Armin, thanks for all the "how to" videos. They have been a great help to me as I modified my SS! Kind of disappointing that you are done with mods, but I guess there has to be an end sometime.
Thanks for the video mate. I've watched a lot of your SS content, having one of my own that I also love. I did the cam, lifters, etc around 60,000km as a preventative measure with the LS3 known to throw a lifter at some point (but not always). Had an after-market cam and LS7 lifters along with exhaust upgrade and it's transformed the car.
We Aussies would have been very happy to keep upgrading the model, had not GM in the USA, not shutdown manufacturing at the Holden manufacturing plants. (after accepting $750,000 of taxpayer money to stay) I am certain we would have had some genuine beasts for you to still enjoy.
I’ve had my windshield replaced twice under warranty for delimitation defects I’ve had rear tail lights leak water and fill my truck up luckily I had weather tech mats and I’ve had sunroof motor failed in the rain and dealer had to replace the complete headliner and sunroof motor and control panel after cam swapping it with headers and straight pipe exhaust i kept it for about another 20k miles and sold it the dealer that bought it for 40k put new breaks on it and stuck it on the lot and someone acting like a interested buyer snatched the keys and stole the car and crashed it two blocks away so I unfortunately got pictures of the aftermath of that and it sold at auction for 35k was a super fun car and got a lot of attention but with gas prices it wasn’t cost effective to keep any longer love the red!
Wow, Armin, I had to come right to this video because I was afraid you sold it thank God you did and I hope that I can get one but, fir now Im still trying to enjoy my TBSS !!
I learned from dealer that battery charge read-out on dash doesn't necessarily reflect real charge...or at least that's what I was told. I got a weird Stabilitrack light come on for no apparent reason, along with same message urging a service call. Supposedly the Stabilitrack light is a symptom of battery issues, even if light goes out.
Nice video. My Holden VE Calais in Australia just reached 110k miles - and the Dex6 ATM fluid in my 6L80 tranny is still cherry red. But I hear that lotsa 6L80s in the US self-destruct within 50k or less! Why? I reckon it's because they run too hot due to GM putting a thermostat valve in Silverado and other GM product. Holden never did that - so on the highway my 6L80 happily sits at 70C degrees.
Yeah the 6L80 runs hot here. The thermostat used for the cooler opens way too late and many of the transmissions came under filled from the factory. With no dipstick to check regularly this becomes an issue.
Sum of mileage on all of my SS's: -PBM, Owned April 2018 - October 2020, bought @ 17k miles - sold at 33k miles -PBM, Owned Jan. 2019 - May 2020, bought @ 106k miles - sold at 116k miles -RHII, Owned May 2020 - September 2021, bought at 55k miles - sold at 73k miles I have cumulatively put 44k miles on three separate SS's and have never had a single issue. I did have to replace the magride with coilovers in the red one. But other than that, the cars were unbelievably reliable. Now with the JGM I just got, I bought it at 33k miles, and plan to put another 300k on it as a mobile detailing vehicle over the next 10 years
Watched a lot of your videos dude and always enjoy them I’ve just purchased my dream car here in OZ a September build 2017 Holden Motorsport Edition ( basically an up spec SS Redline) Only 1200 made It is a Son of a Gun Grey 6 Speed Manual with 27k on the clock ( less than 20 thousand miles ) It sits beside my 2005 SS commodore in the shed Thank you again for your entertaining videos.
Hey Armin, have really appreciated and enjoyed your videos, over time. Your style is relatable, and your videos very instructional. As the owner of a 2017 NITEFALL GREY 6MT, I'm dying to mod her; ARH long tubes, etc. Mine has around 35K miles, and is perfectly reliable, stock, and fun - but I really want that 100 extra HP, that comes with Headers, Cam....and an LSA blower. Ahhhh.....to dream.
Nice car to own. Would look great with airbags. Last Holden rolled off the assembly line in recent summer. A red sv6. Wentt to auction, sold for over 1 million dollars
@@RedSS You need to check this video out, this Maloo will blow your mind. My Ute isn't a Maloo but a SSV Redline which is very similar to your car including the same colour. ruclips.net/video/uFw-YDYjO_U/видео.html
That’s right, you can see the voltage in the DIC. When I was troubleshooting what I thought was parasitic drain in the previous battery, it would read a different number on my meter than what was showing in the DIC, which I think might also be impacted by the alternator reading as well while the car is running, not sure. Either way I needed up needing a new battery, and the issue went away.
