A few AU Ghia questions....

[BOON250]

I just bought my first AU and have a few question....

Its an early build (pre smartshield) so I assume its still Smartlock but I cant see a flashing light on the dash? Should early ones still have a light or is it only smartshield that does?

What ratio diff will it have? Its a Ghia VCT. There is a little yellow label on it but someone has wiped off all the info on it...

It has a distinct rattly clunk in the front suspension. I have checked bushes joints bolts etc but Im guessing shocks... are there any obvious problems with these front susps that Im missing...

How do you know if the VCT system is working properly? it seems to go really well and makes a slight buzzing noise abouve about 4000rpm which Im guessing is something to do with the VCT?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance!!!.. :

[sleekism]

Mines a 1999 model and has the flashing light don't know bout 1998.

I think they have 3.45 diff? It's the same as the XR's what it misses out on though is the alloy tailshaft and LSD.

Don't know what the rattle is though my old Laser had the same but I just ignored it.
IRS models are prone to having dodgy shock mounts though.

I don't know about the buzzing noise. Mine has a kick from abot 4500rpm and makes a noise like a turbo spooling up. I'm preety sure the VCT kicks in about 3500rpm.

Best way to find out is to do a 0-100 run you should be getting low 8's.

Basically I think you will find if your car has around 150,000 kays you will need to invest some time making sure everything runs sweet as 150,000 is usually the major service.

[GK]

No flashing light means no smartshield. Smartlock was carried over from the EL and was phased out part way through the AU Series 1. My 99 Futura wagon (May) has the old system, a car around the block, a few months newer has Smartshield. I noticed the flashing light on its dash when walking around.

If the shocks are from new, change them and get all the front bushes done while you're at it. It will greatly freshen up the front end. If you want to lower it as well, Pedders make an XR height spring that has the Ghia comfort. I think it's a progressive rate spring. I think they call it the "touring spring."

IRS rear shock mounts are a well recognised problem but aren't too much trouble to rectify.

Congratulations on the purchase.

GK

[BOON250]

Thanks for the replies guys!

Sleekism: I noticed my car does have an alloy driveshaft with balance weights on it...?? My car does the same as your interms of speed etc and now that you mention it it does faintly sound like a turbo spooling when you get to 4 grand.

GK: thanks! its a big step up from the ED Ghia that I sold in order to buy this.

The car has just ticked over 133kms. I did all the filters and plugs (it had wrong ones in it) and put Castrol Edge 5w-30 oil in it. It seems to be loving it so far! I picked her up for $8000. seemed to be a good deal, especially as it has 17 inch XR wheels on it too. :