Hi all Bathurst 73 owners and interested Holden enthusiasts.

I will now go through some of the many Myths that have developed over the years.

150 Bathurst 73 XU-1's were made, MYTH
166 Bathurst XU-1's at least were made.

All 150 Bathurst XU-1's were made in one batch on the 16th of July 1973, MYTH
blocks were cast on at least 4 different dates, both before and after this date.

All Bathurst 73's were white, MYTH

The car with the lowest engine number on the 150 list was the first Bathurst 73 produced, MYTH
There was a pre relese batch of Bath 73's that were made a week before.

Bathurst 73's had a high nickle block, MYTH
Holden were trying to stay profitable and it would be highly unlikely that they would spend money on several batches of special blocks, and would not have had them made elsewhere either.

Bathurst 73 had special block markings, Myth they shared the same markings as the normal Holdens.

The last Bathurst engines were in September 1973, MYTH
Short XU-1 motors were still available in August 1974.

The 150 XU-1 engines can be identified by a rough surface finish, MYTH
was 166 anyway and all Holden block and head castings of this period had a rough finish.

Bathurst 73 Blocks had extra webbing around the rear main bearing, MYTH
NO XU-1 block LC or LJ recieved any block development changes until some of the mid 1974 NP repacement blocks.

Bathurst 73 had different carbies, MYTH
by the build sheets either of two carbie sets could be used, this is at odds with the parts book too.

Bathurst 73 engines were about the same power to the Bathurst 72, MYTH
due to the extractors, bigger valves, improved porting and several other changes the late 166 engine developed a useful power increase.

Bathurst 73 XU-1's were made only at Brisbane, MYTH
they were made at Brisbane and Adeliade.

Harry had an engine mould that he could have engines made from, MYTH
the maximum engines that can be made from a mould is one!

Had larger big end bearings, MYTH
another motor writers ramblings, the rods were bigger not the bearings!

Had side bulges in the sump to clear the bigger rods, MYTH
this is more likely for oil return control and sump seal improvement.

Used 12 port heads, MYTH
yet another motoring writers ramblings.

HM Headers made the XU-1 extractors, MYTH
I don't know if they even existed then,
Perry made the first XU-1 extractors.

The front engine pulley plate stops the rubber bonding seperating, MYTH
a motoring writers lack of technical knowlege.

Front carbie mounted heater hose bracket moved to air cleaner to stop metal fatigue, MYTH
this was moved to provide a better route between the battery and the air cleaner.

All had black oil filler caps, MYTH
Adelaide cars had silver ones.

Bigger HG Monaro brakes were used, MYTH
a Motoring writer confusing track car changes with road cars.

Extra box sections under front guards, MYTH
In fact all 1973 6cyl Toranas had this and a extra gearbox tunnel sheet too.

XU-1's raced for the last time in 1973, MYTH
XU-1's raced sucessfully for some time after this and largely produced the points to win the 1974 Touring Car Championship until the LH was developed to a stage where it could be reliable.

Anyone heard of any other MYTHS?

Mike



Purpul Police