Bought a 2017 in January of 17 and not a single issue. Except smiles. And being stopped frequently by people wanting to know more, tell me they love it, or try to buy it. Only has 30k on it. Cowling under the wipers has cracked and can't find a new one. Bummer.
You scared me, thought you had enough of your Chevy SS, I just froze in shock for like 5 seconds, thinking if I heard you right, glad your keeping it, when Holden shut down production here in Australia, I was working for them, and I could of bought a VF2 2017 Holden Commodore SSV Redline brand new at an employee discount, but I didn't and will somehow always regret it, but I decided the Kia Stinger GT was. more for me, and still own it 3 years 7 months later, it's a unique vehicle, and may cease production mid 2022.
I really like the Stinger GT models! It was on the list of cars to choose from, but my wife chose its cousin the Genesis G70. I still love driving my Holden!
Congratulations Armin! Very little issues for 115k miles for sure. These cars are pretty solid. I didn't notice you mention anything about the transmission. Have you changed the fluid and filter and have you had any issues? LS engines are hit or miss. Some have parts fail stock and under 50k miles yet I have my 250k mile Tahoe that's never been opened running 9 psi of boost and shifting at 6400 rpms everyday haha.
Thanks! I probably should’ve mentioned trans and rear diff fluid, I’ve had both serviced twice already, no issues. I even had a Camaro transmission pan swap to hold a little extra fluid since it’s slightly deeper - totally unnecessary but since it was an inexpensive part I decided why not. ruclips.net/video/JtmAieYSiWQ/видео.html
LS is very stout, every car can have issues. I would say the LS series of engines averages very high on the reliability side due to its relative simplicity.
@@dat_azn_guy9247 I had the diff and trans fluid serviced twice so far. Even decided to swap in the larger Camaro trans pan (and filter) as well. ruclips.net/video/JtmAieYSiWQ/видео.html
Just started following you back in August of this year when I first got my SS. Love the videos! I just uploaded my SS on my page if you wanna see my baby!
@@RedSS I wouldn't be surprised if Aussies start buying them from there bringing them back and converting them to right hand drive!! Ever since GMH pulled the plug all together from Australia Holdens have literally more than doubled..
Congrats bro....Holden Commodore/ Chevy SS/Vauxhall VXR8 especially the V8 is for keeps . If only GM could stick to one name for an identical car. BTW, its awesome to see how you have kept the engine in pristine condition.
one thing of note, even though the name is officially Commodore in Australia a VF SS bears no external Commodore badges so feel free to call it a Holden SS. :)
The front left strut on my '15 went out. It's taken about 3 weeks to get all the parts to replace it. Luckily that is the only repair I've needed in 6 years of ownership!
In the video the valve train looks really good for over 100K miles! He also mentioned some basic preventative maintenance and to keep an eye on the battery and magnetic ride shocks. He also lists the things in a chapter list in the video description, pretty handy.
Have you ever noticed the steering rack recall issue? I have a white one thats 92k ish miles and the steering rack issue caused me to notice the recall. Even if u dont need it, if u know how, id look it up and make sure mine doesnt have the connector that sucks. its pretty scary to feel the steering wheel get all sluggish going 85+ >_
@@RedSS Lol no it isn't as have a lot of power steering go while driving . lost belts etc. Some of you just drive new cars too much. Even stated all it does is make the steering heavier.. try driving a 1970's car lol.
What did you do about the battery during your time of not driving? Did you say "Cam swap" and, if so, what is that. (I love my car but am not familiar with a lot of things people more knowledgeable might do with their car.)
Tried parasitic drain test pulling fuses, but couldn’t find any electrical source issues. Then I took the battery out for a few days and let it sit out of the car and I noticed the voltage kept dropping, so I just replaced it with a new one. Cam swap, meaning upgrading the camshaft and any other valvetrain parts to add power.
never felt the need to mod my 2015 SS. its perfect as is and stays reliable.
