Readers' Rides: Simon's 'Big Red' Holden Commodore SS

When Readers' Rides applicant Kyle showed us his stunning Saab collection this week, Australian reader Simon got in contact telling us why we needed to feature his Holden Commodore SS. Because this series is all about you guys and your rides, how could we possibly refuse? Simon, over to you:

G'day Car Throttle Crew! I'm from Sydney, Australia and there is nothing on this earth that matters more to me than a loud engine and three pedals.

Ever since I was a young kid, I've loved cars and everything about them; the way they worked, looked and sounded. I'm almost 23 now and am a fully qualified auto mechanic with a few extra certificates up my sleeve.

I spent my entire apprenticeship biding my time to save money so I could own and modify my current 2003 Holden Commodore SS pride and joy. No human on this earth can make me smile like this thing does. I can't help but just laugh every time I put my foot down in it, hearing the velocity stacks open, giving you that gorgeous BMW M-style induction snarl. I regularly drag race it at my local track and I plan to compete in a few track days.

Specifications

- 409hp - 477lb ft torque - Full dyno tune (stock computer remap) - Complete exhaust: ceramic race headers, high flow metallic cats into complete 2.5" straight pipes (very loud). - 232/234 cam package (valves, lifters, springs, rockers) - Individual throttle body intake - Short shifter kit with spring-loaded detent between 2nd and 3rd - Heavy duty clutch

When I started modifying the engine, I wanted to build it on the principles of the S65B40 motor out of the E9X series M3, made for response and power.

The mods that I've put in the car so far weren't to chase numbers; the money I spent on that throttle body manifold could've got me a decent blower and made roughly 500rwhp. I went with throttle bodies for the sound and that angry race car like brap-brap engine response.

The stacks sound AMAZING when you really open it up and the LS1 loves to rev right out to 7200rpm, which is where the tach ends in the cluster.

Why did I buy the Commodore? I suppose if I really think about it, I'm just trying to make the most mental all rounder street car I can with a lot of naturally aspirated power that can hold its own at a track day, the drag strip, a skid pan or any situation I put it in.

This stuff is my life, its all I can think about. My family thinks I've gone way too far with the car and when I tell them what's next to come, they worry about my future. But they'll never get it, every heel toe downshift, every quarter mile pass, every head turned in the street, every shattered eardrum from the aggressively crackling straight exhaust...

The car brings me the simplest, purest joy I've not found anywhere else. Every time I get behind the wheel I can't help but giggle like a girl. It's therapeutic.

If reading this has stirred any emotions about your car and you think we should feature it, email alex.kersten@carthrottle.com with a pic and a few words explaining why you love it so much. If we like it, expect to get mad bragging rights with your mates!