🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Holden

Model:

Monaro

Generations Covered:

HK, HT, HG, HQ, HJ, HX, HZ, VZ

Engine Codes:

Covered for HK, HT, HG, HQ, HJ, HX, HZ (including V8 variants like 308, 350, 253, etc.)

Paint Codes:

Covered for HK, HT, HG, HQ (specific sections), general paint colour codes A-L

Vin Decoder:

Included

Trimatic Id Plate Codes:

Included

Identification Sections:

Engine / Body / Chassis Numbers, Holden Decoder, Identifying a Sandman

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Holden Monaro was positioned as Holden's flagship coupe, a performance-oriented and stylish vehicle that captured the automotive imagination of Australia.

Performance Icon:

The Monaro was Holden's answer to the desire for a stylish, powerful Australian-made coupe, becoming synonymous with performance and muscle car culture.

Competitors:

Competed against other locally manufactured performance cars and offered a more stylish alternative to larger sedans, often drawing comparisons to American muscle cars of the era.

Heritage:

Iconic Australian muscle car with a strong enthusiast following.

Restoration Focus:

The manual caters to the significant demand for restoring these classic vehicles, providing crucial technical and historical data.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Holden Monaro (HK to VZ)

Secondary Coverage:

Holden Belmont, Kingswood, Premier (HQ-WB era), Holden 1 Tonner (HQ-WB prefix)

Related Holden Models:

Holden Belmont, Kingswood and Premier, Holden Kingswood, Holden 1 Tonner Prefixes HQ-WB

Estimated Page Count:

Likely extensive, given the breadth of models and technical data. No exact number provided, but implies comprehensive coverage.

Type:

Restoration and Technical Manual (PDF Download)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine specifications, M22 Gearbox, Trimatic gearbox codes, V8 history

Chassis And Body:

Body, Chassis numbers, Interchangeable parts (HK/HT/HG), Sandman identification

Electrical:

Implied through general technical specifications and troubleshooting potential.

Paint And Trim:

Paint codes, Colour codes

Identification And Decoding:

VIN decoder, Holden decoder, Engine/Body/Chassis numbers

Technical Data Specifics:

HQ Technical Specifications, HQ Specifications, HT Monaro Paint & Engine Codes, Paint Colour Codes, Colour Codes A-L, Model Launch Dates & Prices.

Powertrain Support:

M22 Gearbox, Short History of the V8, Trimatic ID Plate Codes, HQ-WB Engine Prefixes.

Restoration Support:

Parts interchangeability, model history, identification guides

Technical Information:

Specifications, Paint codes, Engine prefixes, Model launch dates

Valuation And Registry:

Monaro Price Guide, Monaro Register

Identification Assistance:

Engine / Body / Chassis Numbers, Holden Decoder, VIN Decoder, Identifying a Sandman, Trimatic ID Plate Codes.

Depth:

Comprehensive for restoration and identification purposes, covering historical data, technical specifications, and identification details. Likely includes detailed part identification and potential interchangeability for restoration projects.

Restoration Parts Focus:

HK / HT / HG Interchangeable Parts section highlights the manual's utility for restoration by identifying compatible components across these early generations.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable if the PDF is well-OCR'd.

Printability:

Assumed to be printable.

Quality:

Dependent on original source scan quality, but expected to be clear for technical diagrams and text.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Range:

From the HK era's 161 cubic inch inline-six to the VZ CV8-Z's 5.7L LS1 V8. The manual covers various six-cylinder and V8 engines throughout the Monaro lineage.

Notable Engines:

253ci (4.1L), 308ci (5.0L), 350ci (5.7L) V8 engines, as well as Holden's robust inline-sixes.

Type:

Carbureted for earlier models (e.g., Stromberg, Holley) through to Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for the VZ generation.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Options:

Manual transmissions (e.g., M20, M21, M22) and automatic transmissions (e.g., Trimatic).

