Market Segment:
Mid-size to large family cars and sporty coupes, popular in the Australian market
Competitors:
Ford Falcon, Chrysler Valiant, and imported models such as Ford Cortina and various European sedans.
Feature 1:
Robust Australian engineering for local conditions.
Feature 2:
Variety of body styles catering to different needs (sedan, wagon, coupe, utility).
Feature 3:
Strong emphasis on V8 performance options, especially for Monaro variants.
Feature 4:
Comfortable ride and spacious interiors for family use.
Engine:
Engine components, internal and external, gaskets, seals, fasteners
Fuel System:
Carburettor components, fuel pump, fuel lines, filters
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan
Ignition System:
Distributor, coils, spark plugs, wiring
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, hangers
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission components, clutch assembly, driveshaft
Drivetrain:
Differential, axles, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushes
Steering:
Steering column, steering box, tie rods, power steering components (if applicable)
Brakes:
Brake calipers, discs, drums, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake components
Electrical System:
Wiring harnesses, lights, switches, ignition switch, starter motor, alternator, battery components, dashboard instrumentation
Body:
Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid), trim, bumpers, grilles, glass, seals, hinges, latches, body fasteners
Interior:
Seats, carpets, door cards, dashboard components, steering wheel, interior trim pieces, seat belts
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
Heater core, blower motor, ducting, vents, air conditioning components (if fitted)
Accessories:
Optional accessories like tow bars, radio components, etc.
Part Identification:
Detailed exploded diagrams for visual identification of all components
Part Number Lookup:
Provision of unique Holden part numbers for ordering and replacement
Component Assembly:
Visual guidance on how components are assembled and related to each other
Depth:
Comprehensive parts catalog enabling correct identification and ordering of nearly every nut and bolt
Application:
Essential for restoration, repair, and sourcing of original or replacement parts
Available Engines:
Holden Red Motor I6 (173ci, 186ci, 202ci), Holden V8 (253ci, 308ci)
Typical Hp I6:
Approximately 114-145 hp (net) for 173/186/202ci engines, depending on tune.
Typical Hp V8:
Approximately 164-240 hp (net) for 253/308ci engines, depending on tune.
Torque I6:
Varies by displacement, e.g., 202ci V8 around 200 lb-ft.
Torque V8:
Varies by displacement, e.g., 308ci V8 around 280-320 lb-ft.
Carburetion:
Single-barrel or two-barrel Rochester or Stromberg carburetors, with potential for performance upgrades like Holley or Weber.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded petrol (though early models may have been designed for leaded).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111 inches (2819 mm) for sedans and wagons, potentially shorter for coupes/utility.
Length:
Varies by body style, e.g., sedan around 184 inches (4673 mm).
Width:
Approx. 70 inches (1778 mm).
Height:
Approx. 54-56 inches (1370-1422 mm) for sedans, higher for wagons and utility.
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 2700 lbs (1225 kg) for base models to over 3200 lbs (1450 kg) for V8 models.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3500-4000 lbs (1588-1814 kg) depending on configuration.
Safety Ratings Era:
Pre-date modern standardized crash testing (e.g., ANCAP, NHTSA). Safety features were basic by today's standards.
Active Safety:
Brake systems (front discs standard on most models, rear drums), power steering (optional), limited-slip differential (optional on some models).
Passive Safety:
Seat belts (lap belts standard, optional front shoulder belts), padded dashboard and steering wheel, safety glass.
Structural Safety:
Basic steel body-on-frame construction, designed with crumple zones common for the era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3-6 months, depending on usage.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, points, and condenser checks/replacement typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km).
Transmission Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change typically every 12,000-24,000 miles (20,000-40,000 km).
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH classification, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 recommended depending on climate and engine condition.
Coolant:
A 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and water. Consult manual for specific type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 80W-90 typically.
Rust:
Common areas include wheel arches, door sills, floor pans, and rear quarter panels due to age and Australian climate.
Engine Wear:
Oil consumption, worn valve guides, and potential bearing wear in high-mileage Red Motors and V8s.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, thermostat failure, and water pump leaks are common due to age.
Suspension Bushes:
Rubber suspension bushes degrade over time, leading to poor handling and alignment issues.
Electrical Corrosion:
Wiring harnesses and connectors can suffer from corrosion and degraded insulation.
Brand Origin:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer, originally established to build car bodies for Chevrolet.
Hj Introduction:
The HJ series replaced the HG Holden and was a significant update, featuring revised styling, particularly the front-end treatment, and improved powertrains.
Key Updates Hj:
Revised grille, headlights, taillights, and interior refinements. Introduction of radial tuned suspension (RTS) on some models for improved handling.
Production Period:
1974-1975
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (primarily GMH's Dandenong, Victoria plant)
Total Production Hj:
Over 170,000 units across all body styles and trims.
