VF Commodore Buyer’s Guide
What to check before buying a Holden VF Commodore or HSV, including L77, LS3 and LSA engines, common faults, transmission concerns and worthwhile performance upgrades.
The VF was built from June 2013 to October 2017. This guide draws on Oztrack’s experience tuning, upgrading and rebuilding Holden and HSV vehicles at our Penrith, Sydney workshop.
VF Commodore and HSV V8 overview
The VF was a major refinement of the VE, with electric power steering, improved interior quality, stronger electronics integration and several important V8 combinations. Choosing the right model depends on how you plan to use it, its service history and the quality of any previous modifications.
L77 6.0L
Used in VF Commodore V8 models before the Series II LS3 change. It uses rectangular-port cylinder heads and AFM/DOD hardware, with cylinder deactivation active in automatic models.
LS3 6.2L
Found in VF HSV Clubsport and Maloo Series I models and across the Series II VF V8 range. It is a strong performance base with excellent aftermarket support.
LSA 6.2L supercharged
Introduced with the VF GTS and used in several later HSV models. These vehicles are increasingly collectible, but engine condition and previous tuning remain important.
Common VF Commodore problems
Engine and valvetrain
- Lifter failure: worn or collapsed lifters can damage the camshaft.
- Cam-bearing wear: severe wear may require complete engine removal and rebuilding.
- Rocker-trunnion wear: lateral movement can damage rockers and valve springs.
- Oil-pump faults: pressure-relief problems can cause low oil pressure and major damage.
- Fuel-injector faults: misfires and poor running should be diagnosed promptly.
Cylinder blocks and heads
- LS3 and LSA core shift: uneven factory bore-wall thickness can limit safe overboring.
- Cracked sleeves: the thin side of a factory sleeve can fail and require replacement sleeves.
- Valve-seat risk: high-kilometre or overheated cylinder heads require careful inspection.
- Oil leaks: check rocker covers, timing cover, sump and rear engine area.
Clutch and transmission
- Dual-mass flywheel wear: listen for noise and check clutch engagement on manual cars.
- 6L80E behaviour: check shifts when cold and hot, flare, harsh engagement and fault history.
- Converter wear: lock-up clutch problems can contaminate and damage the transmission.
- Modified cars: confirm that engine and transmission tuning were completed properly.
VF Commodore buying checklist
A clean appearance does not prove that the engine, transmission or calibration is healthy. Inspect the complete vehicle and allow for professional diagnosis where its history is uncertain.
- Confirm service records and oil-change intervals.
- Listen for lifter, rocker and bottom-end noises on a cold start.
- Check hot oil pressure and scan for current and historical fault codes.
- Test automatic shifts and converter lock-up after the vehicle is fully warm.
- Check manual clutch engagement, flywheel noise and driveline vibration.
- Inspect coolant condition, oil leaks, exhaust smoke and signs of overheating.
- Identify every modification and ask who installed and tuned it.
- Arrange a pre-purchase inspection when the condition is uncertain.
Which VF model should you buy?
Condition and history matter more than the badge. A carefully maintained standard car is usually a better starting point than a poorly documented modified example.
VF Series II LS3
An excellent non-HSV choice for buyers wanting the 6.2L engine, modern VF refinement and strong upgrade potential.
VF HSV LS3
A desirable performance model with strong brakes, suspension and drivetrain specification. Buy on condition and documented history.
VF LSA HSV
A serious factory-supercharged package and potential collector vehicle. Repairs can be expensive, so professional inspection is worthwhile.
VF V6 LFX
A smooth and underrated daily driver. Buy a factory V8 if V8 performance is the goal; a later conversion is rarely economical or as refined.
VF Commodore performance upgrades
The best combination depends on the engine, transmission, condition and intended use. Oztrack installs and tunes VF upgrades in Penrith, Sydney, using our Mainline ProHub dyno.
OTR intake and dyno tune
A strong first upgrade for improved airflow, response and calibrated performance.
LS cam upgrade packages
Complete L77 and LS3 camshaft packages installed and ProHub dyno tuned at Oztrack.
VF V8 dyno tuning
Custom engine and automatic-transmission calibration for standard and modified combinations.
LS engine rebuilding
Engine removal, machining, rebuilding, run-in and dyno tuning for damaged or worn LS engines.
Repair-cost considerations
Prices are indicative only and can change with parts, vehicle condition and the work required. Obtain a current written quotation before making a purchase decision.
Related VF Commodore services and information
VF Commodore buyer questions
Is the VF Series II LS3 the best model to buy?
What should I check on an L77 engine?
What should I check on a modified VF?
Can Oztrack inspect or upgrade my VF?
Need help with a VF Commodore?
Tell us the model, engine, transmission, kilometres, service history and any modifications. We can discuss diagnosis, maintenance, tuning or a suitable performance package.