Gearbox Options:

High-performance manual gearboxes like the M22 Rockcrusher were optional on certain models. Performance automatic transmissions were also available.

Documentation:

Specific details on the M22 Gearbox and Trimatic ID plate codes are provided.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Primarily 2-door coupe, with some generations (like HQ) also having sedan variants of the Monaro-based models.

Seating:

Typically 4-seater configuration, with a focus on driver and front passenger comfort and sportiness.

Trunk Space:

Adequate for its era, designed to accommodate luggage for touring.

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by generation and engine, typically ranging from approximately 1300kg to 1700kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Context:

Safety standards and ratings were significantly different during the production run of the earlier Monaro models (HK-HZ). The VZ Monaro would have adhered to more modern safety regulations.

Brakes:

Disc brakes on front wheels were common, with rear drums. Higher performance models often featured optional front disc brake upgrades.

Restraints:

Lap-sash seatbelts were standard on front seats in later models, with lap belts for rear passengers on earlier models. Safety glass was also incorporated.

💡 Technology Features

Era Dependent:

Early Monaros featured basic AM/FM radios, often with cassette players in later models. The VZ Monaro offered more contemporary infotainment systems.

Features:

Limited to basic safety features like power steering (on some models) and power assisted brakes. ABS and airbags were not available on the classic models.

Capabilities:

Non-existent on classic models; the VZ would have offered basic audio connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Typical Schedule:

Pre-modern intervals, generally requiring oil changes every 5,000-10,000 km, with more comprehensive services at 20,000-40,000 km. Specific intervals would be detailed within the manual for each model.

Engine Oil:

Viscosities would vary depending on engine, e.g., 20W-50 or 10W-40 for V8s, and SAE 30 for inline-sixes. Modern oils meeting API classifications would be recommended for restoration.

Transmission Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III for Trimatic; Gear oil (e.g., GL-4) for manual transmissions. Specifics for M22 would be crucial.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common in Australian cars of this era, particularly in lower body sections, wheel arches, and boot floors. Manual may offer repair guidance.

Engine Wear:

Piston ring wear, bearing wear, and oil leaks are common on high-mileage, older engines. Valve stem seals are also a common culprit for smoking.

Suspension And Bushings:

Worn suspension bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers are typical wear items, affecting handling and ride comfort.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corroded wiring, faulty switches, and aging electrical components can lead to intermittent issues in older vehicles.

Engine Performance Degradation:

Over time, carburetion can become inconsistent, ignition systems degrade, and internal engine wear can affect power output. The manual's technical data would be essential for diagnosing and rectifying these.

📚 Vehicle History

Holden Legacy:

The Monaro is a cornerstone of Holden's performance heritage, representing a golden era of Australian automotive manufacturing and motorsport success.

Generations:

HK (1968-1970), HT (1970-1971), HG (1971), HQ (1971-1974), HJ (1974-1976), HX (1976-1977), HZ (1977-1980), VZ (2001-2005, revived model based on GM platform).

Generations Timeline:

1st Generation 1968-1971 (HK, HT, HG), 2nd Generation 1971-1977 (HQ, HJ, HX, HZ), 3rd Generation 2001-2005 (VZ Monaro CV8-Z).

Key Production Periods:

Original run: 1968-1980. Revival: 2001-2005.

Production Locations:

Australia (primarily Elizabeth, South Australia for local models), Germany (for VZ based on Opel platform).

Motorsport:

The Monaro chassis formed the basis for successful Holden Dealer Team (HDT) race cars and had a significant presence in Australian touring car racing.

V8 Development:

The manual includes a 'Short History of the V8', detailing the evolution and impact of V8 engines within the Monaro range.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Success:

Monaros achieved significant success in Australian touring car championships and endurance races, solidifying their performance credentials.

Cult Following:

The Monaro is widely regarded as a motoring icon and a highly sought-after classic car in Australia and internationally.