27 replies to this topic

[Indy Orange]

I know Opel gearboxes aren't the best and the Australian M20 are far better , I'd like to know what weakness they had ? When the LCXU1s first raced at Bathurst I assume they had the Opels ,what type of problems did the teams have with them ? Cheers Paul.

[rodomo]

They were a 4cyl box from Europe. Weak casing and small gears.

[meanmachine72]

there no burnout boxes, have to treat gently 

[S pack]

Can't recall reading anything about gearbox failures in the XU1's at Bathurst in 1970. The most notable problem seemed to be cylinder head valve failures.

The Opel box is definitely one to have mechanical sympathy for.

[Indy Orange]

Me neither! Know about the valve failures though.You would have thought an Opel box at Bathurst,they would have been pitting one after the other .

Edited by Indy Orange, 23 August 2021 - 12:41 PM.

[RallyRed]

I think in 1970 the XU1s filled 3/4 of the top finishers in their class, so not too many could have popped an Opel box on the way around.
Maybe the later LCs for 1971 were just picking up the HQ era gearbox with a nice spread of ratios.
Opels probably last a bit is not flogged.

[claysummers]

Good drivers knew their limitations just like now. The Aussie box isn't very strong either really as we know. Toyota or datsun four speed was a better choice if you didn't need it to be factory. Stronger yet compact.

early Holden nut

[rodomo]

Bathurst is a race where there weren't a lot of standing starts.

 

Race start and pit exit.

 

Opels were up to that task just as Aussies are.

 

It's the constant thrashings in the lower gears they didn't like.

[S pack]

Aussie 4spds have a tendency to flog out the bearing surface inside the 1st gear end of the cluster gear if constantly flogged hard in the lower gears.

Edited by S pack, 24 August 2021 - 11:37 PM.

[v6 torana]

One good point was that you could replace the cluster gear / layshaft & needle rollers without removing gearbox !!! (did it a few times)

[rodomo]

I had one in a HK Monaro 186.

 

Did (tried to) do a burnout on a servo driveway and blew 1st gear off the cluster.

 

Went home (maybe 5k's?) drained the oil and shrapnel and refill.

 

Drove it for a few more weeks taking off in second.

 

Then the whole thing went !BANG! and I only had top gear. Casing was broken but still drove it home 

[claysummers]

This the Opel R O B ?

early Holden nut

[Indy Orange]

This is my rebuilt one. I just chose the best of some of the opels I had. I hope it lasts , it’s not like I’m going the thrash it anyway.Bottom one is before rebuild.

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Edited by Indy Orange, 26 August 2021 - 10:51 AM.

[rodomo]

After blowing up mine I scored one off a mate. It was out of his HR. I'm not sure if that car was original but I believe some HR's came with 4 speed boxes and this car also had the full gauge dash and bucket seats.

 

This gearbox had a cast iron bottom plate.

[claysummers]

That would be the late model run 186S HR I think, replacing the 186 X2. They came with the full gauge set.
Although I think the Opel 4spd could be ordered with any HR engine, from late in the model run. Beginning of the options game.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Dr Terry]

That's right, the Opel could be ordered for any HR (May 67 onwards) behind any engine.

 

Also the 4-gauge set had nothing to do with the Opel 4-sp option, it was standard in any HD or HR as part of the X2 or S engine option. It was also available separately as an option or accessory.

 

Dr Terry

[Indy Orange]

Was the Opel an option for HD X2 Doc?

Edited by Indy Orange, 26 August 2021 - 08:24 PM.

[S pack]

Was the Opel an option for HD X2?

No.
 

[Indy Orange]

Did an EH come out with factory power steering?

[claysummers]

Dr T
As I said above the gauges came with the x2 option.

And as Dr T says above Opel available from May 67 on so no, not in HD.

early Holden nut

[claysummers]

Yes.

early Holden nut

[Indy Orange]

That's all I got.

[claysummers]

Shameless plug


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early Holden nut

[Indy Orange]

I recall a magazine I used to have that had a story of a very rare black EH with factory power steering ,I may still have it I'll have to have a look.

[v6 torana]

I recall a magazine I used to have that had a story of a very rare black EH with factory power steering ,I may still have it I'll have to have a look.

 

There was a Burns & Co Auction a few weeks back (same one where the 15O LIST LJ XU1 was sold for record price). I watched the auction online and remember the auctioner constantly banging on about this EH that had factory fitted power steering:

 

https://burnsandcoau...-premier-green/

 

1964 Holden EH Premier
Transmission: Automatic 3 Speed
Engine Type: 179
VIN/Chassis: EH43298M / 235A 2270M
Engine Number: 179F79698
Odometer Reading: 58472 Miles Showing
In from South Australia is this rare offering…an EH Premier with factory fitted Power Steering and Dash Analogue Clock, numerous NASCO Accessories and in attractive Valley Mist Green / Fowler White finish.
NASCO accessories include rear boot handle, mud flaps, door scratch pads, rear venetian, front sun visor, brake booster, front bonnet spears (both sides) and stainless steel headlight protectors.
The car under went a full restoration in 2010 whilst maintaining all original specifications. No signs of any rust.
Having passed the stringent test as a chauffeured “special vehicle” this car is visually stunning.
In the past 18 months the new white walled tyres have been fitted, all brake lines, brake pads and wheel cylinders have been replaced, transmission serviced, new front and rear bumpers have been fitted, new GMH tail lights have been fitted, the steering system has been fully over hauled (including wheel alignment), dash pads have been refurbished and the horn bar / button has also been refurbished.
The car also comes with some non genuine accessories including brand new retractable seat belts, a second temperature gauge located under the front dash, a security immobiliser system and rear pump up shockers. A non standard sound system with amplifier and base system has also been fitted.
In very presentable condition inside and out this car will prove to be an outstanding investment opportunity whilst being the pride and joy of the new

 

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