The Holden HK, HT and HG models share a common mechanical platform and many factory specifications remain consistent across the three series. These vehicles were produced by General Motors-Holden’s between 1968 and 1971 and were available in a wide range of body styles including Belmont, Kingswood, Premier, Brougham and the popular Monaro coupe.
Although trim levels and styling evolved across the HK, HT and HG models, the underlying engineering remained largely unchanged. As a result, many factory specifications including engine dimensions, vehicle measurements and fluid capacities apply across all three series.
The following general specifications provide a useful technical reference for restorers, mechanics and owners maintaining these classic Holden vehicles.
Engine Specifications – Six Cylinder
Holden HK, HT and HG models were available with several versions of the inline six-cylinder engine.
• 161 L.C. (Low Compression)
Compression ratio: 8.2:1
Brake horsepower: 108 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (198 Nm)
• 161 H.C. (High Compression)
Brake horsepower: 114 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque: 157 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (213 Nm)
• 186 H.C.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1
Brake horsepower: 130 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (245 Nm)
• 186 “S” Performance Engine
Brake horsepower: 145 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm (249 Nm)
Engine dimensions:
• Bore (161): 3.375 in (85.7 mm)
• Bore (186): 3.625 in (92.1 mm)
• Stroke: 3.00 in (76.2 mm)
V8 Engine Specifications
Holden HK, HT and HG models were also available with several V8 engine options.
• 253 V8 Low Compression
Compression ratio: 8.0:1
Brake horsepower: 174 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque: 247 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (335 Nm)
• 253 V8 High Compression
Brake horsepower: 185 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (355 Nm)
• 308 V8
Brake horsepower: 240 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque: 315 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (427 Nm)
• 307 Chevrolet V8
Brake horsepower: 210 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (407 Nm)
• 350 Chevrolet V8 (Manual Transmission)
Brake horsepower: 300 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (515 Nm)
• 350 Chevrolet V8 (Automatic)
Brake horsepower: 275 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque: 365 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (495 Nm)
Vehicle Dimensions
General exterior dimensions for HK, HT and HG vehicles include:
• Wheelbase: 111 in (2819 mm)
• Overall length (except Brougham): 184.8 in (4694 mm)
• Overall length (Brougham): 192.1 in (4879 mm)
• Maximum vehicle width: 71–72 in (1803–1829 mm)
Typical height measurements include:
• Sedans (except Brougham): 55.6 in (1412 mm)
• Brougham: 55.4 in (1407 mm)
• Monaro coupes: 55 in (1397 mm)
Vehicle Capacities
Typical fluid capacities include:
Fuel tank
• 16.5 gallons (62.5 litres)
Engine oil
• Six cylinder: 6 pints (3.4 litres)
• V8 engines: 6.5 pints (3.7 litres)
Oil filter change
• 1.5 pints (0.85 litres)
Transmission
• 3-speed manual: 3.75 pints (2.1 litres)
• 4-speed manual: 2 pints (1.1 litres)
• Powerglide automatic: 10–10.5 pints dry (5.7–6.0 litres)
Rear axle
• Approximately 2.5 pints (1.4 litres)
Tyres and Inflation Pressures
Typical tyre sizes used on HK, HT and HG models include:
• 6.95-14
• 7.35-14
• D70-14 (performance models)
Recommended inflation pressure:
• 24 psi (165 kPa)
For heavy loads or sustained high-speed driving, tyre pressures may be increased according to manufacturer recommendations.
Adjustment Specifications
Typical ignition adjustments include:
Distributor points:
• 6-cylinder Bosch: .019–.025 in (0.48–0.64 mm)
• 6-cylinder Lucas: .017–.024 in (0.43–0.61 mm)
• 253 / 308 V8 Bosch: .012–.016 in (0.30–0.41 mm)
• 307 / 350 V8 Delco: .019 in (0.48 mm)
Spark plug gap:
• .038 in (0.97 mm)
Complete specification information, mechanical specifications and full servicing procedures are contained in OUR Workshop Manual for Holden HK, HT and HG models, available from Car Manuals Direct.