Yeeeha! Just picked up my XR6 Turbo after months of looking and chickening out at the last minute (for "sensible" and financial reasons). Want to tell the world and can't think of a better place than here.
Its an 11/03 manual, blueprint, with premium sound, 18600km, ex customs and paid $35800 for it at Pickles in Perth. Not a bargain, but a good price and immaculate car. It also came with tint, Ford towpack and Ford Roof Racks, all extras I was looking for to satisfy family duties with 3 screaming kids. Can't wait to see the nerdy Thule roof box sitting on top of it.
It makes me grin every time I drive it. The smile factor was my main criteria for my next car and nothing made me smile like a T. Others on my shortlist were a Forester XT (well built, heaps of grunt and a sleeper) and a Magna VRX / Sports 3.5 Manual (don't laugh - drive one! For my purposes, more fun down low than a Gen 3!)
I drove a GT-P and XR6T within an hour of each other and the T felt quicker. I think its more a case that in the GT-P (and most Gen 3s) the fun starts after you're beyond the speed limit. XR6ts are just fun everywhere!
I guess my main concern is the T5 manual. Yes its clunky and crap into 3rd, but there's something about your right foot being connected directly to tyres by mechanical means only. However, I notice everyone on this forum pulling 12's or lower has autos (Except for Peter@APS). Is this because the T5 is weaker or because of traction problems or both?
Will my T5 and clutch withstand an APS 1 upgrade? My guess is I'd need to get a new clutch at least for APS 2 and I read that the APS manual XR6T only uses synthetic oil.
Any responses on how my T5 will go with APS 1 or 2 are welcome
Sounds like a lovely machine you have picked up and at a reasonable price as well. The T5 can be greatly improved with a Herrod short shifter which your local Ford dealer should be able to source and install for you. This really transforms the shift ‘feel’ of the box and provides a more precise (and faster) selection.
As for the APS kits, Stage 1 should be fine. Stage 2 however may enhance any short comings of the gearbox (if you have any), and maybe be more of a lottery. The shift into (and out of) 3rd may become increasingly difficult under load which is a common issue with these gearboxes. Having said that many people have gone down this stage 2 path and the box has held out fine.
Thanks for that info - I'll look into a Herrod short shifter and looks like APS 1 (or the Unichip alone) could be a goer in the future. You seem to know your stuff - do you know if all the driveline clunking and snatching gets worse as manual XR6Ts get older? Mine is pretty clunky beteen gearbox/tailshaft/drivetrain for a near new car, though as I get smoother with my driving its less noticeable. Can this play in the driveline be improved?
Thanks for that info - I'll look into a Herrod short shifter and looks like APS 1 (or the Unichip alone) could be a goer in the future. You seem to know your stuff - do you know if all the driveline clunking and snatching gets worse as manual XR6Ts get older? Mine is pretty clunky beteen gearbox/tailshaft/drivetrain for a near new car, though as I get smoother with my driving its less noticeable. Can this play in the driveline be improved?
Thanks again
Mark
Arrr the dreaded driveline 'cluck'!! In most cases this is caused by poor tolerances set in the diff. It is worth mentioning to a 'good' Ford dealer, but don't be surprised if they tell you that it is within the acceptable allowance for the car as stipulated by FORD. Some dealers will do the right thing, but that's in the minority.
It's something that the car normally has fom day one (if it's going to), and should not really get much worse, if at all. I have heard of cases when it has got worse, but IMO how you drive the car on adaily basis will make a difference.
My advise, if it really bothers you take it to a diff specialist as they can probably reset the clearances for you at reasonable cost. It may pay however for your future factory warranty sake to get a quote from your Ford Dealer as well for this.
Before you do anything however, try adjusting your driving style (using smoother shift changes) to see if that helps first. Most people learn to live with it. I had it on my AU XR8 but was lucky with my last BA XR8 as it was perfect. It’s a lottery, but try not let it spoil what overall is an excellent car.
I have APS 1 currently with the 5spd and have no problems except the 2nd to 3rd change (rushed), am currently looking at APS2 and got told everthing should hold up well and that APS2 is one of the better reliable packages. But i tell you what stage one will put a smile on your face!
Welcome to the Forum mate!! Good to see another Blueprint Manual XR6T driver on here. Just so you know, the Unichip will give you over 215Kw at the wheels with everything else stock.
__________________ April 2004 BA XR6T
I think i've earned my stripes...
Θ°° Fusion - 18's in Shadow Chrome°°Θ
----------------------------
For a Ford, see Dean (AKA RATT) at Peter Warren Smithfield for a great deal...
