what to buy???

[hrtrip]

I was browsing carsales last night and came to the realisation that BA turbos are becoming quite cheap already. for example, i saw a fair few series 1 auto's and 5 speeds for under 20k... Having just received my EL fairmont, thanks to the lovely people at Victoria Police, I am now unsure whether to modify it, or simply save up over the next 6 months or so and buy an XRT... Although, I really would like a BA Mk2 manual for the 6 speed. So here is my question, or list of rather,

how good or bad is the 5spd considering i will want to do exhaust, tune and extractors? Because i think i remember hearing that the box is quite weak, and you will definately need a new clutch whereas the 6 spd can talk around 280 at the wheels before you start to see some major clutch slipping? is it worth waiting an extra 6 months on top and buying the 6 spd?

Also, is the auto any fun? because I have had all auto's before (both fairmonts) so i really want to change to a manual, but i love the fact that i could be driving a XRT...

then there is also the option of modifying my EL, which would be fun, and it would be a nice cruiser, but it is slow haha, and will take an enormous amount of engine work to even make it somewhat 'quick'.

decisions decisions... any help, criticism, sarcasm, tips etc would be greatly appreciated...

cheers guys, HRT R.I.P

[schnoods]

I wouldnt touch a 5 speed, They are touch and go with the stockers, but the 6 speeds are the go if you like the manual cog swapper.

Maybe check out a few of the government auctions, a BF can be had for under 23000 grand and has the 6 speed auto, manuals are near on impossible to find with ex government.

To get an EL to go fast means a turbo conversion and a nightmare with insurance if you have a blemished record or your under 25, let alone legalities.

Just depends what you want in a car and how fast you want it.

[BHDOGS]

Dont buy a b-series turbo its becoming the vl of ford everybodys got one everybodys done it up its getting to the point where there just not special anymore now a done up el turbo thats something atleast half diffrent far from unique but atleast it will cause the "wtf" reaction instead of ba/bf turbos "oh its a ba/bf turbo k"

[Creampuff]

Oh i agree!! who wants a "common" bseries turbo, when a rare el turbo would not be half the car anyway!! Good point BHDOGS.
hrtrip...get the bseries and enjoy the better car.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by BHDOGS

Dont buy a b-series turbo its becoming the vl of ford everybodys got one everybodys done it up its getting to the point where there just not special anymore now a done up el turbo thats something atleast half diffrent far from unique but atleast it will cause the "wtf" reaction instead of ba/bf turbos "oh its a ba/bf turbo k"

Right.. vote this post for 'Worst Post of the Year' award +1


BA MKII would be the go, if not a BF. Slushers go well with turbos, they don't fall off boost, and turbo cars thrive on engine load.

[satria]

the b series will become the p-plater hoon car the vl calais is/was but it still has a few years yet to take that title... once they hit closer to 10k i'd imagine p-platers might get their hands on them, still some time to go me thinks... and even then a ba mk1 will not compare with what is out at the current time (eg.FG mk1/mk2?) so the p-plater won't be able to compare to the current model.

for now i'd go with the b-series over an el any day

[bathurst77]

Will P platers be ALLOWED to drive XR6T by law?

lets see you could get BA XR6T for under 20, spend a little on it and have something very nice and special quite easily, and still reliable and drivable, as ford did the hard work.

Or you could get a much older EL, with poorer brakes/suspension interior etc and turbo it yourself. And have insurance, roadworthy, rego etc nightmares and maybe end up with something fast adn different, but how easy to live with and look after? AND whats the resale?

BAck to the original question, i would try and get 6 speed auto. They are fun to drive, arguably better then the M6.

[gozza]

Originally Posted by Creampuff

Oh i agree!! who wants a "common" bseries turbo, when a rare el turbo would not be half the car anyway!! Good point BHDOGS.
hrtrip...get the bseries and enjoy the better car.

why is it a better car? B series are like a$sholes these days

you could have your EL doing high 11's/ low 12's with change from 10 Grand easy

I know what i would do

[GTP owner]

Having owned both an elxr8 and a ba 5 speed manual, i'd have to say be common and go the xr6t. The 5 speed manuals are not as bad as many would have you believe, if you treat them right. 300rwkw is about their limit, but hell that is plenty enough power compared to your current ride. My bf2 xr6t does 13.1 quarters with a measly 233rwkw!

The 6 speed manuals are the go for serious 300+rwkw, but how far do you really want to go?

The ba has everything to make your drive enjoyable, whereas the el will never quite do it as well.

A B may be as common as bums, but you will only need $2k to go deep into the 12's

[vandrsxr6]

I have a T5 and I'm running 310rwkw, with no problems. The gearbox is a tight as the day I got it. Although I don't do any burnouts or take of like an idiot.

If your chasing power with one a good clutch is all thats needed.

[ebxr8240]

Sheesh from taxi's to Hoon P plate cars !!!
WHO CARES !!!
The latter model anyday!!

[hrtrip]

thanks for the comments lads, i think i might have to do a bit more research on the 5spd boxes

[daniel_rossy]

don't listen to these guys about an xr6t is becoming a vl turbo. buy what makes you happy after all that is why we buy awsome cars.

[zx10]

An auto xr6t is still very fun to drive, especially the 6 speed auto. There are a couple for sale atm for under $25k (bf series 1 6 speed auto), so I imagine in 6 months time they will be well under 20k.

I had an el xr8 5 speed with about 320 rear wheel hp and the gearbox started feeling very second hand after 3 months.

Unless you REALLY like using your left leg when driving get the auto.

Goodluck champ.