Valiant Pacer

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The Pacer model was built by Chrysler Australia Ltd and was first released in 1969 with the introduction of the VF model Valiant. It was Chrysler Australia's first sport sedan to be offered and was aimed at the performance market.

History:

With the introduction of the XR Ford Falcon GT in 1967 and the HK Holden Monaro GTS in 1968 it was realised that there was a significant high performance youth market to be had in Australia. Chrysler Australia set about creating a model for this market and introduced the VF Valiant Pacer in 1969. Significantly whilst Ford and GM Holden had chosen the small block V8 as the engine of choice Chrysler Australia decided to use six cylinder power and reserved the V8 for luxury cars.

The Pacer was identified by a black and red grille treatment, red boot lid mouldings, sports wheel covers and waist-high body striping. It was powered by a high compression 9.2:1 version of the 225cid 2bbl slant six which had been developed at Chrysler's Lonsdale South Australia plant. Chrysler never released an official power figure for the Pacer. They featured 3 speed floorshift manual, tachometer, finned drum brakes (discs optional), front sway bar, freeflow exhaust system and lowered suspension. They were capable of a 17 second quarter mile and had a top speed of 110mph.

Model Predecessor

Chrysler Australia had no performance model before the introduction of the 1969 VF Pacer.

Model Successor

With the introduction of the 105 inch wheelbase 2 door VH series Australian Valiant Charger R/T in 1971 Chrysler Australia had a new hero car. The Pacer model was dropped with the introduction of the VJ series in 1973.

Related Models

• Dodge Dart
• Plymouth Valiant

Competition

• XW Ford Falcon GT 351W for 1969
• HT Holden Monaro GTS 350 for 1969
• XW Ford Falcon GT 351C for 1970
• HG Holden Monaro GTS 350 for 1970
• XY Ford Falcon GT 351C for 1971
• HQ Holden Monaro GTS 350 for 1971
• XA Ford Falcon GT 351C for 1972

Body Styles

• 1969 VF 4 Door Sedan 108 inch wheelbase
• 1970 VG 4 Door Sedan 108 inch wheelbase and 2 Door Hardtop 111 inch wheelbase
• 1971 VH 4 Door Sedan 111inch wheelbase

Technical:

Platform

A-Body

Engines

1969 VF Pacer: 170HP (130kW) 225cid 2bbl slant six

1970 VG Pacer: 185HP (138kW) 245cid 2bbl Hemi six - E31 Track Pack includes competition engine, cylinder block and pistons .040" over standard, special camshaft, oil pan with windage tray

195HP (146kW) 245cid 4bbl Hemi six - E34 Track Pack: competition engine, cylinder block and pistons .040" over standard, special crankshaft and connecting rods, heavy duty con rod bearings, engine roll limiting bar

195HP (146kW) 245cid 4bbl Hemi six - E35 Track Pack: 3.76" standard bore cylinder block and pistons, special crankshaft, heavy duty crankshaft and con rod bearings, engine roll limiting bar

1971 VH Pacer: 218HP (162kW) 265cid 2bbl Hemi six - E33

248HP (186kW) 265cid 6bbl Hemi six - E37 6 Pack engine, 3 twin choke Weber carbs, special con rods, pistons and crankshaft, heavy duty engine bearings

302HP (226kW) 265cid 6bbl Hemi six - E49 6 Pack engine, 308 degree duration cam, 10:1 compression ratio

Transmissions

• 1969 VF Pacer: Borg/Warner 3 speed floor shift manual transmission
• 1970 VG Pacer E31: Borg/Warner 3 speed floor shift manual transmission
• 1970 VG Pacer E34: Borg/Warner 3 speed floor shift manual transmission, 2 plate clutch,heavy duty close ratio
• 1970 VG Pacer E35: Borg/Warner 3 speed floor shift manual transmission
• 1971 VH Pacer E33: Borg/Warner 3 speed floor shift manual transmission
• 1971 VH Pacer E37: Borg/Warner 3 speed floor shift manual transmission, 2 plate clutch,heavy duty close ratio
• 1972 VH Pacer E49: Borg/Warner 4 speed floor shift manual transmission, 2 plate clutch,heavy duty close ratio

Wiki Topic References:

• The Valiant Book by Tony Davis
• Chrysler In Code by Janeene Collins

Magazine References:

• Mike Stacy - Hemi God by Angus Mackenzie in Street Machine's Tough 6s printed 1991