Yeeeha! Just picked up my XR6 Turbo after months of looking and chickening out at the last minute (for "sensible" and financial reasons). Want to tell the world and can't think of a better place than here.
Its an 11/03 manual, blueprint, with premium sound, 18600km, ex customs and paid $35800 for it at Pickles in Perth. Not a bargain, but a good price and immaculate car. It also came with tint, Ford towpack and Ford Roof Racks, all extras I was looking for to satisfy family duties with 3 screaming kids. Can't wait to see the nerdy Thule roof box sitting on top of it.
It makes me grin every time I drive it. The smile factor was my main criteria for my next car and nothing made me smile like a T. Others on my shortlist were a Forester XT (well built, heaps of grunt and a sleeper) and a Magna VRX / Sports 3.5 Manual (don't laugh - drive one! For my purposes, more fun down low than a Gen 3!)
I drove a GT-P and XR6T within an hour of each other and the T felt quicker. I think its more a case that in the GT-P (and most Gen 3s) the fun starts after you're beyond the speed limit. XR6ts are just fun everywhere!
I guess my main concern is the T5 manual. Yes its clunky and crap into 3rd, but there's something about your right foot being connected directly to tyres by mechanical means only. However, I notice everyone on this forum pulling 12's or lower has autos (Except for Peter@APS). Is this because the T5 is weaker or because of traction problems or both?
Will my T5 and clutch withstand an APS 1 upgrade? My guess is I'd need to get a new clutch at least for APS 2 and I read that the APS manual XR6T only uses synthetic oil.
Any responses on how my T5 will go with APS 1 or 2 are welcome
Thanks
Mark W (XR6Turbeau)
Love my T!!!!
We have a customer with an XR6 Turbo ute, we have fitted a CAPA stage 1 boost box upgrade to it and it now has 317.7 hp (236.5 kw) at the tyres, alas
he has had gear box problems, the second time it was re built by the dealer, they were test driving the car and box blew up, next step will be a Mal Wood 6 spd conversion. We are running Redline light weight shock proof oil in his box but it does not help with box's weakneses, the other fault i have found with every BA i have driven is that they buzz in third gear but this does not seem to affect the performance of the gear box.
__________________
CITRIC ACID BA XR8 UTE , P/MAKERS,CUSTOM D&T EXHAUST QUAD TIPS,SS CAI,BMC FILTER,SS 80MM T/BODY,BPT 80 MM HELIX,THERMOSTAT, BPT UNDERDRIVES,,150 SHOT NOS ,EXTREME TUNED, MAL WOOD SHORT SHIFT,,CHROME TAIL LIGHTS,CUSTOM TINT WITH GRAPHICS, COBRA STRIPES, CUSTOM PLATES (BOSSONNOS),19X8 VAULT DEVILLES FRONT, 20X8.5 VAULT DEVILLES REAR, DAMN LOW.
Seems like no probs with APS stage 1 and the T5. Funnily enough, the clunkiness is improving the more I drive it and get used to the car. I'll see what my dealer says at my next service. There's a drone in 4th just below 60 (sounds like tyres going over small ripples on the road, but I know it coming from diff or g/box) but thats probably to slow for 4th anyway.
Geez, but going hard through 1st and 2nd is a buzz (won't talk about changing into 3rd). A mate's got an 02 STi with an APS 240kw kit which is slightly more exhilarating (feels like you're in a jelly rubber slingshot) so I can only guess what APS 1,2 and 3 must feel like. Prettyy impressed with the package as factory standard. Might stop me lusting after M3s a bit.
I'll take some photos tomorrow and post them soon after. Just looks like a normal XR6(t) - perhaps I'll put the Thule roof box (family trip issue) on for effect.
Thanks again for your advice and welcoming me to the forum.
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the dreaded driveline 'cluck'!! In most cases this is caused by poor tolerances set in the diff. It is worth mentioning to a 'good' Ford dealer, but don't be surprised if they tell you that it is within the acceptable allowance for the car as stipulated by FORD. Some dealers will do the right thing, but that's in the minority.
,EXTREME TUNED, MAL WOOD SHORT SHIFT,,CHROME TAIL LIGHTS,CUSTOM TINT WITH GRAPHICS, COBRA STRIPES, CUSTOM PLATES (BOSSONNOS),19X8 VAULT DEVILLES FRONT, 20X8.5 VAULT DEVILLES REAR, DAMN LOW. 
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