All,

I'm new here, and this is my first post. My eyebrow was raised when I read about the new G8 GXP that's coming out. I've always been a huge fan of the Holden cars, and I'm planning on purchasing one of these when they're available (thanks to a 6-Speed option and gobs of power). Just about everyone I know thinks I'm completely retarded for even considering getting rid of my RS4 for a Pontiac. In a lot of ways I completely agree... but with the closest Audi dealer 2hrs away from me, it makes things increasingly difficult when I have warranty/service issues that need to be taken care of.

That being said... and no offense, but when I buy this thing, it will look like a Pontiac for the shortest amount of time possible. I will be replacing the front fascia, fenders, hood, and possibly even the rear decklid/taillight assemblies (unsure of this right now). The only things that I want to say Pontiac are the things that I can't replace ;)

I'm looking for a place to source either the GTS parts, or the W427 parts. In a perfect world I'd have the first W427 look-alike in the states, but I'll settle for the GTS.

Does anybody have any contacts for getting these items? I have a few buddies that live in Australia that can get them to me, but I would like to have options to compare pricing.

TIA,
Brad

JHP probably can get what you want. Look at the list of sponsors on the left.

But you might want to get ready to pay out of your kids college fund for the parts...

But you might want to get ready to pay out of your kids college fund for the parts...

He owns an RS4, I don't think the $2000 bumpers are going to scare him.

Thanks for the tips.

I have no kids and I'm single, so I have some fun money that I can play with. But, if the sum of the parts and quotes from my body shop bring the price too high, it will not be worth it for me. I'm sure this car will depreciate at a much more accelerated rate than my Audi.

If the G8 GT had a 6-speed I'd just buy one of those, convert it, and put the APS TT kit on there.... but unfortunately Pontiac screwed us on that :)

B

Just an FYI

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4246

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1433&stc=1&d=1215541930

He's done most of the conversion, with help from JHP (sponsor on this site, located on the left side of the screen).

Maybe his friends can source non OEM parts if he wants to keep cost down. A mob called SSV in Sydney OZ have done a non OEM front bar for the VE Commodore...

http://ssv.com.au/plugins/ssv/images/big/thumb_commodore_ve_2308.jpg
http://ssv.com.au/plugins/ssv/images/big/thumb_COMMODORE_VE_2306_B.jpg
http://ssv.com.au/plugins/ssv/images/big/thumb_COMMODORE_VE_2306_A.jpg

I want to stick to OEM only, and in the GTS style, not the base model. But again thanks for the suggestions!

A friend of mine sent me some ebay.au links to GTS fascias... for $400 AUS, but local pickup only. I think I will be able to get the OEM stuff much cheaper than the $2000 that was referenced.

B

You will need to speak to member dede to find out what else you need for the conversion..

We’ve been shipping HSV parts to US for the last 3 years. We’ve been watching ebay auctions all the time and 99% of the time HSV parts which appear to be new are actually rejects.
HSV are very limited production vehicles and parts cost 2 or 3 times more than the regular parts. For the front and the rear of the car to look like HSV, you’re looking at $10000+. For 427 model, most parts are not available for sale yet. They will cost almost double of regular HSV prices too.
We are putting a sea shipment together right now. If you want to save on the shipping cost, you can contact us asap http://www.jhp.com.au/contact-form-main.php (we still haven’t established how to ship the hood out of SoCal).

P.S. SS-V front (sea shipment) from SoCal pick up $2000.

Monaro@JHP -- Email sent using the address you've specified.

Thanks,
Brad

We’ve been shipping HSV parts to US for the last 3 years. We’ve been watching ebay auctions all the time and 99% of the time HSV parts which appear to be new are actually rejects.

HSV are very limited production vehicles and parts cost 2 or 3 times more than the regular parts. For the front and the rear of the car to look like HSV, you’re looking at $10000+. For 427 model, most parts are not available for sale yet. They will cost almost double of regular HSV prices too.

