynes Editorial Team

DIY Topics

Carburettor service and tuning
Radiator and fan upgrades
Distributor & ignition timing setup
Rust repair panel prep and sealant tips
Check out our Haynes manual for a range of DIY tasks to assist with maintaining you VB-VL generation commodore!

Commodore VN–VS (1988–1997)

The VN kicked off the wide-body era and introduced the bulletproof 3.8L V6, later refined into the Ecotec. These Commodores were everywhere: rep fleet sedans, weekend SS warriors, wagons loaded with camping gear. Still a DIY favourite for affordability and parts availability.

Driving Habits & Maintenance Wear

Urban stop/start & heat soak (when engine is switched off and engine coolant isnt actively circulating): Alloytec V6s run hot. Repeated short trips can cook timing chains and stretch guides early.
Long-haul towing or family trips: LS1-powered SSs and V8 wagons often towed caravans or trailers—trans cooling is crucial. Check the radiator, fluid, and cooling fans regularly.
Tradie wagons or loaded Utes: YOu might expect flogged-out front control arm bushes, noisy tailshaft centre bearings, and perhaps uneven tyre wear.

Usage

Daily-driven VNs still pop up in the bush—they just won’t die
Tow cars cooked their 4-speed autos—fluid changes essential
Vibration under load? Worn trans mount or tailshaft centre bearing are possibilities

“These Commodores are relatively-simple underneath for those prepared to get stuck into they DIY” Haynes Editorial Team

DIY Topics

Trans mount & tailshaft replacement
Coil pack diagnosis
Cooling system flush & heater core access
Rear IRS bush and shock absorber replacement
Your Commodore 1988 to 1996 Haynes manual to help

Commodore VT–VZ (1997–2006)

Big interior upgrades, the first LS V8s, and the Alloytec V6. Holden’s most popular Commodore era—millions sold.

This generation cemented the Commodore as Australia’s family car. Today, they live on as bush runabouts, drift shells, and tow rigs.

Usage Scenarios & Repair Demands

Daily drivers turned rural warriors: High-mileage VNs and VSs that now live outback need suspension refreshes, steering rack boot replacement, and rear shock swaps. Haynes explains how to do this all with hand tools and axle stands.

Towing trailers or boats: Expect trans fluid to be brown if never changed—4L60E autos are sensitive to neglected maintenance. Our Haynes guide walks you through fluid changes without a lift.

Low-speed city use: Failing heater cores and dodgy idle sensors are common—especially if the car was parked under trees or not driven often. A Haynes multimeter test flow helps track down idle faults.

Watch-outs

Alloytec V6: Stretchy timing chains cause rough starts and misfires—interval-based replacement recommended
Front-end knock? Control arm bushes go early on rough roads
LS1 engines: Oil consumption and knock sensors fail with age

“If your Alloytec cranks long or throws a cam/crank correlation fault, odds are the timing chain is worn.” Haynes Editorial Team

DIY Topics

V6 timing chain replacement procedure
Front lower control arm bushing R&R
LS1 knock sensor access & reseal
Radiator replacement and air bleed procedure
Check out the Haynes Manual covering 1997 to 2006 Commodore models

Commodore VE (2006–2013)

Holden’s first ground-up platform. Quieter, heavier, and more refined—with bigger powertrains and more electronics. Holden’s clean-sheet design changed the game. These became the go-to for everything from company cars to tuned V8 cruisers and heavy-duty tradie Utes.

How usage triggers wear and tear

Heavily-loaded Utes or wagons: Aircon compressors and rear suspension bushes wear out fast with toolboxes or trailers. Haynes guides include compressor clutch diagnostics and bushing torque sequences.
City stop/start + remote climate control: Fans, resistors, and blend motors fail due to excessive cycling.
Weekend performance builds: Tuned V8s require fluid monitoring, engine mount reinforcement, and occasional O2 sensor swaps—especially after track days. All covered in Haynes V8 sections.

Watch-outs

Tradie wagons & Utes: Rear suspension bushes and rear tyres wear fast when loaded
Aircon failure: Compressors and blend motors can be weak links in hotter climates
Throttle body faults common: Surging at idle or cruise often solved with cleaning or replacement

“We’ve believe that VE suspension is easy to refresh if you know where to look and with the right DIY material to remove the guesswork.” Haynes Editorial Team

DIY Topics

Rear suspension bushing & spring R&R
AC compressor replacement & recharge prep
Throttle body service & ECU reset
Brake booster and master cylinder service
Check out the Haynes Manual for the Commodore 2007 to 2013 series models

Commodore VF (2013–2017)

The final Aussie-made Commodore. VF models were more refined, tech-savvy, and more complex under the bonnet—but still full of DIY opportunity.

Usage Impact on Maintenance

Mixed use (commute + weekend performance): Short trips can create moisture build up in direct-injection SIDI engines, leading to carbon deposits on valves. Inspect and clean safely.

Track days or spirited hills driving (SS/Redline): Brakes, fluids, and bushings can see heavy thermal cycling. Look to bleed brakes regularly, check for pad taper, and replace fluid.

Fleet cars turned family hacks: High km V6s with worn timing chains, collapsed engine mounts, and clogged trans filters can be common

Commodore ZB (2018–2020)

The import-only, FWD/AWD Insignia-based Commodore. More Euro than Aussie—and a little less friendly to work on.

Holden’s final chapter. European DNA made ZB less DIY-friendly, but not impossible.

Usage and DIY self-reliance

Inner-city commuters or ride-shares: Stop-start systems can wear batteries fast; turbos may suffer from oil coking.
AWD Tourers: Rear differential and centre coupling fluids degrade after long highway km. Fluid swaps with ramps and the right sockets are within DIY reach.
Ex-rental sedans: High-km cars often skip services—consider replacing all fluids and inspecting belts, PCV valves, and coil packs.

Usage

Not always easy: Transverse engines and compact bays frustrate repairs
AWD models: Transfer case and rear diff fluid changes tricky but important
2.0T Petrol: Timing belt intervals critical; turbo heat can bake nearby hoses

“If you’ve got a ZB, it’s still serviceable at home—but plan carefully. Avoid expensive dealership-only jobs by getting ahead of predictable usage-led issues.” Haynes Editorial Team

DIY Topics

Turbo system cooling checks
AWD fluid change planning
Front wheel bearing and CV joint service
Battery management & start/stop system reset
Our Haynes digital manual for the ZB

Final Word for Holden Commodore DIYers

Bushings = Ride Quality: Many Commodore clunks are rubber-related, not major mechanical faults.
Grounds Fix Gremlins: Poor earth points under dash or engine bay cause many electrical headaches.
Cooling Systems Need Love: Especially on V6s and RB-powered VLs—flush every 2 years minimum.
Don't Ignore Knocks: A simple $30 bushing now can save $300 in tyre or diff wear later.
Check out the range of Holden Commodore Haynes manuals