Keep bringing us along with your trips, meets , cars and coffee!
Drove past the Elizabeth factory the other day , only one word can describe it SAD.
Thanks, definitely still keeping the Holden spirit alive here with my SS!
Loved watching your SS videos. I hope to see you once in a while here on the tube. ✌️
Armin, thanks for all the "how to" videos. They have been a great help to me as I modified my SS! Kind of disappointing that you are done with mods, but I guess there has to be an end sometime.
Wow the valve train looked that clean after 100,000 miles 😲👏🏾💯
Yeah I was happy about that!
Thanks for the video mate. I've watched a lot of your SS content, having one of my own that I also love. I did the cam, lifters, etc around 60,000km as a preventative measure with the LS3 known to throw a lifter at some point (but not always). Had an after-market cam and LS7 lifters along with exhaust upgrade and it's transformed the car.
We Aussies would have been very happy to keep upgrading the model, had not GM in the USA, not shutdown manufacturing at the Holden manufacturing plants. (after accepting $750,000 of taxpayer money to stay) I am certain we would have had some genuine beasts for you to still enjoy.
Very shocked you didnt mention the infotainment system. Aside from that i love love LOOOOOOOOOVE this vehicle
Just installed Carplay and it changes EVERYTHING!
Saving for one , but at least its not like BMW or Mercedes, engine re builds or electric problems.
In Australia, I have always used 10W 40, as it isn't cold except for a small area of mountains, but it can get very hot.
I’ve had my windshield replaced twice under warranty for delimitation defects I’ve had rear tail lights leak water and fill my truck up luckily I had weather tech mats and I’ve had sunroof motor failed in the rain and dealer had to replace the complete headliner and sunroof motor and control panel after cam swapping it with headers and straight pipe exhaust i kept it for about another 20k miles and sold it the dealer that bought it for 40k put new breaks on it and stuck it on the lot and someone acting like a interested buyer snatched the keys and stole the car and crashed it two blocks away so I unfortunately got pictures of the aftermath of that and it sold at auction for 35k was a super fun car and got a lot of attention but with gas prices it wasn’t cost effective to keep any longer love the red!
What a story!
Wow, Armin, I had to come right to this video because I was afraid you sold it thank God you did and I hope that I can get one but, fir now Im still trying to enjoy my TBSS !!
I learned from dealer that battery charge read-out on dash doesn't necessarily reflect real charge...or at least that's what I was told. I got a weird Stabilitrack light come on for no apparent reason, along with same message urging a service call. Supposedly the Stabilitrack light is a symptom of battery issues, even if light goes out.
I love this car so much
Same here!
Nice video. My Holden VE Calais in Australia just reached 110k miles - and the Dex6 ATM fluid in my 6L80 tranny is still cherry red. But I hear that lotsa 6L80s in the US self-destruct within 50k or less! Why? I reckon it's because they run too hot due to GM putting a thermostat valve in Silverado and other GM product. Holden never did that - so on the highway my 6L80 happily sits at 70C degrees.
Yeah the 6L80 runs hot here. The thermostat used for the cooler opens way too late and many of the transmissions came under filled from the factory. With no dipstick to check regularly this becomes an issue.
Sum of mileage on all of my SS's:
-PBM, Owned April 2018 - October 2020, bought @ 17k miles - sold at 33k miles
-PBM, Owned Jan. 2019 - May 2020, bought @ 106k miles - sold at 116k miles
-RHII, Owned May 2020 - September 2021, bought at 55k miles - sold at 73k miles
I have cumulatively put 44k miles on three separate SS's and have never had a single issue. I did have to replace the magride with coilovers in the red one. But other than that, the cars were unbelievably reliable.
Now with the JGM I just got, I bought it at 33k miles, and plan to put another 300k on it as a mobile detailing vehicle over the next 10 years
Awesome as always to watch your car journey Chris! Love that JGM though for your business, and a rare great color that stands out!
Watched a lot of your videos dude and always enjoy them
I’ve just purchased my dream car here in OZ a September build 2017 Holden Motorsport Edition ( basically an up spec SS Redline)
Only 1200 made
It is a Son of a Gun Grey 6 Speed Manual with 27k on the clock ( less than 20 thousand miles )
It sits beside my 2005 SS commodore in the shed
Thank you again for your entertaining videos.
