VH Commodore

Commodore Home

VH Commodore specifications

10 facts you may not have known about the VH Commodore

VH Commodore part numbers

VH Commodore common issues

VB to VK Commodore option codes

VB, VC, VH Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying

Complete VH Commodore Restoration Parts Checklist

VH Holden Commodore Trim Levels

When the Holden VH Commodore was released – Australia in 1981

VH Commodore vs VC Commodore

Australian Holden Part Finder

HQ Holden Monaro HQ

1971–1974 · Coupe
These are the parts we have for this exact vehicle. Not your vehicle? Change it

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Your vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ Change
Years 1971–1974
Body Coupe
Doors 2
Seats 5

← All categories

Exhaust

Component Position Part Number Brand Specification Diameter Material Quantity Notes
Exhaust Header / Extractor Front GEN090E-1
Fits 104 vehicles
View all compatible vehicles
Think this fitment is incorrect? Report it

Vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ    Part: GEN090E-1

Genie Headers 6-cylinder red motor — Steel 1 Performance Exhaust catalogue
Exhaust Header / Extractor Front PH5027
Fits 105 vehicles
View all compatible vehicles
Think this fitment is incorrect? Report it

Vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ    Part: PH5027

Pacemaker Red 6-cylinder dual header — Steel 1 Performance Exhaust catalogue
Exhaust Header / Extractor Front HU230STM
Fits 71 vehicles
View all compatible vehicles
Think this fitment is incorrect? Report it

Vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ    Part: HU230STM

Hurricane Headers 253/308 V8 — Mild steel 1 Performance Exhaust catalogue
Exhaust Header / Extractor Front GEN413E-1
Fits 71 vehicles
View all compatible vehicles
Think this fitment is incorrect? Report it

Vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ    Part: GEN413E-1

Genie Headers 253/308 V8 — Steel 1 Performance Exhaust catalogue
Exhaust Manifold Gasket Front DSF002
Fits 112 vehicles
View all compatible vehicles
Think this fitment is incorrect? Report it

Vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ    Part: DSF002

Viper Red motor 138/149/161/173/186/202 — Gasket 1 Performance Exhaust catalogue
Exhaust Manifold Gasket Front DSF009AX2
Fits 75 vehicles
View all compatible vehicles
Think this fitment is incorrect? Report it

Vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ    Part: DSF009AX2

Viper Holden V8 253/308 — Gasket 1 Performance Exhaust catalogue
Exhaust Manifold Gasket & Bolt Kit Front DSF009AX2KIT
Fits 70 vehicles
View all compatible vehicles
Think this fitment is incorrect? Report it

Vehicle: HQ Holden Monaro HQ    Part: DSF009AX2KIT

Viper Holden V8 253/308 — Gasket + hardware 1 Performance Exhaust catalogue
Browse by make/series

The VH Commodore was the third model Holden Commodore. Like the VC, the VH was a mild facelift of the previous model VC.

Right Now on eBay VH Commodore
Loading…

The cosmetic differences between the first three commodore models (VB/VC/VH) can be considered to be minor and subtle. With the VH, the front end and headlight surrounds were tweaked to make the car lower and wider. This was also said to have made an improvement in aerodynamics an in turn and increase in fuel efficiency.

The egg crate shaped grille from the VC, replaced with a horizontal grille to enhance the appearance of a lower, wider look. The Holden logo moved, positioned in the centre of the grille.

The VH Commodore production spanned 28 months (October 1981- February 1984). At the time it had the longest production span of any Commodore.

When first introduced, in October 1981, it would be the 3rd Commodore released in just 4 years. Production totaled 141 018 units, also a record for the Commodore at the time.

All engines were carried over from the VC, however the 4 and 6 cylinder models were improved so that they were both more powerful and more fuel efficient.

The 1.9L 4 cylinder was 12.5% more fuel efficient and the 2.85L 6 cylinder was 14% more efficient. The engines on offer with the VH Commodore were basically the same with a few improvements to the 4 and 6 cylinder engines.

              1.9L i4 54kW (72hp) Startfire
               2.85L i6 73kW (98hp) Blue
               3.3L i6 83kW (111hp) Blue
              4.2L V8 100kW (134hp) Blue
               4.2L V8 115kW (154hp) Blue (Dual Exhaust)
               5.0L V8 117kW (157hp) Blue
               5.0L V8 126kW (169hp) Blue (Dual Exhaust)

On offer for the first time in a Holden Commodore was a 5 speed manual. The 4 speed manual and the 3 speed automatic were still on offer from the previous 2 models. Just like the previous 2 models, the VH was available as a sedan and a wagon. A commodore utility was still a number of years away.

The VH Commodore introduced the first local fitment of advanced computer electronics to a mass produced Australian car.

1982 saw the introduction of the now very popular SS variant. It has stayed in the model lineup ever since. SS stands for ‘Sports Sedan’

The names of the mid spec car changed from the SL to the SL/X. The base model L, changed to SL. The SL and the SL/X were available in both the sedan and station wagon body shape where as the SL/E was only available as a sedan.

The ‘Executive’ variant debuted in 1983, introduced to target fleet buyers, which would open up a whole new market for the Holden Commodore.

The main disadvantage that the Commodore had in the fleet market was that it was still a mid size car, and most fleet buyers want a full size car. Rival Ford Falcon was in a position to offer fleet buyers a full size car. It should be noted that at this time, Ford was the leading car manufacturer in Australia with its XE/XF Falcon as the top selling car in Australia.

Prices for the VH started out at $8 366 for the inline 4 SL and at $9 066 for the SL inline 6.

The VH Commodore would be the last Commodore to use chrome bumper bars.