1993- 1995 Holden Commodore VR Buyers Guide
![]() |
1993 Holden Commodore Ute - VR Series at Radwood in Los Angeles |
Launched in July 1993 and sold until April 1995, the VR series came with an updated, sleeker and more modern design, as well as safety enhancements such as anti-lock brakes (ABS). From the side, the biggest change was the revised daylight opening around the C-pillar and the use of a round rear wheelarch, instead of a squared-off shape used on the previous VN and VP model Commodores. The VR Acclaim and Calais included a driver's side Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag as standard, which was a first for an Australian car. They also had standard ABS brakes and independent rear suspension (IRS). The airbag, ABS brakes and IRS were also available across the range for both automatic transmission and manual transmission models. The rear-end treatment saw raised tail lamps, which were recessed high up on the boot lid for safety reasons. A new electronic version of the Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 (TH700) automatic transmission was introduced, known as the GM 4L60-E.
![]() |
Holden Data Plate |
Trim - 14I - Capricorn Slate Grey
Paint - 1J064 Alaskan White
Built Feb 1994
Engine - LB9 - 165kW ~220 hp
Transmission - M78 Borg Warner T-5 manual
Suspension - Standard
Axle - GU4 -03.08 gears
The dataplate above tells you how your Holden left the factory. In the case of these cars over 25 years old, things may have changed.
The VR came with a V6 or a V8, and manual or automatic transmissions.
Engine:
|
6 cyl. & V8 |
Capacity:
|
3.8 litre EFI V6; 5.0 V8 EFI |
Power:
|
130kW (V6) & 165kW (V8) |
Transmission:
|
5 spd. man & 4 spd. Turbohydramatic |
|
Resources
Holden Commordore Unique Cars
Just Commodores Forum
Maintenance Items for a VR Holden with a 5.0 or 304 engine
Air Filter
- 16546 –V0100 Nissan OEM
- 33-2031-2 K&N
- CA4309 Fram
The air filter is actually the same filter as used on the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and a ton of other Nissans.
Oil Filter
- 92142006 OEM
- HP-1007 K&N
- 51042 or 51042XP Wix
13/16-16 thread
Oil
Everyone has an oil opinion. Most opinions on the 304 seem to be that it likes a thicker oil 15/50 20/50.
Spark Plugs
- NGK BP6EFS gapped at 1.0 mm according to OEM manual
- AC R42LTS
Spark Plug wires or leads
Distributor cap