VL SS Group A
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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.
See below for the VL Group A Sales Brochure.
| 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 carburetor 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 |
| Clutch: | Single Dry Plate |
| Differential | Borg Warner 4 Pinion limited slip differential. 3.08:1 Final drive ratio. |
| 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. 16x8" 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. |
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