Julia Crane, a heavy diesel mechanic and Commodore enthusiast, has an impressive collection of eight Commodores from the 90s and 2000s. Among her fleet is a ProCharged LS-powered VE SS, meticulously built to deliver a staggering 770hp, serving as her weekend cruiser and event car. Her passion for Commodores led her to explore the performance side, transforming her VE SS into a powerhouse.
Julia’s journey into the mechanic trade began with tinkering on motorbikes in her teens, eventually transitioning to 4WDs. After completing her heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship through the army, she delved into enhancing the performance of her silver VE SS, sparking her interest in performance-based mechanics as a hobby.
Seven years ago, Julia was drawn to VE Commodores while searching for her first V8, enticed by their solid appearance and distinctive features like pumped-out guards. Her VE SS became her entry point into the performance realm, evolving into a backyard build that reflects her dedication and expertise.
The heart of Julia’s ProCharged VE SS lies in its 6.0-litre L98 block with ported LS3 heads, Holley Hi-Ram manifold, a lumpy cam, and a powerful F-1R ProCharger running on E85. The unique side-mount supercharger, generating 12-14psi, complements the setup, showcasing Julia’s meticulous tuning skills that resulted in a remarkable 770hp on the dyno.
Enhancements to Julia’s VE SS include MCA coil-overs, an upgraded clutch, big Harrop brakes, and 20-inch rims for improved performance and aesthetics. Her dedication to perfecting her build is evident in every detail, from the drivetrain to the suspension, making it a standout in the performance car scene.
Julia’s participation in events like Gazzanats highlighted the capabilities of her ProCharged VE SS, securing her fourth place in various competitions and impressing spectators with its performance. While her VE SS serves as an event car and weekend cruiser, Julia also owns a dedicated burnout ute, showcasing her versatility and passion for high-performance vehicles.
Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with her automotive pursuits, Julia’s commitment to her passion remains unwavering. Her future plans include transforming her VN Commodore into another burnout car, exemplifying her relentless drive to push boundaries and excel in the automotive world.
Julia Crane’s journey as a heavy diesel mechanic and Commodore enthusiast reflects her dedication, expertise, and unwavering passion for high-performance vehicles. Through her meticulous builds and participation in events, she continues to make a mark in the automotive community, inspiring enthusiasts and showcasing the endless possibilities in the world of custom cars.
🔗 Reddit Discussions
- TIL when Car & Driver included the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS in the Lightning Lap performance car comparison, it not only managed to do the fastest lap in the sub-$30k class, but also beat several cars in the $30-60k class and held the front-wheel-drive Lightning Lap laptime record until 2018.
- Tesla exaggerated driving ranges, supercharger performance, and fuel cost-effectiveness.
- You ever see an Elise beat up on supercharged muscle cars?