My V8 Sierra project ..... maybe I will finish this one !

[Mark]

This project could take a while but I have a fair few bits stashed already.

Got myself a really solid rolling shell, all polybushed with AVO coil overs, Cosworth axles and ABS. No engine or gearbox.




Tracked down a new set of RS 7 spokes but they hit the 4 pot front calipers and I had to make a precision plywood wheel spacer so I could try them on.



Wheels fitted just for some pics then up in the loft with lots of my other bits and pieces for safe keeping




More pics and info to follow.
Bodywork is pretty good for a 21 year old car but it really needs some paint to freshen it up, do I keep it two tone with the black bumper ?
I can't make my mind up.

Mark

[unstable load]

The V8 Sierras were homologated in South Africa, so there will be a lot of info out there if you want to keep it fairly "original".
Google Sierra XR-8 in South Africa for a start.
Go for it, they are nice cars.

[gelmonkey]

Hi Mark
I would keep it looking as stock as possible.
Then at the traffic light Grand Prix you can blow the doors off any potential wannabe and leave them thinking that they need a tune up or some more parts from H%lfords

cheers
Paul

[Mark]

I will keep it looking semi-stock and a 3 inch stainless tail pipe will probably not raise too much suspision with big exhausts being all the rage.

New T56 6 speed gearbox from Ebay



Came with the wrong bell housing for my engine and a genuine tremec aluminium one is $599 + shipping and taxes !

I bought a new bell housing to fit a TKO600 to my engine for £145 and have modified it to fit with a side grinder.





Had a bit of ali plate welded to it and borrowed the CNC machining centre where I used to work.





I may have to sort out a concentric clutch release bearing or cut some extra holes for a release arm as the new bell housing cut out does not match the gearbox.

Mark

[unstable load]

DOne like dinner! Neat job on the welding there, man! I like it lots.

[JJMclure]

mm, I like it, good job on the bell housing. An idea for the exhaust, how about turn down tips? that way you can still have the big bore and hide it!

[Mark]

I wish I could take credit for the welding A young lad I know does fabrication for a living and zapped it with 280 amps on his TIG welder at work.

Mark

[unstable load]

Mark,
I found this while trawling around the net....

http://users.tkk.fi/~kimmo/xr8.html

[Mark]

Good find

I hope mine will have a bit more get up and go than a stock XR8 when its finished

mark

[Mark]

Had some time off work to tinker, lifting engine and box up from under the car looks to be the easiest way working single handed.

Engine mounts are being a bit of a pain but I will get some more pics up when they are complete.



Mark

[Mark]

Engine mounts 80% done.

Bit of a fiddle around the steering column.

I just need to strengthen them up a bit and increase the depth of the slots where the engine rubbers fit.





Gearbox still held up with a trolly jack

Mark

[JJMclure]

YES Like it a lot! Must be encouraging seeing the block actually in the engine bay! Don't worry about holding it on a trolley jack at least it's in the car - mines still on the engine stand! Engine mounts look good too! Are you going to put any sort of roll cage in it once the engine is in? What are your plans for it eventually? Keep going!

[Mark]

Engine mounts are now done, will stick a picture up later.

No roll cage, it's just going to be a fun road car and a cage would make it a pain to get the kids in and out !

Engine spec will be Edelbrock performer RPM heads, air gap inlet autonomics 4 barrel throttle body and possibly a 331 stroker kit.

Mark

[ian.stewart]

There was a 302 Red 3 door at the weald yesterday, and a white 4 door belonging to my mates son with a 4.6 twin turbo RV8

[Mark]

There was a 302 Red 3 door at the weald yesterday, and a white 4 door belonging to my mates son with a 4.6 twin turbo RV8

What kind of times were they running ?

pic of strengthened cross member



I ordered a Scat 3.25" stroker crank today

Edit. crank is here



Mark