10 Facts you may not have known about the VG Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VG Valiant
VG Valiant service part numbers
VG Valiant interior trim codes
The VG Valiant was introduced in March 1970, replacing the VF Valiant. .
Cosmetically, the differences from the previous model VE to the VG were minor, both inside and out.
Although it looked similar to the Valiant that came before it, it was a completely different car under the bonnet. The VG Valiant is most famous for introducing the now iconic ‘Hemi’ engine. It was a 4.0L 6 cylinder engine.
The Hemi engine was a result of a 5 year, $33 million investment by Chrysler. It was more powerful and more fuel efficient than any 6 cylinder engine on the market at the time, giving it a huge advantage in the marketing department. It was claimed by Chrysler that it was the most advanced 6 cylinder engine in the world. No-one was able to dispute this claim even though it was a big one. The Hemi 6, also called the 245 (245 cubic inches), was only produced and made available in Australia. In fact Australia was the only market that got the 6 cylinder ‘Hemi’ engine, in the United States the ‘Hemi’ was an eight cylinder engine.
At 4.0L it was classed as a ‘Big 6’, as Holden were offering a ‘Small Block’ 4.2L V8 at the same time. The Hemi six would even exceed the capacity of the Holden V8 in time. It was claimed that the Hemi engine was 16% more powerful and 18kg lighter than the ‘Slant’ 6 that it replaced. The Hemi was in all ways superior to an engine that many buyers already thought was the best 6 cylinder engine on the market. They had taken the best 6 cylinder engine in Australia, and replaced it with an even better one.
3 Hemi versions were offered (a 123kW, 138kW and a 146kW) with the VG Valiant.
The VG Valiant introduced ventilated disc brakes, the VG VIP became the first Australian car to have air conditioning fitted as standard. Ventilated disc brakes were also introduced as optional on all VG models
46,374 VG Valliant’s were produced in 16 months.
10 Facts you may not have known about the VG Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VG Valiant
VG Valiant service part numbers