Robert Cooper’s turbo LS-swapped VN RSV dealer pack

Sweet home-brewed VN project!

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“My dad originally bought this VN Executive from Rick Sivyer Holden as an ‘RSV’ dealer pack, which was nothing special – just some stickers, a red/black stripe and colour-coded bumpers. When I turned 15, he said I could have the car when I get my licence, so once I got my P-plates, I began to modify it,” says proud owner Robert Cooper.

First published in the June 2024 issue of Street Machine

“I didn’t touch the trusty 3.8L Buick and T5 combo, instead focusing on improving its appearance. I went through so many different wheels, painted things, and did what I could on apprentice wages. I found a VP Calais International interior for it, along with VS Devonish front seats, and an SS kit with VS side skirts.

“When I got on my open licence, I built a tough 304 for it, and drove it for around for the next five years – I loved how it sounded. However, all my mates’ cars started getting faster and I was bitten by the power bug, which brings me to the car’s current build, which I’m proud to say I’ve carried out 100 per cent on my own, from the wiring to paint to fabrication.

“It now has a turbo LS1, with a stock T56, making 550hp at the hubs. I’m still learning the power, having been used to the old 304, but it’s been a blast to drive it again. It’s sitting on BC Racing coil-overs and 18×9.5 wheels all ’round, and has also been given a VT brake upgrade, a fuel cell in the boot, and a Haltech Elite 2500 brainbox, harness and dash.

“I finished the car a couple of weeks before Rockynats this year and apart from an issue with the thermo fans, it went great! It was an awesome event, I struggled with traction on street tyres in the drags, but it was good fun and I’m entered again for next year.”

“Plans for the car now are just to enjoy it for a bit, but I’d love to fix the rust in the roof and sunroof, repaint the car, strengthen the diff, put a T56 Magnum in it, and then get the interior retrimmed. One of those never-ending projects I’ll have for life.”


Want your pride and joy featured in Street Machine? Just send some photos of your car (minimum file size 2MB each) and a few details of what went into the build to [email protected].

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