P.S. SS-V front (sea shipment) from SoCal pick up $2000.

How can you make a determination from pictures that HSV parts seen on eBay are "rejects." I would think you would have to purchase it and have it in front of you or test fit it to know that.

Also, please elaborate on your definition of "very limited production vehicles." Do you have a production number history for HSV vehicles over the last 10 years? My sources tell me that HSV cars are built based on order volume, and are not based on a limited production schedule.

That being said, I would like for you to substantiate your claim for HSV parts costing "2 or 3 times more" than regular Holden parts. I am going to have my contacts in Australia contact some dealerships in the coming days to get pricing for me for these parts because I'm really interested to see if this is correct. I can't think of any reason how that claim is accurate, because I know how it works in the US and Europe. That's like making a comment that Mustang Cobra parts are very limited, and cost 2 or 3 times that of a regular Mustang. It just doesn't work that way. If you're talking about engines, sure.

If making that assumption, let's just say a base model front fascia is $500. You charge $2000. That would mean that a HSV GTS fascia would cost $1000-$1500, and your price would be $4000-$6000. I can ship a large container full of goodies (to my front door) from Australia for $1800. Just not quite sure how that pricing can be even remotely accurate... but I'm sure making 200-300% profit is nice.

Shipping international is not rocket science... and the Australian dollar is weaker than ours right now, so our actual cost of parts is less than advertised in AUS.

I'm not trying to start a war here, but I think it would be beneficial for everyone reading this thread, or those interested in this conversion to see your response.

Kind regards,
Brad

Also, as an FYI for comparison purposes. The RS4 is a "very limited production" vehicle. A full conversion including: Front Fascia, Front Fenders, Side Skirts, Rear Doors, Rear Fenders, Rear Decklid, Rear Fascia... is $4500 plus shipping at full retail (~18-25% markup).

JHP has been a very reputable and reliable source for GTO owners and have been in good standing with most members on LS1gto.com for the last 3 years. If you think you can get it cheaper from somewhere else then go for it, but if I was going to be doing a conversion then I would buy everything from JHP. Also, I think you're failing to take into consideration how much a GTS costs in Australia, about $70,000 usd.

working out the market for the GTS demand will be a must do and a great move for JHP. Making it affordable will be #1.

If you go over to LS1GTO.com you'll find that only a few people have done a HSV GTO Monaro conversion, and only ONE that I know of that has done a full conversion. For a comparison, look up member Macro and ask him how much he has in his GTO.

Yes, this was a GTO.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n31/escdefender/ls2gto_signatures/macro_Signature_HSV_001.gif

JHP has been a very reputable and reliable source for GTO owners and have been in good standing with most members on LS1gto.com for the last 3 years. If you think you can get it cheaper from somewhere else then go for it, but if I was going to be doing a conversion then I would buy everything from JHP. Also, I think you're failing to take into consideration how much a GTS costs in Australia, about $70,000 usd.

I'm not questioning JHP being a reputable and reliable source, because I have no experience with them. I am questioning the comments that were made regarding my post, which was merely asking for a "source" for Holden body parts. In his reply, eBay items were "rejects," and a GTS conversion was $10,000 USD.

As for your comment--Correct, a GTS is $70k-$79k AUS. You're failing to take into consideration that a brand new RS4 is ~$76,000 USD, and the body parts (which include more items than the Holden HSV GTS--2 rear doors), are $5500 less than JHP quoted. And this is for a GM product, not a European product. In almost every single aspect, European cars (Mercedes, Audi, BMW) and their replacement parts are more expensive than what GM offers.

Regardless of whether JHP are a reputable supplier (which, again, I'm not questioning at all), can you honestly tell yourself that those prices make sense to you?

Brad

If you go over to LS1GTO.com you'll find that only a few people have done a GTS Monaro conversion, and only ONE that I know of that has done a full conversion. For a comparison, look up member Macro and ask him how much he has in his GTO.

