Information about the XR8 is actually quite hard to come by and to separate fact from fiction. The XR8 was built in 1984 by Ford South Africa (F.S.A.) to compete in the rally's at the time and give the leaders a run for their money.
Regulations at the time were so that at least 200 cars had to be manufactured for sale. Ford went a bit further and actually made a run of 250. (I have found mixed stories and there is a debate on whether 255 were actually made. Got any information on this then please get in contact!)
The XR8 was a 5-door Sierra with XR4i running gear, Granada Diff, and a Boss 302 engine from the Mustang with a four-barrel Holley carburettor. It has the XR4i bi-plane spoiler, twin cooling fans plus unique Ronal alloy wheels.
Specifications
Axle, rear
Type: Centrally located hypoid differential assembly with independent open drive shafts
Ratio: 3.5:1
Capacity (litres): 1.5
Brakes
Description: Hydraulic - dual line - servo assisted
Front type: Ventilated discs with self adjusting sliding calliper
Disc diameter (mm): 280.0
Rear type: Disc brakes
Disc diameter (mm): 270.0
Clutch
Type: Cable operated, self adjusting, with single dry plate
Diameter (mm): 255
Total frictional area (cm2): 284
Release bearing: Pre-lubricated
Cooling system
Type: No loss system
Capacity (litres): 12
Radiator type: Pressurized fluid circulation
Fan: Two electric fans, 11 blades each, diameter 305 mm
Drive line
Type: One piece articulated
Propeller shaft number: 1
Universal joints (front & rear): Needle roller
Electrical system
Battery: 440 A/75 RC low maintenance polypropylene
Alternator: 60 A
Ignition: New breakerless, thick film module
Engine
Type: V8 cylinder OHV
Bore and stroke (mm): 101.6 x 76.2
Displacement (cm3): 4942
Output (kW at r/min, SABS): 150.0 @ 4800
Torque (Nm at r/min, SABS): 330.0 @ 3400
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel system
Fuel pump: Mechanical
Carburettor: Ford/Holley 4 venturi
Choke: Auto choke
Fuel filter: Gauze screen in pump
Air cleaner: Replaceable dry paper element
Tank capacity (litres): 60.0
Lubrication
Engine: Full pressure feed to main, big end and camshaft bearings
Crankcase capacity (litres): 7.0
Oil cooler: Oil to air type
Suspension
Front:
type: Independent McPherson struts
description: McPherson strut front suspension with 15 mm static scrub radius, forged TCA and rearward mounted 24 mm stabiliser bar and parallel front spring design
Rear:
type: Independent semi-trailing arms
description: Frame mounted semi trailing arm and IRS with variable rate coil springs, including rear stabiliser bar
Steering
Type: Rack and pinion
Steering wheel diameter (mm): 382
Turning circle (kerb to kerb, m): 10.00
Ratio: 19.88:1
Transmission, manual
Type: Manual gearshift
Synchromesh: 5 forward gears
Ratios: 1st 2.95, 2nd 1.94, 3rd 1.34, 4th 1.00, 5th 073, reverse 2.76
Capacity (litres): 1.9
Wheels
Type: Cast aluminium
Size: 6.0J x 15
Tyres
Standard: 195/60 VR 15 Steel belt radial ply
Measurements
Weight (kg): total 1279 (front 683, rear 596), payload 400, total weight 1679
Wheelbase (mm): 2608
Rear track (mm): 1468
Front track (mm): 1452
Height (mm): 1406
Length (mm): 4425
Width (mm): 1725
Changed components
ITEM SOURCE REMARKS
Radiator grille Unique F.S.A Source: Trek Plastics
Front body crossmember Unique F.S.A
Front & rear
suspension crossmember - " - Reworked standard component
Rear suspension arms - " - Reworked standard component
Engine - " - Ford U.S. sourced, 302 cid V8. Build code EX-303,
as Mustang minus emissions, power steering and air-conditioning.
Uses unique camshaft, water pump and carburettor (Holley 780 cfm)
Radiator Unique F.S.A.
European vendor SERK UK sourced
Radiator support Unique F.S.A.
Cooling fans Two Granada, with air conditioner, fans
Exhaust system - " - Manufactured by Bosal, including engine manifolds
Clutch cable - " - Low friction design, manufactured by Repco
Clutch and transmission Ford U.S. Carryover 1984 Mustang. Transmission - Borg Wagner T5G
(Ford Part No. E3ZR-7003-CA)
Driveshaft Unique F.S.A
Rear axle
(Differential) - " - As used in F.S.A. Granada, 3.5:1 ratio, with new rear
and up rated side shafts
Axle shafts - " - Granada C.V. joints with new shafts
Stub axles - outer - " - To suit Sierra hubs and Granada C.V. joints
Brakes - Front European vendor AP Racing - Leamington Spa sourced, four pot calliper type
Brakes - Rear - " - A Teves Germany-sourced
Alternator and regulator Ford U.S. Part No's: Alt E12F-10300-CA, Reg E2PF-10316-BA
Wheels Unique F.S.A.
European Vendor Ronal wheels - Germany-sourced,
Ford Part No. 84BC-1007-AA
First of all, we'll have a look in the engine bay to find where the beef really is.
Pictures
First of all, we'll have a look in the engine bay to find where the beef really is.
And we find out that it is a tight fit.
And let's have a look on the outside if we see any hints this is a fast Sierra...
And of course this is loads of FUN!
And let's have a look on the outside if we see any hints this is a fast Sierra...
And of course this is loads of FUN!