Our friends from Down Under never fail to deliver, as FullBoost hosts yet another video featuring boosted Aussie muscle. In this case, it’s a 2000 Holden Commodore VT Berlina. Essentially, an older, wagon version of the Monaro coupe that Americans enjoyed as their Pontiac GTO from 2004-2006.
Like our CTS-V wagon or the Dodge boy’s with their SRT8 Magnum, the Aussie Berlina was available with a very modifiable V8 engine from the factory. In this instance, it was equipped with one of the very first LS1s – generating a detuned 300 hp in Holden-spec. Base model Commodores and Monaros received the same supercharged L67 3.8L V6 that was found in our FWD W-bodies here in the States.
This particular example, however, is powered by a turbocharged, 402 ci. LQ9-based block, and produces as near as makes no difference, 700-plus rwkw, or roughly, 1,000 rwhp. The foundation of which includes a Lunati stroker crank, a custom-grind Crower camshaft, AFR heads and is topped off with a Holley Hi-Ram intake and throttle body.
Naturally, it take a bit more to generate 1000 rwhp from an LS-based 402, so the recipe also includes a Garrett GTX45R turbocharger cranking out 20-psi. of boost, and is paired with a Tunnel Vision custom housing, downpipe and a twin 3-inch exhaust system. The combination runs on pump E85 fuel and was tuned by Sass Automotive.
The boosted mill is backed by a Preston Auto TH400 gearbox and a TCE 3000 rpm stall torque converter, while a billet IRS houses a Preston-modified TruTrac differential and 3.45 gears in the rearend. With a 4950-lb. curb weight, the family hauler has produced a best elapsed time of 9.07 at 159!
We have a deep-rooted appreciation for under-appreciated and little-known performance vehicles. With such an usual combination running times as quick as these with so much working against it, this Berlina wagon can certainly be categorized as a 10-1 underdog overcoming adversity.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
