As a rush of new European models entered the market and Australians were presented with a wider range of choices in general, the HJ Monaro upgrade had to satisfy a more demanding enthusiast buyer.
Introduced in October 1974, the HJ Monaro GTS offered extra comfort, a comprehensive sports instrument panel of its own and greater emphasis on body detailing to further distinguish it from other models. Beefier HJ styling was matched by extra-strength bumpers. The four-headlight Monaro LS coupe became the new entry level Monaro and the GTS continued as a single headlight coupe or four door sedan. All HJ Monaro coupes retained the HQ's rear styling.
More imposing than its predecessor, the four door GTS featured a prominent, blacked-out grille, bigger wraparound rear lights, more aggressive side vents and decals. Full foam high-backed seats came in a variety of trims, including herringbone with a red centre stripe. The GTS instrument panel featured multiple ventilation outlets and clear recessed instruments with international symbols.
The first factory front and rear spoiler options gave the HJ GTS real presence, the deep rear spoiler and new tail lights in particular bolstering its sloping boot line. As the imported Chevrolet 350 was de-tuned to meet US anti-pollution legislation, it no longer made sense as a premium performance option. Instead, Holden boosted the compression ratio of the local 308 to close the performance gap. The automatic 308 gained the Turbo-Hydramatic 400 from the previous GTS 350.
DATE OF INTRODUCTION
October 1974NUMBER BUILT
Monaros 4754MODEL LINE-UP
Monaro GTS SedanMonaro Coupe
Monaro LS Coupe
Monaro GTS Coupe
ENGINES SPECIFICATIONS
3300 LC (Low compression)Capacity 202 ci (3312.8 cc)
OHV six cylinder inline, front engined, rear wheel drive
Single throat Bendix Stromberg BXV-2 downdraught carburettor
Bore and stroke 92.08 mm x 82.55 mm
Power output (DIN):96.2 kW at 4400 rpm
Torque (DIN):231 Nm at 2000 rpm
Compression ratio:7.8:1
3300 HC (High compression)
Capacity 202 ci (3312.8 cc)
OHV six cylinder inline, front engined, rear wheel drive
Single throat Bendix Stromberg BXV-2 downdraught carburettor
Bore and stroke 92.08 mm x 82.55 mm
Power output (DIN):135 bhp (100.7 kW) at 4400 rpm
Torque (DIN):190 lb/ft (231 Nm) at 2000 rpm
Compression ratio:9.4:1
4.2 litre LC (Low compression)
Capacity 253 ci (4146 cc)
OHV V8, rear wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Single two barrel Bendix Stromberg WW downdraught carburettor
Bore and stroke:92.08 mm x 77.77 mm
Power output (DIN):174 bhp (130 kW) at 4400 rpm
Torque (DIN):247 lb/ft (325 Nm) at 2400 rpm
Compression ratio:8.0:1
4.2 litre HC (High compression)
Capacity 253 ci (4146 cc)
OHV V8, rear wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Single two barrel Bendix Stromberg WW downdraught carburettor
Bore and stroke 92.08 mm x 77.77 mm
Power output (DIN) 185 bhp (138 kW) at 4400 rpm
Torque (DIN) 262 lb/ft (353.7 Nm) at 2400 rpm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
5.0 litre
Capacity 308 ci (5047 cc)
OHV V8, rear wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Single four barrel Rochester 4MV Quadrajet downdraught carburettor
Bore and stroke 101.66 mm x 77.77 mm
Power output (DIN) 240 bhp (179.0 kW) at 4800 rpm
Torque (DIN) 315 bhp (434 Nm) at 3000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
TRANSMISSIONS
Three speed all synchro manual1st:3.07:1
2nd:1.68:1
3rd:1.00:1
Reverse:3.59:1
M21 four-speed manual
Standard with GTS 4.2 and 5.0, not available in LS.
1st:2.54:1
2nd:1.83:1
3rd:1.38:1
4th:1.00:1
Reverse:2.54:1
Three speed Trimatic automatic
Standard with 3300 LS, not available with GTS
1st:2.48:1
2nd:1.48:1
3rd:1.00:1
Reverse:2.48:1
Three speed Turbo Hydra-Matic '400' automatic
Standard with 4.2 and 5.0 in LS, optional with 4.2 and 5.0 on GTS
1st:2.48 :1
2nd:1.48 :1
3rd:1.00 :1
Reverse:2.48:1
REAR AXLE RATIOS
3.55:13.08:1
2.78:1
BRAKES
Front:Power assisted discsRear:Power assisted discs
WHEELS
6.00Jx147.00JJx14 optional on GTS
TYRES
Monaro LS - E78L14Monaro GTS - ER70H14
INSTRUMENTS/CONTROLS
Monaro LS - Speedo, fuel gauge, water temperature.Monaro GTS - Speedo, tacho, water temperature, oil pressure, ammeter
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Total length (inches/mm):187.5 inches (4850 mm)Total width (inches/mm):74.0 inches (1813 mm)
Total height (inches/mm) at kerb weight:Monaro and LS - 53.1 inches (1301 mm). GTS and
Wheelbase (inches/mm):111.0 inches (2719.5 mm)
Kerb weight (lb/kg):Coupe - 1425 kg. Sedan - 1441 kg
TURNING CIRCLE
39 ft (11.9 m))FUEL TANK CAPACITY
Coupe - 66 litresSedan - 75 litres
ENGINE NUMBERS
Six cylinder - Located right side of block above mounting.V8s - Top left of block.
BODY/CHASSIS NUMBERS
Located right side front of frame.The first four digits are the model number
8P37 - Monaro LS Coupe
8Q69 - Monaro GTS Sedan
8Q37 - Monaro GTS Coupe
The next letter is the engine identification
M - QM 202 (low compression 3300 cc)
L - QL 202 (high compression 3300 cc)
S - QS 253 (low compression 4.2 litre)
R - QR 253 (high compression 4.2 litre)
T - QT 308 (high compression 5.0 litre)
The next letter is the model year
D - 1974
E - 1975
F - 1976
G - 1977
H - 1978
J - 1979
The next two digits is the assembly plant code
H1-H4 - Brisbane
H5-H9 - Sydney
J1-J9 - Dandenong
L1-L5 - Adelaide
The next five numbers is the vehicle serial number
The final letter is the series code:
J for HJ
OTHER IDENTIFICATION MARKS
Monaro LS - Protruding mesh grille with badge in centre. Dual circular headlights and parklights/indicators on side. Body side protection moulding, black rubber strip on bumper. Chrome headlights surrounds.Monaro GTS Coupe - As for Monaro LS except single headlight and black bezels, GTS badge in centre of grille, three slot vent in front guard.
Monaro GTS Sedan - As for Coupe.