EH Holden

1963 to 65 EH HOLDEN

Launched August 1963 all models, S4 Special Sedan September 1964

Price New including sales tax;

Dimensions (Sedan);

Identification;

Similar body to the EJ but squared rear guards and roofline; Grille split in centre vertical bar bearing Holden badge.

Total Number Built;

EH Engine Details

Engine description: Front mounted, longitudional, inline six cylinder water cooled.

Capacity:
149 cubic inches. Bore and stroke 3.25 x 3.00 inches (82.5 x 76.2mm)
179 cubic inches. Bore and stroke 3.563 x 3.00 inches (90.5 x 76.2mm)

Head design: Pushrod and rocker activated overhead valves with two valves per cylinder.

Fuel system: Bendix-Stromberg single barrel down draught type carburettor.
The S4 had a larger power chamber incorporated in the standard style Bendix-Stromberg single barrel down draught type carburettor. There were no markings to distinguish this.

Power output:
149 low compression - 95 bhp (71kW) at 4400rpm
149 high compression - 100 bhp (75kW) at 4400rpm
179 - 115 bhp (86kW) at 4000rpm
179M/ S4 - 120 bhp (90kW) at 4400rpm

Torque:
149 low compression - 135lb-ft (183Nm) at 2000rpm
149 high compression - 145lb-ft (197Nm) at 2000rpm
179 - 175lb-ft (237Nm) at 1600rpm

Compression ratio:
149 low compression - 7.7:1
149 high compression - 8.8:1
179 - 8.8:1

Electrical: 12 volt. Distributor is automatic centrifugal and vacuum type advance control. Accessories position on ignition.

EH Performance

These figures were sourced when new from various magazines based on test vehicles of the time.

Standard Sedan, 149 engine, manual transmission, 3.36:1 ratio diff
Top speeds attained in gears -
1st: 32mph (51km/h)
2nd: 68mph (109km/h)
3rd: 85mph (137km/h)
Elapsed time 0-60mph (0-97km/h): 15.8 seconds
Standing quarter mile (400 metres): 20.2 seconds
Source: Modern MOTOR, November 1963

Premier Sedan, 179 engine, automatic transmission, 3.55:1 ratio diff
Top speeds attained in gears -
1st: 35mph (56km/h)
2nd): 62mph (100km/h)
3rd: 96mph (156km/h)
Elapsed time 0-60mph (0-97km/h): 14.1 seconds
Standing quarter mile (400 metres): 19.8 seconds
Source: Modern MOTOR, November 1963

Standard Sedan, 149 engine, automatic transmission, 3.55:1 ratio diff
Top speeds attained in gears -
1st: 33mph (53km/h)
2nd: 59mph (95km/h)
3rd: 88mph (142km/h)
Elapsed time 0-60mph (0-97km/h): 15.7 seconds
Standing quarter mile (400 metres): 21 seconds
Source: Wheels, October 1963

Special Sedan, 179 engine, manual transmission, 3.55:1 ratio diff
Top speeds attained in gears -
1st: 37mph (60km/h)
2nd: 67mph (108km/h)
3rd: 103mph (166km/h)
Elapsed time 0-60mph (0-97km/h): 10.7 seconds
Standing quarter mile (400 metres): 18.8 seconds
Source: Wheels, December 1963

Special Sedan, 179 engine, manual transmission, 3.36:1 ratio diff
Top speeds attained in gears -
1st: 35mph (56km/h)
2nd: 63mph (101km/h)
3rd: 90mph (145km/h)
Elapsed time 0-60mph (0-97km/h): 13.4 seconds
Standing quarter mile (400 metres): 19.0 seconds
Source: Wheels, June 1964

EH Drivetrain

Three speed manual transmission
Fact - The S4 never came with a four speed manual gearbox!
1st: 2.99:1
2nd: 1.59:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.99:1

Three speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
1st: 3.513-2.993:1
2nd: 1.576:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 3.364-2.358:1
The Hydra-Matic was modified in the EH and had four stages or ratios, with the first speed having two stages. This change in ratio on the first speed was gradual and changed with rpm. This was achieved by activating a valve and filling and unfilling the torus chamber. The Hydramatic does not have a torque converter.

Rear axle differential: 3.36:1 Standard and Special manual models (except commercials), 3.55:1 all commercial, all automatic, and S4 sedan.
I am quite sure that if you specified a different ratio when you bought it, you would have been able to do so, but these were the ratio's offered

EH Suspension and Steering

Front suspension: Independant coil springs with short and long control arms (wishbones). Stabiliser bar. Direct acting tubular telescopic oil filled shock absorbers.

Rear suspension: Semi-elliptic springs. 4 leaves on sedans, 5 on wagons, and 6 on commercials. Direct acting tubular telescopic oil filled shock absorbers.

Steering: Recirculating ball type steering box. 16.8:1 ratio. Power steering available. Turning circle 36.5ft (11.1 metres)

Brakes: Single system hydraulic with drums front and rear (drum diameter 229mm). VH24 booster available. Fact - The S4 never came with disc brakes on the front!

Tyres: 6.40 x 13 four-ply. 6.40 x 13 six-ply option on station wagons.

Models;

EH Dimensions and Weights

Total length:
Sedan and Station Sedan except Premier Sedan 177.6 inches (4511mm)
Premier Sedan 179.1 inches (4549mm)
Panel Van and Utility 176.6 inches (4486mm)
Total width:
Sedan and Station Sedan 68.0 inches (1727mm)
Panel Van and Utility 67.9 inches (1725mm)
Total height at kerb weight:
Sedan and Utility 58.2 inches (1478mm)
Station Sedan 58.5 inches (1486mm)
Panel Van 65.9 inches (1674mm)
Wheelbase: 105.0 inches (2667mm)
Front track: 54.5 inches (1384mm)
Rear track: 54.5 inches (1384mm)
Kerb weights
Standard Sedan manual: 2492lb (1130kg)
Special Sedan manual: 2496lb (1132kg)
Special Sedan automatic: 2544lb (1154kg
Premier Sedan automatic: 2639lb (1197kg)
Special Station Sedan manual: 2496lb (1132kg)
Special Station Sedan automatic: 2662lb (1207kg)
Utility manual: 2462lb (1117kg)
Panel Van manual: 2534lb (1149kg)

Fuel tank capacity: 9.5 gallons (43.2 litres) except S4 11.75 gallons (53 litres)

ALSO IN 1963-65:
• Holden's new £11 million engine plant and foundry opens at Fishermens Bend in Melbourne, Vic.
• Holden produces 166,274 cars during 1963. Of these, 10,798 are shipped to 55 overseas markets.
• Holden's Design and Engineering group moves into a new Technical Centre at Fishermens Bend. This state-of-the-art facility catered for 900 designers, engineers, draftsmen, modellers and technicians.

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