Hi All Not many posts, but I feel qualified to answer with some competence, so here goes. When it was time to replace my wife's VX II SS M6, we went looking. She was VERY biased toward the commodore, but as it was May 2006, when we started looking, VZ prices were still up there and BF fords (XR8 and XR6T) were looking good. We drove a VZ II M6 with same 6L V8 that the VE's have. It had been fitted with a very cool exhaust (good headers, full 2.5" system, hi flo cats etc etc., I still haven't heard one as good). It was a weapon. At that stage, they wanted $52k + onroads. We then went to the blue oval for a look. I'm open minded, but I did have an XA GT coupe 20 odd years ago. We took an XR8 for a whirl. Very disappointing, like the article says, sounds the deal, but does not deliver, in stock form anyway. Then we took an XR6T for a run and I loved it (hence my membership to this forum but no T.........yet!!). My wife liked it and agreed it just begged to be driven hard and was a HEAPS better package than the XR8. We continued to look around, and then the VE's came out. After a few return visits to the dealer, we got the Late model camira for $41 100 on road. Its stock (at the moment except for the exhaust and 19" wheels) and came with leather, climate, great sound system (can't remember what brand and can't be bothered going out to the garage) The 5.7L (in the VX SS) was like Mick said of the XR8, sounded good(ish), but NO poke down, but do develop ALOT of power up high and rev easily past 6000rpm to the rev limiter a little bit north of that. The 6L is a HEAPS better engine, heaps more down low and mid range with the normal terrifying upper range. Its funny to take it to the rev limit, cos' the rev limiter just cuts the fuel at 6200rpm. We plan on getting a tune (MAFless) and an OTRCAI to tickle it a bit. I love the XR6T's, and the biggest reason that I'll get one is that they are cheaper than Z series VZ (6L engine). I love the power delivery of the T and look forward to one day owning one and either playing with it or buying it with stuff already done. But the scream of a primitive single cam, pushrod V8 with great heads, a brilliant induction system and tined properly is an almighty sound. Don't be surpised if the outcome of the review is a big win to the SS-V. Mick, put a decent exhaust on it, you'll love it!! My 2c worth Dave the n00b.