Yes, this was a GTO.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n31/escdefender/ls2gto_signatures/macro_Signature_HSV_001.gif

His car looks incredible, thanks for sharing that pic!

Not to discount your response, because I appreciate it, but it seems to me that there are only a few (actually only 1 so far) available US sources for Holden parts, in which case pricing is determined solely by the US supplier, not the actual price of the replacement parts and what it costs to get them to the US. If there is no competition, and a lack of demand due to the high prices, why would there be more than a few?

So far JHP has been the only response I've received. If there are others, please share!

B

How can you make a determination from pictures that HSV parts seen on eBay are "rejects." I would think you would have to purchase it and have it in front of you or test fit it to know that.

from experience. We've been buying and selling HSV parts for years. And we have a contract with HSV for surplus parts.

Also, please elaborate on your definition of "very limited production vehicles." Do you have a production number history for HSV vehicles over the last 10 years? My sources tell me that HSV cars are built based on order volume, and are not based on a limited production schedule.

I don't need to have numbers for all vehicles, I just know actual prices. We did own a coupe 4 wide body AWD and those were less than 200 of total production.

That being said, I would like for you to substantiate your claim for HSV parts costing "2 or 3 times more" than regular Holden parts. I am going to have my contacts in Australia contact some dealerships in the coming days to get pricing for me for these parts because I'm really interested to see if this is correct. I can't think of any reason how that claim is accurate, because I know how it works in the US and Europe. That's like making a comment that Mustang Cobra parts are very limited, and cost 2 or 3 times that of a regular Mustang. It just doesn't work that way. If you're talking about engines, sure.

You can contact dealerships in Australia, but the shipment won't be waiting for you
And that's beside the point that no dealership is allowed to make international sales of Holden HSV parts. Meaning not only you will be paying the full price of the parts, but you also will be paying over the counter taxes which we are able to avoid.

And Mustang Cobra is the worst comparison because it is still built by Ford. HSV is an independent company such as Saleen or AMG. I would like to see how you can buy Saleen parts at close to Ford parts prices.

If making that assumption, let's just say a base model front fascia is $500. You charge $2000.
$2000 which I listed for SSV includes upper grill, lower grill, the fasia itself, 2 foglights with bulbs, new wire harness, new hood with all parts, new absorber, new brackets and all new clips which cannot be reused from G8. plus shipping to CA. It all adds up. I wish we had 200-300%. I can keep on dreaming. In fact, $2000 we are offering right now is an introductory price. It will be the price for distributors later on.
That would mean that a HSV GTS fascia would cost $1000-$1500, and your price would be $4000-$6000. I can ship a large container full of goodies (to my front door) from Australia for $1800. Just not quite sure how that pricing can be even remotely accurate... but I'm sure making 200-300% profit is nice.
If you ever deal with injection mold production, you would know how the price can be so high when the volume is limited. An average small (small as in a button in the car) injection mold costs $20,000 and up and that has to be spread out between the parts sold (vehicles made). If you have a shipping company that is shipping a container door to door for $1800, I would like to have a number. In fact, if that's including all the fees, I'm willing to pay you for setting it up.
Shipping international is not rocket science... and the Australian dollar is weaker than ours right now, so our actual cost of parts is less than advertised in AUS.

You also don't know much about exchange rates. Australian dollar is not weaker, it is stronger now. The difference in currencies nowadays is only 4 cents on a dollar. It used to be 30 cents.

I'm not trying to start a war here, but I think it would be beneficial for everyone reading this thread, or those interested in this conversion to see your response.
I don't have problems responding, I just know numbers and it will not get cheaper even if you will get it shipped for a reasonable price from anybody but us.
Kind regards,
Brad

HSV rear Bumper.............$1650.00
HSV Tail Lamps...............$730.00 each
HSV Top Tail Corner Covers.......$685.00 each
reverse sensors and brackets .......$200.00

add up $4680 just for the rear before shipping
list prices are about 1 week old and HSV is changing prices monthly

We did own a coupe 4 wide body AWD and those were less than 200 of total production.



