VC COMMODORE

VC COMMODORE

The Holden Commodore (VC) is a mid-size car that was produced by the Australian manufacturer Holden, from 1980 to 1981. It was the second iteration of the first generation of this Australian made model.

The VC Commodore was launched on 30 March 1980 and is primarily distinguished by its “egg-crate” style grille. This series brought many improvements over the VB Commodore and maintained the Commodore’s place as the best selling car in Australia. It was replaced by the VH series in October 1981.
The improvements included revised suspension to improve ride and handling, a few cosmetic changes and the availability of new options such as cruise control.

However, one of the biggest changes were a series of engine upgrades which included redesigned cylinder heads, now with a single intake and exhaust port for every cylinder, improved intake/exhaust manifolds, new camshafts and pistons and an all-new carburettor called the Rochester Varajet, as well as the fitment of electronic ignition. In total, these upgrades brought up to 25 percent more power and 15 percent better fuel efficiency. The engine block on these motors were painted a blue colour (as opposed to the previous red) and were known as the XT5 versions, although are commonly referred to as the Blue motors.

As well as changes to the existing engines, a new 1.9-litre inline-four engine was introduced. Known as the Starfire four, the new engine was the 2.85-litre blue inline-six engine with two cylinders removed. Also used in the UC Sunbird, this engine was fitted to the Commodore in response to increasing pressure from the 1979 energy crisis. This new engine was not a complete success however, as its lack of power meant the engine needed to be pushed hard to deliver acceptable performance, negating any fuel saving benefits.