WM Holden Caprice - My Caprice

2007 WM Holden Caprice as advertised by the seller

In January of 2011, many months of scanning classifieds finally manifested a Caprice in the driveway. The previous year I had saved up every possible penny, keeping a close eye on the depreciation of second-hand WMs.

I had not planned on buying so soon, and had only bothered looking at the example photographed above because it perfectly matched the specifications I was after. It was powered by the LS motor, of course, with the optional sunroof as well as a black exterior with light tan interior. When they accepted my offer $1k below the asking price – already by far the cheapest on the market – it was a done deal there and then.

Little was known about its history, though being an '07 model it was going on 4 years old. Having done high kms to that time, it was presumed that it may have been a chauffeur vehicle. Fortunately its condition was still good overall.

In March the minimal external modifications were completed. Side 'V8' badges were removed, so only the quad exhaust tips distinguish the car from the badge-less V6 model. Custom slimline plates are black in colour, complete with King Pin frames to finish the job. A set of new floor mats made a tremendous difference to the interior presentation, which were bought from a Holden dealer selling them online.

June saw the addition of large white LED 194 bulbs to replace the parkers. The stock parkers are blue-coloured incandescent bulbs, which still look too yellow for the pure-white HID projectors. These particular LED bulbs are actually on the blue side, though fill the housing nicely. Smaller 194 white LEDs were installed for the rear number plate light.

'L98' LS motor with cold air intake and plastic engine cover removed

In the same month, an 'over the radiator' cold air intake and dyno tune brought increased power from the engine, up from about 211 to 231 rear-wheel kilowatts. The engine note is also deeper under hard acceleration, whilst being as serene as a stocker under normal driving conditions. A new drive belt eliminated a squealing noise on cold start-up.

On a trip to the quarter mile racetrack, the Caprice achieved a best of 13.89 @ 102 mph. This was my first time racing, and in fact the first time I ever drove the car at full throttle. Under all normal driving conditions, even when overtaking, I had found using full throttle unnecessary. My goal of a 13 second bracket time with minimal expense and no compromise to the car's refinement had been attained.