Holden Heaven - Old Holdens

Counting since August 2004

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Welcome to the all new Holden Heaven
This site was first established in 1999

EH - 1963
The E series of Holdens which included the previous EK and EJ models replaced the F series but this new model also replace the old 'Grey engine' which was starting to get a bit long in the tooth. The new engine which was dubbed the 'Red motor' which of course was you guessed it, red, came this time in two different sizes. The smaller of the two was a 149 cid six cylinder with 75 kW which was a good jump in power from the 56kW of the old 138cid but the power of the 179 cid was huge at 86 kW (115 hp). This engine proved so reliable and durable that it wasn't replaced until the release of the VL which coincided with the introduction of unleaded fuel. This engine in fact became the most winning engine in Australian motorsport which included numurous rally and circuit wins not to mention the big one at Mount Panorama in 1972. However back to the EH, people loved this car and the sales proved it as it was to become the most sold model Holden with the popular choice being the 'Holden Special' which would be likened to the SL in the early Commodore range. It had enough to be classed as a luxurious style car with a budget sized prize tag. There was also a sports option for the first time which was called S4 (179M) and this was the only factory 179ci EH with manual gearbox as standard equipment at launch time. This limited addition car can be further investigated in detail on the S4 page. The Station wagon which was another popular choice was a good all round vehicle which had plenty of room for mum, dad, three kids, the family dog and all there luggage. I have done many many miles in EH's and found them to be sturdy except for the wayward steering when worn, this can be fixed without to much expense and as with any model it comes down to regular maintanence. The engines were smooth and quiet with there hydraulic lifters to remove the chatter from the top end. Areas to watch for rust are the tailgate in the wagon and the front guards by the firewall where there is a seam that traps dirt, other than that the normal places that i have listed on the hints and tips page. The EH body followed similar lines to EJ with some cosmetic changes to the tail lights and the rear window being the most noticeable but the roof line was altered as well. The EH these days is still a very sort after and a popular car at automotive events all over Australia and New Zealand. It was and will carry on as being one of the most loved cars ever made in this part of the world.

Specifications

Pic allowed by autopics.com.au Year of Introduction:
August 1963

Price when released:
$2102 Standard

Engines:
2.45 litre (149ci) 6 cylinder
Bore and stroke: 82.5mm x 76.2mm (149)
2.95 litre (179ci) 6 cylinder

Compression ratio:
8.8:1 (149)

Power:
75kW (149) @ 4400 rpm
196Nm (149) @ 2000 rpm
86kW (179)

Fuel consumption:
11.80 litres/100 km (24 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity:
42.75 litres

Transmissions:
3 speed manual
3 speed Hydramatic

Transmission ratios:
1st 2.98:1 (11.4 km per 1000 rpm)
2nd 1.59:1 (21.4 km per 1000 rpm)
3rd 1.00:1 (34.0 km per 1000 rpm)
Final drive ratio:
3.36:1 (rear wheel drive)

Performance: 0 - 100 km/h
15.8 seconds (149)
14.4 seconds (179)

Standing 400 metres
20.2 seconds (149)
19.4 seconds (179)

Kerb weight:
1120 kg

Tyres and wheels:
650-13

Turning circle:
11.0 m

Turns lock to lock:
4.3

Speed in gears:
1st 60 kph @ 5300 rpm (149)
2nd 113 kph @ 5300 rpm(149)
3rd 149 kph @ 4400 rpm(149)

Production:
256,959
1963 production 166,274 (EJ & EH)

Models available:
Standard sedan
Special sedan
Premier sedan
S4 sedan (179M)
Standard station wagon
Special station wagon
Premier station wagon
Panel van
Utility

Pics

Tune-up specifications
149 EH/HD

Firing order........................ 153624
Spark plug gap mm............ .838 - .965
Spark plug gap inches........ .033 - .038
Breaker gap mm................ .304 - .406
Breaker gap inches............ .012 - .016
Cam angle Bosch............... 36 - 40
Cam angle Lucas............... 38 - 41
Ignition timing BTDC........ 5 degrees
Fuel Pump pressure kPa.... 21 - 31
Comp @ crank speed kPa. 827 minimum
Radiator cap pressure....... 89kPa (13psi)
Cetrifugal advance.
Engine idle speed............... 500 rpm
Starts deg. rpm................... 0 @ 500
Full deg. rpm....................... 27-31 @ 3300
Vacuam advance starts...... 127-178mm (5-7")
Max. vacuam advance deg @ mm (inches)
16-20 @247-298 (9.75-11.75)
Torque settings.
Cylinder head Nm (lbs)...... 102 (75)
Con rods Nm (lbs)............... 27 - 35 (20 - 26)
Main bearings Nm (lbs)..... 81 - 95 (60 - 70)
Flywheel Nm (lbs)............... 61 - 74 (45 - 55)

179 EH/HD

Firing order........................ 153624
Spark plug gap mm............ .838 - .965
Spark plug gap inches........ .033 - .038
Breaker gap mm................ .355 - .406
Breaker gap inches............ .014 - .016
Cam angle Bosch............... 36 - 40
Cam angle Lucas............... 38 - 41
Ignition timing BTDC........ 5 degrees
Fuel Pump pressure kPa.... 21 - 31 (3-4.5 psi)
Comp @ crank speed kPa. 930 (135 psi) hot
Radiator cap pressure....... 89kPa (13psi)
Cetrifugal advance.
Engine idle speed............... 500 rpm
Starts deg. rpm................... 0 @ 500
Full deg. rpm....................... 27-31 @ 3300
Vacuam advance starts...... 127-178mm (5-7")
Max. vacuam advance deg @ mm (inches)
16-20 @247-298mm (9.75-11.75")
Torque settings.
Cylinder head Nm (lbs)...... 102 (75)
Con rods Nm (lbs)............... 27 - 35 (20 - 26)
Main bearings Nm (lbs)..... 81 - 95 (60 - 70)
Flywheel Nm (lbs)............... 61 - 74 (45 - 55)