Related Models Covered:
Valiant Sedan, Valiant Hardtop, Valiant Wagon, Valiant Ute, Valiant Coupe
Country Of Origin:
Australia
Engine Codes:
215, 245, 265, 318 V8, 340 V8, 360 V8
Trim Level Codes:
XL-770, Ranger, Regal, Pacer, E37, E38, E39, E55, Bathurst Packs
Chassis Codes:
Charger body styles would be identified by specific codes, often related to the Valiant range (e.g., VG, VH, VK, CL, CM series Charg ers).
Historical Significance:
The Chrysler Valiant Charger, particularly the performance variants like the E37, E38, E39, and E55, holds a significant place in Australian automotive history as an iconic muscle car. This manual is invaluable for owners and restorers of these sought-after vehicles.
Key Competitors:
Ford Falcon GT, Holden Torana GTR-XU1, and other Australian muscle cars of the era.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive part identification, assembly details, and specification information essential for the restoration, maintenance, and modification of Australian Valiant Chargers and related models.
Parts Sourcing Utility:
Indispensable for anyone undertaking a ground-up restoration or seeking specific original parts, listing every component and its associated identifier.
Primary Coverage:
Factory Parts and Assembly Catalogue
Secondary Coverage:
Parts chasing, assembly assistance, model information, specifications, body numbers, option codes
Specific Models And Variants:
Covers all Valiant Charger models, plus Sedan, Hardtop, Wagon, and Ute variants, across various engine and trim levels including the performance E-series (E37, E38, E39, E55) and Bathurst packs.
Estimated Page Count:
Detailed, likely several hundred pages to cover all models and variants. Specific number not provided in product info.
Type:
Parts Catalogue / Assembly Guide
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, restorers, mechanics, and collectors of Australian Chrysler Valiant vehicles.
Format:
Likely printed or digital (PDF) depending on the specific product offering for sale.
Powertrain:
Engine assemblies, transmission components, driveline, fuel system, exhaust system
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, steering components, front and rear suspension, brakes
Body And Exterior:
Body panels, trim, glass, lights, bumpers, doors, lids, emblems
Interior:
Seating, dashboard, door trims, carpets, headliner, controls, accessories
Electrical System:
Wiring harnesses, lighting, ignition system, accessories, instrumentation
Paint And Body Codes:
Details on factory paint colours, codes, and potentially body identification numbers for authentic restoration.
Heating And Ventilation:
Components for the factory heater and ventilation systems, including ducting, fans, and controls.
Wheels And Tyres:
Specifications for factory wheel sizes, bolt patterns (e.g., 5x114.3mm or 5x4.5 inches), and original tyre sizes.
Assembly:
Detailed breakdown of how components are assembled, essential for restoration and repair.
Parts Identification:
Comprehensive identification of every part, including part numbers, for sourcing.
Exploded Diagrams:
Visual representation of how parts fit together, crucial for assembly and repair.
Option Code Cross-Reference:
Understanding factory fitted options and their associated parts.
Part Number Cross-Referencing:
Facilitates identification of correct replacement parts by listing original manufacturer part numbers.
Depth:
Highly detailed, focusing on factory original part numbers, assembly sequences, and component relationships. Ideal for restoration specialists and serious enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Information:
While primarily a parts catalogue, it implicitly provides diagnostic information by illustrating the correct assembly and relationship of components, aiding in identifying incorrect installations or missing parts.
File Format:
Depends on the sale format; if digital, typically PDF. If printed, bound publication.
Searchable Text:
If a digital PDF, it is likely to have searchable text, greatly enhancing usability for finding specific information quickly.
Print Quality:
Varies by source. Original factory manuals were typically black and white line drawings with clear text. Reproductions can vary.
Binding Type:
If printed: typically staple-bound for smaller sections or spiral-bound/perfect-bound for larger catalogues.
Paper Type:
Originals often on lightweight paper. Reproductions may use standard copy paper or higher quality stock.
Engine Options V8:
318 V8, 340 V8, 360 V8
Engine Options Inline 6:
215, 245 (Hemi), 265 (Hemi)
Performance Variants:
E37, E38, E39 (all featuring the 265 Hemi engine with various states of tune and options), E55 (302hp 340 V8).