I really like the Motorsport Edition, congratulations! Thanks for checking out the channel.
Hey, I have the same, but got it new. Number is 105 (Mobile 1 05). Enjoy your ride.
Been a long time my friend but it's time to get things going again 😎
Hey Armin, have really appreciated and enjoyed your videos, over time. Your style is relatable, and your videos very instructional.
As the owner of a 2017 NITEFALL GREY 6MT, I'm dying to mod her; ARH long tubes, etc. Mine has around 35K miles, and is perfectly reliable, stock, and fun - but I really want that 100 extra HP, that comes with Headers, Cam....and an LSA blower.
Ahhhh.....to dream.
Awesome glad the videos help!
I gotta drive more. Just hit 20k on my ‘16 😁
Lol! Good low miles though if you decide to sell in this current seller’s market!
AC/Delco parts are provided by GM. Supplied parts are included in the Commodore builds.
just bought my 2014 with 11k miles, this was the second video i saw, heartbreaking.... well ill let the phoenix fly high
Sorry about the heartbreak lol. Congrats on getting one, nice low miles 👍🏼👍🏼
Nice car to own. Would look great with airbags. Last Holden rolled off the assembly line in recent summer.
A red sv6. Wentt to auction, sold for over 1 million dollars
It was a red SS-V Redline, not a red SV6.
That was so cool to see! www.9news.com.au/national/last-holden-breaks-record-auction-750000/878fc068-b23d-475f-8d2c-358ea3d64354
Keep the ss content coming bro love it. I hope one day I can meet you I want you to review my 1500 hp turbo SS. Would be so 👍
I don't know if I should feel embarrassed or not but my ute has only done 10 000 miles!
Lol that’s great for resale if you ever decide to sell it! Wish we had Utes in the US, I really like the HSV Maloo!
@@RedSS You need to check this video out, this Maloo will blow your mind. My Ute isn't a Maloo but a SSV Redline which is very similar to your car including the same colour. ruclips.net/video/uFw-YDYjO_U/видео.html
@@tomnewham1269 I remember hearing about the auction for the HSV Maloo and a red SSV Redline! Cool video!
Sounds good!
You can check the battery's voltage in the dash (on my '17, anyway).
That’s right, you can see the voltage in the DIC. When I was troubleshooting what I thought was parasitic drain in the previous battery, it would read a different number on my meter than what was showing in the DIC, which I think might also be impacted by the alternator reading as well while the car is running, not sure. Either way I needed up needing a new battery, and the issue went away.
Just ate my $300+ new battery in my '17 SS.
Bought a 2017 in January of 17 and not a single issue. Except smiles. And being stopped frequently by people wanting to know more, tell me they love it, or try to buy it. Only has 30k on it. Cowling under the wipers has cracked and can't find a new one. Bummer.
Luckily I'm looking at a 2014 SS, no magride so I'll hopefully have fewer issues.
185 000 km is kind of low for a second hand Commodore in Australia. Most would be happy to buy one with 250 000 or 300 000 on it
You scared me, thought you had enough of your Chevy SS, I just froze in shock for like 5 seconds, thinking if I heard you right, glad your keeping it, when Holden shut down production here in Australia, I was working for them, and I could of bought a VF2 2017 Holden Commodore SSV Redline brand new at an employee discount, but I didn't and will somehow always regret it, but I decided the Kia Stinger GT was. more for me, and still own it 3 years 7 months later, it's a unique vehicle, and may cease production mid 2022.
I really like the Stinger GT models! It was on the list of cars to choose from, but my wife chose its cousin the Genesis G70. I still love driving my Holden!
My goal is I will have this car for 2023. I want the 14 or 15 I have a 96 impala and a 04 tsx
Congratulations Armin! Very little issues for 115k miles for sure. These cars are pretty solid. I didn't notice you mention anything about the transmission. Have you changed the fluid and filter and have you had any issues? LS engines are hit or miss. Some have parts fail stock and under 50k miles yet I have my 250k mile Tahoe that's never been opened running 9 psi of boost and shifting at 6400 rpms everyday haha.
