Commodore (VB-VL)
1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0
The Holden Commodore VB through VL generation represents the golden era of Australian motoring, a period when Holden truly owned the local market and built cars that resonated with the Australian driving experience. Launched in 1978, these Commodores were purpose-built for Australian roads and conditions, not simply badge-engineered imports, and they became the default choice for families, fleet operators, and enthusiasts alike. The VB introduced the now-iconic locally-developed V8 engine and refined the formula that made the LC Torana such a hit, while successive generations through the VJ, VK, VL refined the package with better handling, more power, and improved creature comforts that kept pace with international rivals.
These cars hold a special place in Australian automotive history and the hearts of those who grew up with them. The Commodore dominated touring car racing throughout this period, with the works Holden Dealer Team becoming the stuff of legend, and the road cars benefited from this competition heritage with upgrades that trickled down from the track. Whether it's a solid 202 V8, the punchy 304, or the later more sophisticated engines, there's a Commodore in this generation for every budget and purpose. Today they're revered in the classic car scene, equally at home at a concours event, a weekend cruise, or as a daily driver that actually works and won't empty your wallet.
The VB-VL Commodore remains quintessentially Australian, a car that defined an era and shaped the identity of a generation. They're affordable, reliable, and becoming increasingly collectible as people recognize their cultural significance and genuine engineering merits. Whether you're after original examples, modified street machines, or kept treasures, these Commodores offer fantastic value and genuine driving satisfaction.
Thinking of buying a Commodore (VB-VL)?
What to look for, what to pay, what to avoid.
What to watch for.
Worn Valve Stem Seals
Minor Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)
Worn Valve Stem Seals
MinorBlue smoke on startup that clears after 30 seconds to a minute. May also smoke briefly on deceleration after sustained highway driving.
The rubber valve stem seals harden and crack with age, allowing oil to seep past the valve stems and into the combustion chambers overnight.
Replace the valve stem seals. This can be done with the head in situ using a compressed air adapter to hold the valves up, you feed compressed air into the spark plug hole to keep the valve from dropping while you swap the seal. A valve spring compressor tool is essential. Budget $50-100 for a seal kit plus a Saturday afternoon.
Carburettor Issues (VB-VH)
Common Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)
Carburettor Issues (VB-VH)
CommonHard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, flooding, poor fuel economy, black smoke.
The Stromberg and Rochester carburettors used on VB-VH models wear internally. Needle valves stick, accelerator pump diaphragms perish, jets clog, and float levels drift. Ethanol in modern fuel attacks old rubber seals and accelerator pump cups.
A carburettor rebuild kit costs $40-80 and includes all the gaskets, seals, needle valve, and accelerator pump components. Rebuild it on the kitchen table over a weekend. If you're not comfortable with carby work, there are still specialists around, check local wreckers and auto-electrical shops. Alternatively, fit an aftermarket Weber or convert to EFI.
Oil Leaks (All Holden Six and V8)
Critical Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)
Oil Leaks (All Holden Six and V8)
CriticalOil on the garage floor, oil smell, oil coating on the underside of the engine.
The rear main seal on the Holden six and V8 is a rope seal that hardens with age. The rocker cover gasket, timing cover seal, and oil pan gasket also deteriorate. Every old Holden six or 308 V8 leaks oil, it's a question of how much.
Replace seals and gaskets as needed. The rear main seal requires the gearbox or engine to be removed, it's a significant job ($500-1,000 at a workshop). Rocker cover gaskets and timing cover seals are straightforward DIY jobs. Many owners live with a slow rear main seal leak and just keep the oil topped up.
Overheating in Traffic
Critical Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)
Overheating in Traffic
CriticalTemperature gauge climbs into the red zone in slow traffic or on hot days. May push coolant out the overflow.
The VB and VC cooling systems are marginal for the V8, particularly in Australian summer conditions. The factory radiator is often undersized, the clutch fan loses efficiency when worn, and the thermostat housing gasket can leak, reducing coolant flow.
Upgrade to a 3-core brass or aluminium radiator. Fit a thermo fan conversion (Davies Craig or similar) to replace the clutch fan. Ensure the thermostat is the correct rating (82°C) and the water pump is in good condition. A coolant flush and fresh coolant goes a long way.
Worn Valve Train
Common Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)
Worn Valve Train
CommonTicking or clattering from the top of the engine. May be constant or vary with RPM.
The 253 and 308 V8 use adjustable rocker arms with shaft-mounted rockers. The rocker shaft wears, the rocker arm tips wear where they contact the valve stem, and pushrod tips can wear into cups. High mileage and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear.
Inspect the rocker shaft for scoring and the rocker tips for excessive wear. Replace worn components. A Yella Terra roller rocker conversion eliminates the wear issue permanently and adds a useful amount of top-end power. Budget $400-800 for roller rockers.
Timing Chain Stretch
Critical Engine, Nissan RB30E (VL naturally aspirated)
Timing Chain Stretch
CriticalRattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start. Rough idle that may smooth out as the engine warms.
The RB30E uses a single-row timing chain that stretches over time. The hydraulic chain tensioner compensates to a point, but once the chain is beyond the tensioner's range, it rattles against the timing cover and can skip teeth.
Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides. The front cover must be removed. This is a full-day job. Budget $300-500 for parts and a full day of labour. Do not ignore timing chain rattle, a skipped chain will bend valves and destroy the engine.
Join the conversation.
Common questions.
What engines were available in the VB-VL Commodore?
The VB-VK models used Holden's own engines: the 3.3-litre (202 cubic inch) inline six and the 4.
Why did the VL use a Nissan engine?
General Motors directed Holden to source a modern engine rather than develop a new one in-house. The Holden 202 six was aging and didn't meet tightening emissions and fuel economy standards.
What is the VL Walkinshaw?
The VL Walkinshaw, officially the HSV VL SS Group A SV, was a limited-production homologation special built by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) for Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Only 750 were produced in 1988.
What is an HDT Commodore?
HDT stands for Holden Dealer Team, Peter Brock's motorsport and performance car operation. From the VH through to the VL, HDT offered a range of dealer-installed performance and cosmetic upgrades for Commodores.
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