Power And Torque Estimates:
265 Hemi (E37/E38/E39) estimated 245-280hp. 340 V8 (E55) rated at 302hp. Specific figures vary with tune and emissions controls of the period.
Carburetion:
Single or dual downdraft carburetors (e.g., Stromberg, Holley) depending on engine and variant. Performance variants often featured multiple carburetors (e.g., triple Weber for E39).
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump as standard for all engine variants.
Hemi Design:
The 245 and 265 Hemi engines featured hemispherical combustion chambers for improved breathing and performance, a hallmark of Chrysler's performance engines.
Standard Transmission Options:
Manual transmissions (3-speed, 4-speed) were common, especially in performance models. Automatic transmissions (e.g., Torqueflite 3-speed) were also available.
Optional Transmission Options:
Automatic transmissions were an option across many models.
Performance Gearboxes:
Performance models often came with heavy-duty manual gearboxes like the A833 4-speed manual transmission.
Body Styles:
2-door coupe (Charger), 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop coupe, 5-door wagon, 2-door ute (utility vehicle).
Wheelbase:
Charger coupe typically had a shorter wheelbase (approx. 104-105 inches) than sedan variants to emphasize its sporty nature.
Curb Weight Range:
Varies significantly by body style and engine. Chargers and performance variants would be heavier. Expect range from ~1300kg to ~1500kg+.
Historical Safety Standards:
Safety standards of the era were significantly less stringent than today. Features would primarily include seat belts (often lap belts for front passengers initially, with some models offering lap-sash belts) and basic structural integrity.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes were common, especially on higher-spec models. Rear drum brakes were standard. Performance variants often featured upgraded brake packages.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts as standard, with optional lap-sash belts available on some models. The manual would detail belt part numbers and anchor points.
Factory Audio:
Original systems would have been AM/FM radio, possibly with an 8-track player option on higher trim levels. The manual would list part numbers for these units.
Era Appropriate Features:
No modern driver assistance systems. Features would be limited to power steering (optional) and power brakes (optional).
No Modern Connectivity:
No electronic connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB as these were not available in the era.
General Guidelines:
Original service intervals would have been detailed in owner's manuals. Common intervals included oil changes every 5,000-8,000 km, lubrication every 10,000-16,000 km, and spark plug replacements periodically.
Tune Up Items:
Points and condenser replacement, carburetor adjustments, timing adjustments would be part of periodic tune-ups. The manual would confirm part numbers for points, condensers, and filters.
Engine Oil:
API SE/SF service classification, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 depending on climate and engine condition (specific grades would be in original documentation).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based anti-freeze/anti-boil mixture, typically a 50/50 mix with water. Specification would be Mopar or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Chrysler ATF+2 or ATF+3 (Dexron II compatible). Capacity around 7-10 litres.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 90.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Differential Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 90, GL-5 specification. Capacity around 1.5-2.0 litres.
Common Wear Items:
Rust (wheel arches, sills, floor pans), engine component wear (e.g., valve guides, timing chains), carburetor tuning issues, electrical gremlins, suspension bush degradation.
Engine Specific Wear:
Hemi engine valve seat recession on unleaded fuel (requiring hardened inserts for unleaded use), oil leaks from rocker covers and sump gaskets.
Ignition Timing:
Varies by engine. For example, 265 Hemi might be around 5 degrees BTDC at idle (specifics in manual).
Spark Plug Gap:
Typically 0.035 inches (0.89 mm), but varies by plug type and engine.
Chrysler Australia Context:
Chrysler Australia had a strong reputation for producing robust and often performance-oriented vehicles during the 1960s and 1970s. The Valiant platform was highly adapted for local conditions and tastes.
Charger Introduction:
The Charger was introduced in 1971 as a coupe variant of the Australian Valiant range, designed to compete in the popular muscle car segment. It evolved through several series, culminating in the performance-focused E-series models.
Bathurst Heritage:
The Charger, particularly the E38 and E39 variants, played a significant role in Australian touring car racing, including the Bathurst 500/1000, cementing its muscle car credentials.
Production Period:
Valiant production in Australia ran from 1961 to 1981. The Charger coupe was produced from 1971 to 1978.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (primarily Adelaide, South Australia)
