After being first seen in the form of the SL Group A, HDT revived the Group A name for the SS Group A, a 500 build homologation special with it’s striking Formula Blue paintwork. For these cars, the 5.0 litre V8 was actually destroked as under Group A regulations, a weight penalty would have been incurred for having an engine over 5 Litres, so the engine was destroked from 5044cc’s to 4.987cc’s, or 308 cubic inches to 304 cubic inches. HDT referred to the 304 as the 4.9 litre V8.
Although supposed to be 500 built, a mix up in ordering meant 502 SS Group A’s were actually produced and the cars featured much of the items to be used on the race cars, such as large front air dam, large boot spoiler, roller rockers and a modified block, which was painted a distinctive red. A Crane Cam of HDT’s design was also fitted and all up, the Group A’s modifications lifted the power output to a very healthy 196kw’s
16×7 HDT Aero rim’s minus the flush covers were fitted as standard, but Brock wanted these wheels to be white. In the end, Holden and Brock agreed that white wheels would be optional and some buyers also chose to have the flush covers fitted also.
The interior featured the cars build number of 500 on the glovebox, along with a set of Scheel seats, MOMO steering wheel & Gear knob, but not much else, with the sound system consisting of just 2 speakers and a Tape Deck as it was not designed to be a luxury cruiser.
In addition to the 502 Group A’s, HDT later released 48 Group A/Group 3’s. These featured the Group 3’s interior refinements and body kit combined with the Group A’s mechanical package.
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
4.987 Litre (304 Cubic Inch) HDT modified Pushrod V8, Overhead Valves – 2 valves per cylinder; Compression Ratio: 8.8:1, Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6mm Bore and 77.8mm stroke; Maximum Power: 196kw @ 5200rpm; Maximum Torque: 418Nm @ 3600rpm.
INDUCTION
4 barrel Rochester Carburettor and port matched inlet manifold. HDT Cold Air Induction with chrome air cleaner lid.
TRANSMISSION
M21 4 Speed standard. T5 5 Spd optional
Ratios: Manual
First: 2.54
Second: 1.83
Third: 1.38
Fourth: 1.00
Reverse: 2.54
Final Drive: 3.08
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted rack and pinion.
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independent. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Live axle located by trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar.
BRAKES
Split circuit hydraulic system with power booster.
Front: 281 Ventilated discs.
Rear: 281 Discs.
WHEELS & TYRES
16″ x 7″ HDT Aero rims with 225/50/VR16 Bridgestone Potenza tyres
FUEL TANK
63 Litres.
PERFORMANCE
Top Speeds: (km/h@rpm)
1st: 87@6000
2nd: 121@6000
3rd: 161@6000
4th: 215@5800
Standing Start
400m: 15.00 seconds
Top speed: 215 km/h
0-100: 7.0 seconds
NUMBER BUILT
502 Group A’s and 48 Group A/Group 3’s.
PRICES
Base Price: Approx $21950.
T5G Transmission: $2850, Aircon $1035
KERB MASS
1340kg