I can only imagine how much that guy in the U.K. paid for his Coupe4 converision. :eek2:

HSV rear Bumper.............$1650.00
HSV Tail Lamps...............$730.00 each
HSV Top Tail Corner Covers.......$685.00 each
reverse sensors and brackets .......$200.00

add up $4680 just for the rear before shipping
list prices are about 1 week old and HSV is changing prices monthly

Is that U.S. or AUS?

Also, for comparison, do you know how much is the shipping for a VE SSV front bumper?

I
As for your comment--Correct, a GTS is $70k-$79k AUS. You're failing to take into consideration that a brand new RS4 is ~$76,000 USD, and the body parts (which include more items than the Holden HSV GTS--2 rear doors), are $5500 less than JHP quoted. And this is for a GM product, not a European product. In almost every single aspect, European cars (Mercedes, Audi, BMW) and their replacement parts are more expensive than what GM offers.

Regardless of whether JHP are a reputable supplier (which, again, I'm not questioning at all), can you honestly tell yourself that those prices make sense to you?

Brad

Oooook, but the RS4 is sold in the U.S., the GTS isn't. Shouldn't Audi parts be somewhat more readily available to current owners who might get in an accident? It's not like G8 and GTO owners can drive on down to their local Holden/HSV dealer and order replacement bumpers and fenders. If we did, then yeah I would be outraged at those prices. Apples to Oranges.

Is that U.S. or AUS?

Also, for comparison, do you know how much is the shipping for a VE SSV front bumper?

with 4 cents on the dollar difference, it really doesn't matter at that point in time....

don't even want to check individual prices, but I won't be far off if I say it's around $400 for fascia only of course...

I can only imagine how much that guy in the U.K. paid for his Coupe4 converision. :eek2:

it's easier for him. They are used to high prices for the cars and exchange rate is in his favor as 1 to 2.:wink2:

If you go over to LS1GTO.com you'll find that only a few people have done a GTS Monaro conversion, and only ONE that I know of that has done a full conversion. For a comparison, look up member Macro and ask him how much he has in his GTO.

Yes, this was a GTO.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n31/escdefender/ls2gto_signatures/macro_Signature_HSV_001.gif

This car looks so good it got me thinking. All the professional (magazine writer) reviews about the G8, referenced the GTO as a good car that failed because its looks did not please the American customers (appearance was the top reason). Well if this was the GTO, our G8's would have been known as the GTO sedan! That is one nice ride.

I'm not questioning JHP being a reputable and reliable source, because I have no experience with them. I am questioning the comments that were made regarding my post, which was merely asking for a "source" for Holden body parts. In his reply, eBay items were "rejects," and a GTS conversion was $10,000 USD.

As for your comment--Correct, a GTS is $70k-$79k AUS. You're failing to take into consideration that a brand new RS4 is ~$76,000 USD, and the body parts (which include more items than the Holden HSV GTS--2 rear doors), are $5500 less than JHP quoted. And this is for a GM product, not a European product. In almost every single aspect, European cars (Mercedes, Audi, BMW) and their replacement parts are more expensive than what GM offers.

Regardless of whether JHP are a reputable supplier (which, again, I'm not questioning at all), can you honestly tell yourself that those prices make sense to you?

Brad
HSV parts are not GM parts, they are not on GM network and are not GM produced. There is less connection between HSV and GM than between Audi and VW.
Also I can't see how you need more parts for RS4 conversion. You don't need the hood, don't need taillights or taillight covers. In fact, I can't even count half the parts by looking at the pictures between S4 and RS4

and RS4 still produced by Audi and sold on the international market all over the world

This car looks so good it got me thinking. All the professional (magazine writer) reviews about the G8, referenced the GTO as a good car that failed because its looks did not please the American customers (appearance was the top reason). Well if this was the GTO, our G8's would have been known as the GTO sedan! That is one nice ride.

