🏷️ Basic Information

Manual Title:

GMH IDENTIFICATION Guide 1948-1987 Holden MONARO GTS TORANA

Publisher:

General Motors-Holdens (GMH) Parts & Accessories Division

Publication Date:

November 1979 (with 1983 and 1984-1987 Supplements)

Primary Vehicles Covered:

Holden Monaro GTS, Holden Torana

Extended Vehicle Coverage:

Holden Statesman (HQ, HJ, HX, HZ, WB), Holden (48/215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD, HR), Holden HK, HT, HG, HQ, HJ, HX, HZ (including Sandman, WB commercials), Holden Viva (HA, HB), Holden Torana (LC, LJ, TA, LH, SLR, LX, A9X, UC), Holden Sunbird (LX, UC), Holden Gemini (TX, TC, TD, TE, RB), Holden Commodore (VB, VC, VH, VK, VL), Holden Camira (JC, JD, JE), Holden Astra (LB, LC), Holden Barina (MB, ML), Holden Piazza (YB)

Manual Purpose:

To provide a comprehensive guide for identifying GMH vehicles and their components from 1948 to 1987, including original parts and service literature.

Vehicle Make:

Holden (manufactured by General Motors-Holdens)

Vehicle Era Covered:

1948 through 1987

Model Code Explanation:

Provides explanations of various vehicle numbering systems used by GMH over the years.

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, restorers, parts suppliers, mechanics, and collectors of classic Australian Holden vehicles.

Value Proposition:

An indispensable resource for accurate identification and sourcing of parts for a wide spectrum of iconic Australian GMH vehicles.

Resource Type:

A primary reference document for enthusiasts and professionals working with classic Australian GMH vehicles.

Uniqueness:

Combines identification, brief specs, and a comprehensive parts/service publication index for a significant era of GMH production, a rare consolidation.

Feature 1:

Expansive vehicle coverage from 1948 to 1987, encompassing numerous popular models.

Feature 2:

Detailed identification systems explanation, crucial for discerning specific models and trims.

Feature 3:

Concise specifications for easy comparison and reference.

Feature 4:

Inclusion of supplements for later model years (1983, 1984-1987).

Feature 5:

Cross-reference to official GMH parts and service literature, providing part numbers.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Visual Identification, Brief Specifications, Selected Fast-Moving Parts (GM and AC Delco)

Historical Data:

Number built and release dates for each model.

Parts And Service Information:

Lists all workshop manuals, parts, and service publications for each model with part numbers (1948-1977).

Parts Catalog Scope:

Focuses on 'fast moving parts' and provides part numbers for publications up to 1977, acting as a historical parts index.

Supplementary Information:

The inclusion of 1983 and 1984-1987 supplements extends the identification and parts information beyond the primary publication date.

Total Pages:

315

Type:

Identification Guide & Parts/Service Publication Index

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Identification Systems:

VIN decoding, chassis numbering, engine codes, body codes, trim level designations.

Mechanical Components:

Covers selected fast-moving parts for major mechanical systems including engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.

Engine Identification:

Includes identification of engine types and displacements relevant to each model.

Transmission Identification:

Facilitates identification of correct manual and automatic transmission types fitted to various models.

Electrical Parts:

Includes GM and AC Delco electrical components, likely covering ignition, starting, charging, and lighting systems.

Body Identification:

Visual identification aids for distinguishing various body styles and trim levels (e.g., GTS, SLR, SS).

Identification Procedures:

Guidance on how to identify specific GMH vehicles and their original configurations based on codes and features.

Parts Lookup:

Detailed procedures for looking up parts using GMH part numbers for vehicles from 1948 to 1977.

Publication Lookup:

Cross-referencing to original workshop manuals and service publications with their respective part numbers.

Vehicle Identification Process:

Walks users through identifying vehicle variants using chassis numbers, engine numbers, and specific body/trim codes.

Depth:

Primarily focused on identification and parts cataloging, with brief specifications. It acts as a gateway to more detailed workshop manuals.

Scope:

Comprehensive for identification and parts referencing across a wide range of GMH models, but not a full repair manual for all procedures.

Application Focus:

Ideal for identifying original specifications and parts for restoration projects or authenticating vehicles.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Works on all computers (implying standard PDF reader compatibility).

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable given it's a PDF, greatly enhancing usability.

Quality:

As a PDF, print quality is dependent on the user's printer, but the source material is likely high-quality print from the original GMH publications.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families:

Covers engines from Holden's iconic straight-sixes (e.g., Blue/Red/Yellow motors) and V8s (e.g., 253, 308, 350, 427) as fitted to models like Monaro, Torana, Commodore, Statesman, and Kingswood/Premier. Also includes engines for smaller vehicles like Gemini (I4, V6), Viva (I4), and Sunbird (I4).

Power Output Range:

Varies significantly by model and engine. For example, Torana GTR/XU-1 models featured tuned 4-cylinder engines producing over 150hp, while V8 Monaros and Statesmans could offer upwards of 240-300+ hp from 308 and 350ci V8s respectively. The manual likely provides brief specs for each engine variant.

