🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Holden

Model:

HZ Series

Year:

1977-1978

Chassis Code:

HZ

Engine Code Prefix:

LC

👋 Introduction

Era:

Late 1970s Australian automotive market

Segment:

Large family sedans, luxury sedans, performance coupes, and commercial vehicles

Key Competitors:

Ford Falcon (XC/XD), Chrysler Valiant (CM), locally assembled European models

Vehicle Lineup:

Diverse range from mainstream Kingswood to luxury Statesman and performance Monaro

Manual Value Proposition:

Indispensable for restorers, mechanics, and enthusiasts needing exact part identification and ordering

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Holden HZ Series Passenger Cars and Utilities

Specific Models Covered:

Kingswood Sedan, Kingswood Wagon, Kingswood SL Sedan, Kingswood SL Wagon, Premier Sedan, Premier Wagon, Monaro GTS, Utility, Kingswood Utility, Sandman Utility, Panel Van, Kingswood Panel Van, Sandman Panel Van, One Tonner, Statesman DeVille, Statesman Caprice

Total Pages:

973

Type:

Parts Book / Catalog

Content Focus:

Parts identification, interchangeability, and numbering

Language:

English

Digital Format:

.pdf

Digital Features:

Bookmarked chapters, searchable text

Print Capability:

Printable (single pages or full document)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Cooling, Fuel, Transmissions, Differential

Chassis:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Frame

Electrical:

Electrical System Components, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging

Body:

Sheet Metal, Body Panels, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Accessories

Accessories:

Factory-installed and dealer-optioned accessories

Identification Procedures:

Part number lookup via alphabetical and numerical indexes

Assembly Disassembly:

Implied through exploded diagrams for part identification and ordering

Interchangeability:

Identification of common parts across different models and trims

Depth:

Detailed, component-level part identification

Illustrations:

Comprehensive exploded diagrams for nearly every component

Part Numbers:

Official Holden part numbers provided for all components

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

Digital (PDF)

Compatibility:

Works on all computers (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text

Digital Binding:

Internal PDF linking (bookmarked chapters)

Digital Representation:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Holden Red, Blue, and potentially early Black six-cylinder engines; Chevrolet-derived V8 engines (253ci, 308ci, 350ci – depending on specific model/trim/market)

Typical Displacement Six:

3.3L (202ci), 4.2L (253ci)

Typical Displacement V8:

4.2L (253ci), 5.0L (308ci), 5.7L (350ci)

Induction Type:

Carbureted (Stromberg, Holley, Rochester Quadrajet dependent on engine and variant)

Timing Belt Chain:

Timing chain driven, no regular replacement interval required

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed manual (Synchro-mesh), 4-speed manual (Muncie M21/M22 for performance models)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic (TH350, TH400)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (manual transmission)

Automatic Fluid Type:

GM Dexron II (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 114 inches (2896 mm) for sedans/wagons, 121 inches (3073 mm) for Statesman, 118.4 inches (3007 mm) for utilities/vans

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1350 kg to 1750 kg depending on body style and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Reflective of late 1970s Australian standards; limited standardized testing compared to modern era

Braking System:

Front disc brakes standard, rear drum brakes. Power assistance often standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Front lap/sash seatbelts standard; rear lap belts optional or standard depending on model/year

Body Structure:

Integral body-chassis construction

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted AM radio or optional AM/FM radio. Cassette players were not common at this time.

Features:

Limited; typically power steering on higher trims, intermittent wipers on some models.

Features:

N/A (no modern connectivity features)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 6 months, consult original manual for specifics.

Tune Up Interval:

Periodic inspection of spark plugs, ignition points (if applicable), and carburetor adjustment recommended, consult original manual.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF/CD or SG/CD rated oils. Viscosity typically SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 depending on climate and engine wear.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Holden/GM coolant) with anti-corrosive additives. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid

Common Wear Items:

Bushings (suspension, steering), ignition components (points, condenser, coil), fuel pumps, radiators, exhaust systems, rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, window surrounds)

Engine Specifics:

Carburetor adjustment can be critical for smooth running; potential for oil leaks from gaskets and seals

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

General Motors-Holden's Ltd (Australia)

Hz Generation Context:

Final iteration of the HQ platform architecture, succeeding the HX series

Monaro Gts Legacy:

Continuation of Holden's iconic muscle car lineage

Production Years Hz:

1977-1980

Manufacturing Location:

Australia (multiple GMH plants)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Perception:

The HZ series was well-regarded in its time for its ride comfort, spaciousness, and range of engine options, particularly the V8 performance variants.

Magazine Reviews:

Contemporary reviews from Australian motoring publications like 'Wheels' and 'Modern Motor' would be the primary source of ratings, often praising the refined ride and V8 performance.