Whoops, I made a mistake calling it a GTS, it is actually a HSV GTO Monaro

http://www.hsv.com.au/cars/vz/wallpapers/gtocoupe_800.jpg

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/images/hsv-coupe-4-1-large.JPG

coupe4's were damn sexy! if only they werent so heavy and automatic only :( kinda defeated the AWD system)

pretty sure total production of the W427 is capped at 427 total cars? so i can see those parts being VERY expensive (not to mention the car itself will cost $150,000)

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/images/hsv-coupe-4-1-large.JPG

coupe4's were damn sexy! if only they werent so heavy and automatic only :( kinda defeated the AWD system)

pretty sure total production of the W427 is capped at 427 total cars? so i can see those parts being VERY expensive (not to mention the car itself will cost $150,000)

I've heard in the past that to order parts directly from HSV, you have to give them the VIN number of your car, so they can check it out. I imagine that will definitely be the case with the W427.

Monaro@JHP - as far as I've found, JHP is the only company that sells any HSV parts to anyoen outside of AU, is that correct?

Also, for shipping..... I imagine pricing is based on size of the container and weight - how beneficial would it be to say, group order parts through you? Any significant advantage in shipping costs? (Granted, I understand that the logistics would be complicated at best, seeing as all the parts would have to come to one person/place)

JHP has done group orders in the past for GTO owners. Definitely helps bring the cost down a little bit, especially when ordering something large and heavy like rims.

JHP takes care of people, group orders definately help! JHP is a GREAT company!

yeah we need some HSV VE GTS 20" rims here for a decent price! ;)

yeah we need some HSV VE GTS 20" rims here for a decent price! ;)

^^^^^^^
Now that's for real!

I've got family in Australia and I've been considering shipping certain Holden and HSV parts through them. My Aussie cousin still drives his 70's 6 cylinder, 4 spd. on the tree Holden wagon. He's also very cheap but savvy about hunting down parts for it.

He says he can get parts new but it won't be wholesale and depending on the size and GST the price will climb. Not to mention the time an effort to properly package it for its journey. Plus you still got US customs to deal with!!!

I have bought a few things from JHP when I had my GTO and they are probably your best bet to get any Holden / HSV parts you want.

Early HSV's such as the VL Group A Walkinshaw (750), the Calais based SV88 (150) and the GTS-R (85) were built as limited production runs. Later moels such as the Clubsport are built to order and have much higher numbers. That being said GTS and Senators are still fairly low production runs due to their higher price tag.
HSV cars are built as complete cars on the Holden production line and are then taken to HSV to be modified. The W427 will come off the line with a 6.0L fitted and then it will be removed at HSV and have the 7.0L fitted as the Holden line does not have time to fit the different engine due to running at full capacity with both the local and export markets. Modern Motor magazine says the W427 will be limited to a total build of 90 vehicles.

I've heard in the past that to order parts directly from HSV, you have to give them the VIN number of your car, so they can check it out. I imagine that will definitely be the case with the W427.

Monaro@JHP - as far as I've found, JHP is the only company that sells any HSV parts to anyoen outside of AU, is that correct?

Also, for shipping..... I imagine pricing is based on size of the container and weight - how beneficial would it be to say, group order parts through you? Any significant advantage in shipping costs? (Granted, I understand that the logistics would be complicated at best, seeing as all the parts would have to come to one person/place)
VIN number was the case before, I am not sure what it is now. But it doesn't matter since none of them are authorized to do international sales anyway.
We are not the only company who's allowed to do so, but we are the only one who is still doing it. A lot of companies simply don't want to deal with it because first you get a question of how much it is and after that you get 10 replies back complaining how expensive it is.

