In 1963, two versions of a totally new "Red"' 6-cylinder engine were
born. They were over-square in design
with lower piston speeds, with capacities
of '149' and '179' cubic inches respectively.
The 149 Red Engine produced 100 bhp, while
the 179 was good for 115 bhp, an increase
of 33% and 53% over their predecessors.
The all-new "Red" engines featured:
- Shorter stroke
- Larger bore
- Greater displacement
- Increased compression ratios (8.8:1)
- Seven-bearing cranks
- Hydraulic valve lifters
The Red engine quickly garnished a wonderful
reputation amoungst the Australian population,
many considering them simply indestructable.
It would continue in production for many
years and in many models, finally making
its last appearance in 1980 VB Commodore.
Subsequent Commodore's were fitted with
the "Blue" motor, from the VC
through VH and VK until again being dropped
in favour of a Nissan sourced 3 liter
engine for the VL model.
The Blue engine
was, however, very much the same Red motor
that had been introduced back in 1963,
although with many modifications and improvements
along the way. In fact, the Red engine
was modified for just about every new
model Holden, particularly in capacity,
and the biggest changes of all were reserved
for its last outing in the VK Commodore.
Few mechanics from 1963 would be able
to recognise the old girl, it now being
fitted with (amoung other things) electronic
fuel-injection and a computerised engine
management system designed to improve
the performance of the engine without
loss of fuel economy. At this last stage
of its development, the engine developed
106 kW (DIN) and 266 Nm - not too bad
for a 21 year old 3.3- liter six!
Holden
"Red" Motor
image
from original Holden EH sales brochure |