Torana Specifications - LJ Series

LJ Series, February 1972 - March 1974

February 1972 saw a facelift and refinement of the Torana with the release of the LJ series. Many features were brought into line with the larger HQ series, introduced in mid-1971.

The HQ derived steering column and steering wheel were fitted, along with adjustable head restraints and impact-absorbing interior sun visors.  Even the new recessed plastic grille (six-cylinder only) bore family resemblance to the HQ.  The tail-lights were of a new modular three-piece assembly. Other new items were the dash layout with relocated heater controls and a HQ-style column mounted ignition/steering lock.  The instruments remained basically as for the LC (GTR model had some minor gauge positions swapped) and the radio was now mounted in the centre of the dash.  Suspension springs and shock were improved for a smoother ride and the seating was redesigned for better lateral support.  All interior trim materials were similar to those used in the HQ range.

The model lineup was the similar to the LC with four-cylinder engines available in a two-door Torana 1200cc sedan and a two- or four-door Deluxe sedan, while the six-cylinder version appeared as the Torana S two- or four-door, and the SL four-door sedans.  The two-door GTR remained and the GTR XU-1 was now in regular production.

The engine choice was increased with the four-cylinder units now available in 1200cc, 1300cc (both OHV) and 1600 OHC versions.  The new 1300cc engine used in the Deluxe was offered with manual transmission only (1300cc Deluxe cars used the old Series 70, 69bhp, 1159cc unit). Late in 1972, the 1600 OHC was replaced by the 1760 OHC; a larger stroke version of the same Vauxhall slant four.

The six-cylinder 2250cc engine remained, as did the 2850cc from the LC.  However, the twin-barrel 2850cc S was replaced by the 3300cc (202ci) for the GTR.  While the 3300cc was lifted straight from the HQ Kingswood, with no performance add-ons, it provided greater torque and flexibility than the old series GTR engine.  The GTR XU-1, however, now sported triple 175mm CD Strongberg side-draught carburettors and camshaft modifications, developing 190bhp, making it a very formidable beast.  The four-speed XU-1 gearbox was now the Australian four-speed transmission, type M21 (introduced in late model LC's and with different ratios from the HQ 308ci M21).

By this time, the GTR XU-1 was acquitting itself very well on the racetrack and was undergoing constant development, with each facet of the car being improved as required for racing until the ultimate version was released in September 1972.  It had stronger fine-spline rear axles, tubular exhaust headers (extractors) and 13x6 inch Globe Sprintmaster alloy wheels.  The XU-1 engine featured a beefier block and pistons, new head casting and bigger cam, and boasted more than 200bhp (exact figures were not published).  It easily won Bathurst in 1972 with Peter Brock at the wheel.

On the normal six-cylinder cars, the 3300cc engine (previously exclusive to the GTR) was made optional on the S and SL models in early 1973, making these vehicles very responsive.  The 2850cc engine was dropped for local cars and used for export only.  At the same time, the 56bhp, 1200cc engine was also discontinued and the baseline four-cylinder model became the Torana 1300.

  Minor Features

  • Rear side blinker repeaters now deleted.
  • Tri-matic automatic transmission now featured electric kick-down.
  • GTR used HQ GTS steering wheel.
  • All other models used HQ Kingswood steering wheels.
  • 1973 and 1974 models had orange front indicator lenses and parking lights were integral with the headlights (same as late HQ).
  Specifications
  • Same as for LC.
  Engines
Engine
Compression
Output
Engine No
size
ratio
bhp
prefix
1200cc 8.5:1 56 ----
1200cc HP 9.0:1 69 ----
1300cc 8.5:1 62 ----
1600cc OHC 8.5:1 80 3
1760cc OHC 7.3:1 80 17TH
2250cc (138ci) (low-comp) 7.8:1 90 CC
2250cc (138ci) (hi-comp) 9.2:1 95 CB
2850cc (173ci) (low-comp) 8.3:1 112 CE
2850cc (173ci) (hi-comp) 9.4:1 118 CD
3300cc (202ci) (low-comp) 7.8:1 129 JM
3300cc (202ci) (hi-comp) 8.3:1 135 JL
3300cc (202ci) XU-1 10.25:1 190 JP















  Transmission

  • Same as per LC.
  Final Drives
  • Same as per LC.

  Model Range

Model (Four-Cylinder)
Two-Door
Four-Door
Torana 1200cc or 1300cc 82211 NA
Torana Deluxe (1300cc) 82411 82469
Torana Deluxe (OHC) 82811 82869
Model(Six-Cylinder)
Two-Door
Four-Door
Torana S 82311 82369
Torana SL NA 82569
Torana GTR (including XU-1) 82911 NA

 








  Release Dates

  • Initial release, February 1972.
  • 1760cc OHC replaced 1600cc, October 1972.
  • 3300cc optional, February 1973.

  Prices At Release

  • Torana Deluxe 1300cc two-door, $2180.
  • Torana GTR, $2920.
  • Torana GTR XU-1, $3150.

  Total Produced

  • 81,813.