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Restoration and Modification Story,The Initial Purchase

The Initial Purchase


I sold my previous car so had some money to play with and really couldn't decide what I was after. After a few weeks I decided I wanted a blast from the past so started looking at RS Cosworth's. Then to my amazement I saw an advert for a Sierra XR8. To be honest I didn't think there was any left of these. So I phoned the guy up immediately to see if he still had it. Then the following day I got the train up and brought the car.


The car had only done 11,000 miles and was quite frankly in extremely good condition inside and outside it just had some scruffs on the bumpers otherwise the bodywork was in mint condition. The car had been modified somewhat so here goes the list.

  1. Cosworth T4 gearbox
  2. Cosworth Prop
  3. Cosworth LSD
  4. Spax adjustable suspension
  5. Ferrari 308 Callipers, Drilled Vented front discs, Grooved vented rear discs
  6. Up rated Oil Pump and radiator for the oil and a uprated electronic fuel pump
  7. Larger wheels and wider tires, and wheel spacer to fit over the brakes


I now had a 150ish mile journey home with it so my first port of call was the petrol station!


I only got about 30 miles into the journey when one of the rear callipers seized up on me, so I had to get a tow home from the AA the rest of the journey. Inspecting the damage I needed new seals on the brake calliper, new bearing, and new drive shaft. One of those things but this wasn't going to be putting me off.


I had the seals replaced on the brake calliper, got a new wheel bearing, and got the drive shaft repaired. I was now back on the road and could start enjoying this masterpiece from Ford.


Although the car was pretty mint it could of done with some touching up and adding my personal mark on it. I was debating over keeping it standard but I want to enjoy the car myself and of course with the existing modifications and availability of parts this was a tall order.


Initial Purchase xr8 part 2




As the car had zero security, I thought I best get some fitted. Although the car would be left in storage at a secure parking facility I thought it best to get a decent alarm and immobiliser fitted for when the car is at my house having work done and when I take it out and leave it somewhere. I got in contact with Dennis Dykes (an approved Clifford installer) who came to the vehicle and installed a top of the range Clifford some of the features include:


  1. Cat 1 alarm and immobiliser
  2. Backjack - with this feature installed you must also enter a pin code after starting the car or it will lock doors turn on immobiliser, lock out key fobs and turn on the siren. This is designed to prevent someone stealing your keys and just driving off.
  3. Perimeter sensor - to warn off people getting too close to the car.


I also had a tracker installed so upon activation of the blackjack device I would be notified via text from one of the trackers on the car. And I have had central locking fitted to the front doors.


First thing is first I could see this little beauty eating away at the bank balance so before I got carried away I decided I had to prioritise things. I was already planning to go to this years ford fair at Silverstone for a nose but as I now had a car to take so a friend of mine got the car on the FEOC stand. So first thing I had to do was get the car looking a little bit better.


I didn't have much time prior to the ford fair so I really had to try and keep things simple. Body work is in pretty good condition for a 24 year old car, It could do with some touching up but time and money wasn't going to get this done in time for Ford Fair. I did notice the side mirrors didn't match so I would get a replacement for one and then just clean it up with the help of those fine products from autoglym.


A quick look on eBay and I found a cosworth mirror in the same colour. Bagged!


Where I wanted to concentrate my efforts for the Ford Fair was the engine bay. As let's face it, it is the engine that makes this car what it is.


On the gallery you can see that although the engine has only done 11,000 miles it is 24 years old and looking in need of a good clean. I decided I would also add some flare underneath the bonnet, so I got in contact with Bruce Hatton at Bailey Motorsportto get measured up for some chrome tanks. After a quick trip to Royston to see the guys there they started work on modifying a header tank and screen washer tank to fit. About a week later they arrived and I have to say that they have done a fantasic job of creating these especially and they look fantastic now they are fitted.


On the drive down to Bailey it rained a fair bit. First time using the wipers and the rubber broke off them as it has been dry stored for years. These have twin blades so might be difficult to find direct replacement. I ordered some Chrome wiper blades for a Sierra. Although they are for Sierra they are wrong way round and had to be fitted upside down. Will be adjusting these when I get a chance.


Next on the list I got in contact with Mark at RSChrome to see if he could chrome plate the rocker covers and top piece of the air cleaner. So as soon as I got back from the trip to Royston I got cracking on taking the these parts of and getting them in the post to Mark. Nearly two weeks later and they arrived back. Wow they look amazing. RSChrome have done a good job with these. Only problem now is that it makes the rest of the engine look really really dirty. I best get cleaning it now.


Next was hoses, as most of these were specific to the XR8 getting replacements was probably going to be somewhat difficult. I was going to look into getting some made especially but for now I would just clean up the ones already on there and replace all of the clips


I've got in contact with Steve Arnold at SignPrint to create a custom windows sticker with the URL for this site. It will use the true font from the boot logo. Steve has done a great job at this and it looks good on the rear window.


From eBay I have ordered a Ford embossed tax disc holder, some chrome Ford dust caps.

And the next order has been for some show plates from Mikes Plates.


I arrived early for the Ford Fair and started to clean up car it looked good on the day and was happy with the work that had gone into it in such a short space of time. It got a fair bit of interest on the day.


The work continues Initial Purchase xr8 part 3


From the Ford Fair I found some more shiny parts from Auto Specialists. A Chrome washer top, chrome suspension tops and a . Since FF I have been back on their website and ordered a stainless bonnet stay and a battery surround.


Radar and laser detected has arrived. I have modified the power cable that should plug into the cigarette lighter and instead cut the end off and wired it directly into the back on the power for the cigarette lighter. I've then brought the cable up through the back of dash and through the vent in centre top of dash. 


This makes for discreet cabling and has not made for any holes anywhere. The radar detector itself is from RoadAngel and is the RoadAngel Plus model. This isn't so I can be speeding on the road but let's face it. In a car like this it's far too easy to go 5-10 miles an hour above the speed limit without noticing so this will hopefully avoid any unwanted tickets.



Action camera have arrived so can now start getting some racing footage for the videos page.

I found an eBay shop selling seat belt covers and get them to make me up some especially with the XR8 logo on.



I have also ordered a smaller momo steering wheel from Mad Motors as the original is far too big for my liking. This look very smart and suits the car.


As the callipers were from a Ferrari I have given them a lick of paint and thrown on some Ferrari stickers. I'm not too sure if I like the stickers being on there but I will leave them for now and see if they grow on me. The callipers are made by AP racing so I have also added a sticker for that.


New ignition leads have been put on. An upgrade from Motorcraft 8mm to Eagle 9mm. I have also used some chrome ignition lead seperators.


More to be posted soon



First job done this month was to change over the side repeaters for some clear ones. This will look much better once I have had the whole car sprayed white.


The boot struts were old and weathered so these have been replaced. Now the boot stays up when I open it.

Parts on Order



  • Chrome Battery cover
  • Chrome Dipstick Handle
  • Chrome suspension nut covers

  • Sump Gasket

I have ordered a performance sump from YearOne so this will complete the oil setup for the car.

Found a guy selling rear XRi white bumper, so just waiting on delivery for that as well.

Although there are some basic floor mats in the car at the moment I have ordered some custom ones with the XR8 logo on them. Should have them in a couple of weeks.

Mid range
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