Would a manual rack and intermediate shaft from a VK or even earlier commodore fit a VL?

No chance! Been there done that. The rack wont line up to the mounting points and the shaft from a vk is too long. The only way u can use the intermediate shaft from a vk is swap the top knuckles from vk intermediate and vl p/steering shaft. That way ur shaft is the right length (vl one) with the manual syeering knuckle from the vk. You will still need a vl mamual rack though. I have the same setup in my car. Vk knuckle on vl p/steering shaft and vl rack. All good now.