Progress DRB#66

[Route 66]

Hi All, It's been a while since the last time on the forum. The project has been slow going mostly due to work comittments but I should be getting my weekends back soon so my sons and I can get on with it. There has however been a huge boost to the project with the acquisition of a suitable donor car from the salvage auctions. Someone else's misfortune becoming our good fortune with a stolen recovery 2004 BA XR8 6spd man sedan with 32000Ks (real) and lots of aftermarket mods. We have the the engine and gearbox out already and now on to the not so glamorous striping of the wiring harness etc. This has however given us renewed enthusiasm which I am sure everyone has been through along the way. We have accumulated lots of bits along the way so have heaps to work on and should soon have the car up and on its own wheels. Getting the heart of the car has spurred many more questions which we will get out there and hopefully get some helpful replies as has been the case in the past.

Regards


Route 66.

[Route 66]

Hi all, as per our previous post getting the engine for our project has spurred plenty of questions. As is typical or so I have read about the BA Mk1 our engine has the start up timing chain rattle. The replacement with later model metal tensioner seems straight forward enough. I have read and been told that replacing the oil pump gears at the same time is a smart option. The Service Mgr at local ford dealer agrees with the tensioner a but reckons the pumps don't give them any issues?

Our main query is the best source for the parts, either tensioners and/or pump gears? In the old days sourcing Chevy parts or even Cleveland or Windsor parts were everywhere but I find very few references to later model XR8/Boss/5.4L parts. If anyone has some suggestions we'd really appreciate the advice.

Regards


Route 66 Qld

[WKB]

Here is a couple of links that might be helpful in sourcing parts.

Warren



Australian Ford Forums

Australian Ford Forums

[sevenohms]

Hiya, I am also blessed with the Boss Engine, I'd agree that its worth doing the timing chain tensioner whilst its out, but as mine is a BF it is better, or so they say, mine was cast alloy with plastic.

The oil pump gears is a a tricky one. I took the advice of my respected engine builder who has built a number of these engines on Boost, and he said it was ok, as long as you didn't over rev them. If you have it apart, it can be worth buying a billet one (as the stock is cast) for safety. I think Herrod is a good source for the pumps. I just won't bump the rev limter up...

When i rebuilt mine, I put all new rings, bearings etc, plus a set of high tension head bolts ($600 a set). Easy to get parts for, if you replace the sump gasket, prepare to cough, $700+. No idea why.

Nathan

Originally Posted by Route 66

Hi all, as per our previous post getting the engine for our project has spurred plenty of questions. As is typical or so I have read about the BA Mk1 our engine has the start up timing chain rattle. The replacement with later model metal tensioner seems straight forward enough. I have read and been told that replacing the oil pump gears at the same time is a smart option. The Service Mgr at local ford dealer agrees with the tensioner a but reckons the pumps don't give them any issues?

Our main query is the best source for the parts, either tensioners and/or pump gears? In the old days sourcing Chevy parts or even Cleveland or Windsor parts were everywhere but I find very few references to later model XR8/Boss/5.4L parts. If anyone has some suggestions we'd really appreciate the advice.

Regards


Route 66 Qld