ArthurDitch

Hi boys (and girls) I'm a first timer on the forum. I'll try not to piss too many people off. I've had my BA XR8 ute for about 3 weeks after trading in my AU2 XR8 ute. It was a difficult decision to make 'cause I loved the AU heaps. I did Peter Findlay at Oran Park in it as well as a sprint round at Winton. Awesome at both venues. Mods to it were a full s/steel exhaust & extractors (Walker), Chiptorque powerchip to override the speed limiter, and a K&N filter panel. Paid $39,000 for it 18 months ago which included the above mods, a momo s/wheel and GST. Traded it for $27,000 with 30,000 k's, buggered tyres, & 6 months rego on the new one for $40,500. Std BA XR8 ute with tow bar, mudflaps and XR mats.
So far I am happy with the BA, obviously it looks awesome just sitting still. Performance is difficult to describe - perhaps it's a stealthy power- it definately goes like the clappers, just seems a bit weird with the fly by wire throttle.

Anyway my only issue is one that I am surprised I haven't read about on the forum. It handles like an old Fairlane ! Seems to roll out every time you enter a corner, and rebounds through bumps that badly you lose traction. I feel that I am definately going to have to firm it up and lower it b4 i'll b happy with it. Would be interested to hear any one elses views.

PS I also own a 2000 model HSV Grange which is the first holden I have ever owned. Am absolutely rapped in it. Will be happy to buy a Ford equivalent whenever they wake up and build one.

Cheers
Ditch

Rodderz

In comparison to the AU the BA XR8 and pursuit have the BOSS engines which are pretty heavy, and will affect the handling. There will be more understeer, but the suspension has also been retuned to match the extra weight.

I havent noticed much of a roll, although i didnt come out of an AU either so i cant compare between the 2. But looks and power wise there are definate improvements!

__________________
BAXR8 Ute 5M- 13.51@106.03
zorst, SS Cai,240rwkw

rod c

Arthur,
I came out of a AU2 xr8 ute last week when I traded it in on a BA XR8 ute. When I took the demo ute (BA xr8) for a run I also noticed the body roll but it seemed the same as the AU so I decided to have the new one lowered by Kingsprings and the improvement is outstanding.

ArthurDitch

I have heard Herrod's do the lowering job for about $900. Was waiting for some feedback from others on the finished article b4 I contacted them. Would appreciate further from Rod C on the details of his mods.

Ditch

rod c

Ditch,
With out searching for the paper work I think the cost of the springs supplied and fitted were approx $630. A day latter after I picked up the ute I noticed it was steering straight but the steering wheel was off centre so I rang Ford they checked the wheel alignment and suggested fitting a camber kit which cost appox $440 fitted since than it has been perfect. In the pic you will notice I have a canopy fitted even with this it handles so much better than the standard suspension. Hope this helps.

Rod.

Attached Images

lower ba.JPG (44.9 KB, 110 views)

ArthurDitch

Thanks Rod
Did you not think the shocks needed changing, or were you recommended to keep them?
Appreciate the pic.

Ditch

Herrod Motorsport

give us a call we supply new front and rear springs with a camber kit and handeling is vastley improved,we do around 8 ba sed and utes per week.We can supply all the parts or fit for $950.00 incn gst,

__________________
Herrod Motorsport

"The Ford Enhancement Specialist"
103 Northgate Drive Thomastown Vic
03 9464 5100

XRFPV8

i would take the boss out of the ute put it in the grange so it wakes up ...lol...j/k it a good wine that grange...

Gary

Rod, that looks bloody awesome.

that is all

ArthurDitch

As 4 putting the Boss in the Grange - I'm not sure about that. Bill Lee from Perth has worked on the "40 year old low tech push rod chev" to put 206 kw on the ground. (And that is through an auto.)
But then again the Boss intake sticking out with a stretched shaker ? Naa - Bring on the Boss Fairlane.