Fuel Delivery:

Covers carburetor systems (e.g., Stromberg, Holley, Rochester) and later fuel injection (EFI) systems as introduced in models like the VL Commodore. Mentions specific parts likely relate to fuel pumps, filters, and carburetors.

Cooling Components:

Likely covers radiators, water pumps, and thermostats through part numbers for fast-moving components.

Ignition Components:

Covers distributors, coils, spark plugs, and points/condensers (for older models) or electronic ignition modules.

Engine Codes Covered:

Implies coverage of various engine codes (e.g., 173, 186, 202 ci for 6-cylinders; 253, 308, 350 ci for V8s) as used in Holden vehicles.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmissions:

Includes manual transmissions: 3-speed, 4-speed (e.g., M20, M21 for performance models), and later 5-speed (e.g., Getrag in VL Commodore).

Automatic Transmissions:

Covers popular GM automatics such as the 2-speed Powerglide, 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic (TH350, TH400), and later Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 (for V8 Commodore/Statesman).

Transmission Parts:

Fast-moving parts for transmissions, likely including seals, gaskets, clutch components (manual), and potentially filter kits for automatics.

Transmission Fluid:

While not explicitly stated, the manual's nature implies it would reference correct fluid types for various transmissions (e.g., Dexron II for automatics, gear oil for manuals), likely through associated service publications.

📐 Dimensions

Model Variations:

Covers a broad range of body styles from compact Torana and Gemini, mid-size Viva and Commodore, to large Statesman sedans and various Holden utility/commercial vehicles (WB commercials).

Gvw Gvm:

The manual provides production numbers and release dates, and implicitly references identification for various weight classes and configurations, particularly for commercial vehicles.

Wheelbase Range:

Covers vehicles with significantly different wheelbases, from shorter Toranas and Geminis to longer Statesmans and Commodores.

Bolt Pattern:

Implicitly covers vehicles with different wheel bolt patterns, such as 4x100mm (Gemini) and 5x105mm (Commodore, Torana), and 5x114.3mm (larger Holdens).

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

The manual's focus on identification and parts predates modern standardized safety rating systems (like ANCAP). However, it implicitly covers safety-related components through parts listings, such as brakes, steering, and seatbelt anchor points referenced in original publications.

Braking Systems:

Covers identification and parts for braking systems, including drum brakes, front disc brakes (standard on many performance models), and rear disc brakes (optional or standard on higher trims like Monaro GTS, Torana A9X).

Restraint Systems:

Likely lists parts related to seat belts and their mounting points as per original GMH specifications for the covered period.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Covers identification and parts for original factory-fit radios (AM/FM) and speakers for the era, reflecting the technology of the time.

Driving Aids:

Limited to the era; may include parts for power steering systems, power brakes, and potentially early forms of cruise control on higher-end models.

External Devices:

N/A for this era of vehicles. Focus is on mechanical and basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

General Intervals:

While this is an identification guide, it references original service publications (1948-1977), which would detail service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, ignition tune-ups, and fluid checks. For example, early Holden 6-cylinders often required oil changes every 3,000 miles (approx. 5,000 km) and ignition tune-ups annually or at similar intervals.

Engine Oil:

Implied reference to specific engine oil viscosity grades (e.g., SAE 20W-50 for performance V8s, SAE 30 or 10W-30 for 6-cylinders) and types (mineral oil) as specified in original GMH manuals for the period.

Coolant:

Likely specifies correct coolant mixture ratios and types (e.g., ethylene glycol based) for the respective eras.

Common Wear Parts:

By listing fast-moving parts, the manual implicitly helps identify common wear-and-tear items such as points and condensers, spark plugs, fuel pumps, water pumps, brake pads/shoes, and clutch components.

Common Failures Implied:

The selection of 'fast moving parts' inherently points to components that are frequently replaced due to wear or failure, such as ignition components, fuel system parts, and cooling system parts.

Part Number Reference:

Crucial for maintenance as it provides the correct GMH part numbers for replacements, ensuring authenticity and fitment.

📚 Vehicle History

Gmh Legacy:

General Motors-Holdens (GMH) was a dominant force in the Australian automotive industry, known for producing durable and often performance-oriented vehicles tailored to local conditions.

Iconic Models:

Highlights key Australian automotive icons like the Holden Monaro (performance coupe) and Holden Torana (popular sports sedan/coupe), alongside core Holden sedans (Kingswood, Premier) and utility vehicles.

Production Eras:

Covers a critical period of Australian automotive manufacturing, from post-war expansion (48/215) through the muscle car era (Monaro GTS) and into the front-wheel-drive era (Camira, Astra).

Model Introduction Dates:

The manual explicitly provides release dates for each covered model, offering historical context.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While the manual itself is a technical document, the vehicles it covers (like the Monaro GTS and Torana SLR/5000) received significant acclaim and motorsport success, cementing their iconic status in Australian automotive history.

Performance Rankings:

The Monaro GTS and Torana models, in particular, were often lauded for their performance capabilities and styling, frequently featuring in contemporary motoring reviews as benchmarks.

Manufacturing Quality:

As an official GMH publication, it signifies the quality and standardisation of parts and identification systems employed by General Motors-Holdens.