fullthrottle

Took the BA XT V8 manual for a spin today. And spin it did. This car was equipped with LSD but even "light" throttle made it loose the ass end. Scarey really... wonder what it'd be like in the wet.

I am somewhat dissapointed with the weight. I'm not looking to break 1/4 mile records but it really is a shame that it weighs 100kgs more than it should. I currently drive a soarer v8 which itself is a barge ass at 1.6 tonnes.

My question is.... what gives the BOSS 260 an extra 40kw over the BARRA 220? Is it just turning and exhaust?

Are there any workshops in melbourne that specialise in the BARRA or BOSS 5.4L modifications? I can find tonnes for the holdens but the fords are rather difficult to dig up.

KenOath

Boss 260 has a 4 valve head and different inlet manifold. (Thats the reason for the bldge)

Normal V8 has 3 valve head.

Boss is DOHC, V8 is not.

And as for mods, Herrods is who you are looking for.

Check out www.herrodmotorsport.com

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fullthrottle

Performance wise... huge difference?
I'd love the XR8 but budget does not permit me to go up that high!

Mr Jucy

If you are after bang for your buck the XR6 turbo would probably be the way to go but then again as quick as it is it will never be a V8

fullthrottle

Nah not looking to break any 1/4 mile records. I want that V8 vah rooom! :)

Reborn

Here's what I believe to be an objective response. I am a past EFII / ELI XR8, 205kW Subaru GTB, and now Boss 260 owner.

"what it'd be like in the wet."

Shocking! Disable "traction control" if you wish to demo or test your human sensory reactions!


"dissapointed with the weight"

Yep, the BA's a "pig", but a "big" pig; but overall power / weight / price it is not beaten by any current competitor. ie. Ricers will not endure, HSV zealots can shut up, although ZR1 and exotic Euro purists are listened to!


"what gives the BOSS 260 an extra 40kw"

An Ocker designed straight runner manifold and "bulge necessity"


"or BOSS 5.4L modification"

Why? Do you want power or speed? Or... do you want traction / adhesion?

JG

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I'd rather be an old fart than a young dickhead!

Rodderz

A guy on here had a 5.4 V8 XT (was it DaveXT??) and got the full herrods exhaust and said it made a huge difference to both sound and performance.

Could be the answer you're after, as it is cheaper than the XR8 whicle still being a V8. Lower it a tad and get some rims and XT's look very nice indeed

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

Soxx

Don't take this the wrong way, but in you first sentence you sound like you are more than happy with it's performance, and then you go on to say you want more power?
I personally feel the BA's aren't overweight, it's just the way cars are heading these days. It's a big safe car. Take a look at any euro car of that size, you'll find that they are all heavy, and actually heavier than the BA.
The Commodore is only lighter because it is flimsier and doesn't have the chassis stiffness.
All cars these days have more creature comforts and safety itmes than they ever had. This must come at some expense, that expense is weight. At least they do have powerful enough engines to compensate.

Rick.

fullthrottle

Soxx. I didn't say it was too powerful. I just implied it looses traction very easily. This was the first time I've driven a Ford V8 manual.

Unfortunately (if someone knows please explain why) you can't have LSD and traction control optioned together for the XT!!!..grrrr!!

I'm still doing my DD at this stage. Exploring the Ford V8s, the Holden V8s or possibly converting the Soarer V8 to a manual. I am not a diehard holden or ford fan...I just want a good quality car with some omph ....so I begin by sitting on the fence. So far it seems Ford = quality and Holden = straight line performance, which is why I am curious to know how easy it would be to extract more power from the BARRA 220.

I will be asking for a test drive of the XR8 manual on the weekend. May have to extend that loan balance a little :~(

XRated

fullthrottle, just wondering what model your Soarer is. And why are you getting rid of it? Just because it isn't manual?

I think you would enjoy your stay with the Blue Oval Keep us updated anyway.

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