Commodore Picture Archives

I lifted this message from AUS.CARS newsgroup. bdignam@bigpond.net.au was the poster.

Garrett made turbo kits for the Holden 202 (red, and blue) in the late 70s and 80s. There are still many kits that pop up for sale in the Trading Post and at various swap meets around the country. Three of my best mates have had Turbo 202s. 1 in a VC commodore and 2 in LJ Toranas.

The Commodore engine was stock standard except for the following --> Camshaft, Decompression plate, Garrett Strata 2 Turbo Kit (Inlet and Exhaust manifolds) mid size Garrett turbo, 650cfm Holley, regraphed blue motor distributor, 3" mandrel bent exhaust.The only other mods to the car were VL turbo diff, and a Celica 5 speed. On 22psi this car ran 12.9@108mph at Eastern Creek.

The 2 Toranas had more engine work done to them, including --> alloy Yellow Terra cylinder heads, Roller Rockers, HQ racing pistons (cast) Romac Harmonic Balancer, Twin 2" SU's with custom fuel system, 4" Mandrel Bent Exhaust, and other small engine mods. These Toranas ran 11.0@122mph on 25 psi, and 11.2@119mph on 20 psi. (11.0 was auto and 11.2 was manual)

There was an LJ Torana in Qld with similar engine mods (but larger turbo and ALOT more boost and running alcohol) that ran 9.4. This just goes to show the potential of the old 202. Its not the most sofisicated engine, but it is capable of making impressive power. Mind you all these cars I have mentioned had carbies and no intercoolers fitted.

For a basic engine similar to that in the VC Commodore expect to part with $4000 - $5000 once you rebuild the engine, obtain manifolds and a wastegate, recondition a second hand turbo, fuel pump, regraph the distributor, decent exhaust system and fit a decent camshaft.

For more info ring Leon at Turbos R Us on (02) 9674 8880. He has 20 years experience in turbos in particular the Holden 202.