Thanks! I probably should’ve mentioned trans and rear diff fluid, I’ve had both serviced twice already, no issues. I even had a Camaro transmission pan swap to hold a little extra fluid since it’s slightly deeper - totally unnecessary but since it was an inexpensive part I decided why not. ruclips.net/video/JtmAieYSiWQ/видео.html
LS is very stout, every car can have issues. I would say the LS series of engines averages very high on the reliability side due to its relative simplicity.
@@geerstyresoil3136 I think you’re right! 🙌🏼
Did you do a drain or flush for the diff an trans ? An did you change out the trans filter
@@dat_azn_guy9247 I had the diff and trans fluid serviced twice so far. Even decided to swap in the larger Camaro trans pan (and filter) as well. ruclips.net/video/JtmAieYSiWQ/видео.html
Just started following you back in August of this year when I first got my SS. Love the videos! I just uploaded my SS on my page if you wanna see my baby!
Thanks for stopping by 👊🏼 Congrats on your SS!
Holden ss redlines have doubled in prices here in Australia.. They've become collectibles ..
That’s incredible! Used Chevy SS models here in the US haven’t doubled but they’re holding value quite well at the moment 👍🏼
@@RedSS I wouldn't be surprised if Aussies start buying them from there bringing them back and converting them to right hand drive!!
Ever since GMH pulled the plug all together from Australia Holdens have literally more than doubled..
Simple question, would you recommend buying it ?? Is it a good car ????
What?!? Over 100,000 miles! Mine has just done just over 10,000km! Well 11,651km to be exact, at the time of this writing...
Lol that’s right my friend, and still drives well! 🇦🇺
Congrats bro....Holden Commodore/ Chevy SS/Vauxhall VXR8 especially the V8 is for keeps . If only GM could stick to one name for an identical car. BTW, its awesome to see how you have kept the engine in pristine condition.
Thank you, and I agree, would’ve been cool with just one name.
one thing of note, even though the name is officially Commodore in Australia a VF SS bears no external Commodore badges so feel free to call it a Holden SS. :)
As for shocks / struts, simply replace OE product with excellent quality standard KYB shocks - and save yourself a packet!
The front left strut on my '15 went out. It's taken about 3 weeks to get all the parts to replace it. Luckily that is the only repair I've needed in 6 years of ownership!
Not bad at all! That being said I’m hearing parts are getting harder to find.
Did you ever install a trans dip stick? If you did can you recommend what you used and a link to a video if you have one. Thanks.
No I never installed one.
What shop do you recommend for mods?
Would you put a supercharger on
I decided to keep it the only naturally aspirated vehicle in our small fleet lol.
How has the car been for 100k miles? How was the reliability!
In the video the valve train looks really good for over 100K miles! He also mentioned some basic preventative maintenance and to keep an eye on the battery and magnetic ride shocks. He also lists the things in a chapter list in the video description, pretty handy.
Have you ever noticed the steering rack recall issue? I have a white one thats 92k ish miles and the steering rack issue caused me to notice the recall. Even if u dont need it, if u know how, id look it up and make sure mine doesnt have the connector that sucks. its pretty scary to feel the steering wheel get all sluggish going 85+ >_
That is scary indeed. Local dealer took care of the recall for me back in 2017 with a new steering rack and reprogramming.
@@RedSS Lol no it isn't as have a lot of power steering go while driving . lost belts etc.
Some of you just drive new cars too much.
Even stated all it does is make the steering heavier.. try driving a 1970's car lol.
Lol you should do a giveaway of this car I'd love this thing
Not a bad idea lol.
What did you do about the battery during your time of not driving? Did you say "Cam swap" and, if so, what is that. (I love my car but am not familiar with a lot of things people more knowledgeable might do with their car.)
Tried parasitic drain test pulling fuses, but couldn’t find any electrical source issues. Then I took the battery out for a few days and let it sit out of the car and I noticed the voltage kept dropping, so I just replaced it with a new one. Cam swap, meaning upgrading the camshaft and any other valvetrain parts to add power.
Where are Ya Brah....
A dinosaur with push rods is going to be slow revving and very heavy engine. A more evolved DOHC would see that engine deliver amazing power figures.