The group purchases on a container size are not working out well. We tried it before and it was a disaster. A lot of people who are saying that they are in on the purchase don't even bother replying by the time it comes to the payment. Also, container shipment may take as long as 12 weeks plus another 2 weeks to get it reshipped by ground to people and there are not that many people who are willing to wait that long. Considering we have to collect money at the time of the order, not when it reaches the US.

If you really want big items which can be sent cost effectively by sea freight, you can contact us and they can be put in our next scheduled shipment (one should be going really soon).

I don't even MIND the 4K for the VE GTS wheels because they're amazing imo, but the Mrs DOES mind so as soon as I figure out how to deal with that you guys will be hearing from me :D

can i get a email adress to email you at jhp

can i get a email adress to email you at jhp

http://www.jhp.com.au/contact-form-main.php
or
s a l e s @ j h p . c o m . a u

jhp when is your next shipment do in the states

Maybe it's just that I've never seen them in person, but, to me, the HSV front ends, particularly the red and white ones above, remind me of cheap body kits for Civics. They don't have an OEM quality look. Large, single piece molded plastic, makes me think they'd flop in the wind on the highway. And the white one with the center rib on the grill would be the proper place for an emblem. Without it, it looks generic. The grey one is a little better... if I could put a Pontiac emblem on it to get rid of the generic-ness, I could go for it. Just my opinion, of course.

I would like the Holden wing though.

EDIT: I'm referring to cars on the first page.

jhp when is your next shipment do in the states

The shipment already left and the conversion which is in it is already spoken for. We are shipping items monthly. The next one will be in approximately 4-5 weeks.

sounds like there are lots of people that just dont fully understand the status of the HSV!! It really is nothing like any other company in the world. They are completely independent and offer a completely different car. Saleen is not as much of an improvement on a ford as HSV is on a Holden. AMG is similar but still thats whole other class of car. HSV puts a modest GM vehicle in line with AMG and M series bimer etc...

And they make them based on demand not limited numbers!! Macro has a one of a kind car and will be more valuable than he can imagine, even as a replica.

So bottom line the cost has to be outrageous otherwise it wouldnt be HSV!! The best wax I use costs $2000 a jar! But its the best. You have to pay for the goods.

JHP is a fantastic company! another bump from an aussie living in So Cal! ;)

sounds like there are lots of people that just dont fully understand the status of the HSV!! It really is nothing like any other company in the world. They are completely independent and offer a completely different car. Saleen is not as much of an improvement on a ford as HSV is on a Holden. AMG is similar but still thats whole other class of car. HSV puts a modest GM vehicle in line with AMG and M series bimer etc...

And they make them based on demand not limited numbers!! Macro has a one of a kind car and will be more valuable than he can imagine, even as a replica.

So bottom line the cost has to be outrageous otherwise it wouldnt be HSV!! The best wax I use costs $2000 a jar! But its the best. You have to pay for the goods.

JHP is a fantastic company! another bump from an aussie living in So Cal! ;)

Guys,

Ditto on the HSV is expensive line and also a big thumbs up for JHP, they are a very well respected company is Australia. They can be trusted and everything they have said in this thread is spot on...

John.

HSV parts are not GM parts, they are not on GM network and are not GM produced. There is less connection between HSV and GM than between Audi and VW.
Also I can't see how you need more parts for RS4 conversion. You don't need the hood, don't need taillights or taillight covers. In fact, I can't even count half the parts by looking at the pictures between S4 and RS4

and RS4 still produced by Audi and sold on the international market all over the world

Old thread, old post; just call me the necromancer.

The RS4 has unique fenders, including unique quarter panels and unique doors among just a few of the many changes that are not shared with other models on the same chassis (In this reference, the B7-chassis). Every external body panel is replaced in exception to the hood and roof.

I'm surprised more haven't done the Holden conversion -- I keep fighting with the idea of getting a GTO and whether or not I'd do the Holden GTO/GT-S conversion if I did. The car wasn't all that awe-inspiring visually when it came to the states but the 05' update helped and even still it was a good looking car, even if it wasn't being particularly striking.