The Holden 308 is one of those engines that still gets people talking. Whether you grew up hearing its grumble or you’re tackling your first proper rebuild, the 308 tends to stir up memories and mechanical interest. With summer well underway across Australia, it's a common time for backyard projects and shed builds to kick off, especially for enthusiasts looking to restore or upgrade a classic ride.
We often get asked what comes with a Holden 308 engine for sale and what buyers should expect before they commit. Not all engines are the same, and what’s included can vary quite a bit. It helps to have a solid idea of what’s typically part of the deal so you’re not caught out halfway through a rebuild or left chasing extra parts during the hottest months of the year.
What Is a Holden 308 Engine and Where It Came From
The Holden 308 V8 came out in the late 1960s. It became a regular in various Commodores, including early models like the VB and VL, as well as the Kingswood and Monaro. It was Holden’s answer to the demand for a strong, locally-built V8 that could hold its own for both daily drives and track days. Over time, it built a name for being tough, reliable, and well-suited for Australian roads.
There are a few different versions of the 308, and knowing which one you're working with makes a real difference. Here's a basic breakdown:
• Red Motor – Found in HQ to HZ models, solid choice for earlier cars
• Blue Motor – Showed up in the early Commodores, with some tuning improvements
• Black Motor – Used in later VK Commodores, seen as the last iteration of the 308
Each version had a few factory differences, especially in how the intake, fuel delivery, and emissions were set up. Most Holden 308 engines you'll find for sale today come from rebuilds, donor vehicles, or part-outs from longer-term projects that didn’t get off the ground. Some still run, some don’t, and others are mid-way through restoration with key components missing or replaced.
What’s Usually Included With a Holden 308 Engine for Sale
Not all 308s come packed with extras, so it's important to check what's actually included before taking one home. Some sellers only offer the short block, while others provide a full long motor or something ready to bolt in with some external parts attached.
Most commonly, you’ll see a 308 engine listed with:
• Short Block – This includes crankshaft, pistons, rods, block, and camshaft
• Heads – Usually fitted, but inspect for cracks or previous welding
• Intake Manifold – May or may not be included depending on how complete the engine is
• Timing Cover and Sump – Often included, but worth checking alignment and condition
What usually isn’t part of the sale without asking are:
• Alternator
• Carburettor
• Starter motor
• Distributor
• Clutch or Torque Converter
Sometimes these parts are available, but they often come at a higher price or may be non-functional. It’s best to assume you’re getting the basics unless you’ve agreed otherwise.
Parts listed for Holden 308 engines at Holdcom Auto Parts are selected either as genuine Holden pieces or quality aftermarket options designed to fit both early and late model builds. We stock engine rebuild kits and related major components, making it easier to get everything you need in one order for VB, VC, and VL Commodores.
Conditions and Variations to Expect When Buying
Like any second-hand engine, the condition of a Holden 308 can range from nearly perfect to something that needs a complete teardown. Reconditioned units are usually more predictable, but many engines on the market are sold as-is, especially by private sellers.
Here are a few things we’ve learned to look for:
• Outer Surface – Check for cracking around the valve covers and signs of oil spray or burns
• Mounting Points – Wear or dents near mounts can mean it’s been rough-handled
• Rust – Especially around frost plugs or inside the water galleries if the thing’s been sitting for ages
• Sump Seepage – Old gaskets tend to shrink or dry out in long-term storage, especially in heat
Australia’s summers can dry out rubber components and warp intake and exhaust gaskets just from sitting still. If the engine’s been in a garage near the coast or exposed to humid air, it might look fine outside but be rusting from within. It’s never much fun tearing it down just to find water marks inside the cylinder walls.
We highlight the risk of heat and age on seals, gaskets, and internal engine surfaces, and we offer advice on what to replace before an install to prevent headaches down the track.
Why Summer Is a Common Time To Source a Classic Holden Engine
We always notice an increase in engine interest around this time of year. January brings a bit of downtime from work, holiday breaks, and heat that practically begs for afternoons spent working on a car with the shed doors wide open.
There are a few reasons why summer is when many people decide to find a Holden 308 engine for sale:
• More daylight hours to get stuck into bigger mechanical jobs
• Extra public holidays giving people room to work without rush
• Warmer conditions making it easier to lift, clean, and paint engine parts
We also see more 308s pulled from parted-out builds during summer. Some projects get paused or abandoned, and that trickles down to parts being put up for sale. But along with that comes the risk of heat affecting how long an engine has been sitting idle, especially if it’s been in open sheds or stored badly.
Getting the Most Out of a Vintage V8 Project
If you're buying a Holden 308 engine for sale, it’s worth taking the time to know what you’re really getting. Asking the right questions up front could save you from unexpected delays or extra costs halfway through a rebuild.
We’ve seen how taking a few minutes to look at the engine’s surface, bolt threads, and listed parts can make the difference between a frustrating search and a smooth install. The more you know about what’s standard on these engines, and the better you understand what might be missing, the easier it is to plan your build.
Understanding where the engine came from and what its original configuration was also gives you a better shot at lining things up correctly once it’s back in your Commodore. That way, the vintage V8 you're bringing back to life feels more like a return to form than just a parts swap.
Making Your Holden 308 Build Smoother
Early Commodores like the VB, VC, and VL have unique fitment requirements. At Holdcom Auto Parts, you can find engine parts to suit restoration projects for all major V8 generations, plus advice from enthusiasts experienced with both daily drivers and dedicated classics. Purchasing a compatible Holden 308 engine for sale gives you a head start, especially when you know every part is suited to your specific build.
Working on a summer project or restoring a classic Commodore is always smoother with the right parts from the outset, especially when it comes to iconic builds like the Holden 308. For early-model restorations, our current stock of the Holden 308 engine for sale has plenty of options ready to help you get started. At Holdcom Auto Parts, we’re here to match you with the exact engine parts you need, so reach out if you’d like some guidance.
