3rdTurbo

Could it be the new European Fiesta to slot in below the Focus???

Mine's a blueprint.

17km 1 cracked light, use at night time only.

No brainer. XR6T has Control Blade IRS, fly by wire throttle, EBD, DOHC 24V, DUAL VCT, flat torque curve, SSS, non intrusive TC, better styling..... I could go on and on and on! I Can't Get Enough of This! Pocket the saving and go for the T. Otherwise check out the XR8! TURBO6MAN : Not sure if the Clubbie would get in too many laps on th track, as they still appear to be prone power steering pump failures.

Agree with Brian and Mondie. My T is on a company lease, and as such I have no ownership hassles. Remember that fleet customers get significant discounts and a gst input tax credit - in some cases the discounts can be over $10k below the retail price! If possible consider salary sacrificing (novated lease) if your employer has the facility. There can be huge tax benefits. Remember 2 to 3 years down the track at "trade-in time" - you will quickly have to digest the depreciation hit! Can make a grown man cry! However if your a car nut like me, it is not hard to be seduced by the T! For me, it's a heart over the head kind of decision. Would I rather cash in my car allowance and drive a roller skate, or enjoy the day to day rush of the T? Easy decision for me. "Can't get enough of this!" Go for option 2. If 2nd hand values are very strong, then consider buying new. Be shrewd, if you have time on your hands make enquiries either in person or by fax with as many dealers as you can - even out of town dealerships. Why pay more than you need to! Be careful with option 3, if you cannot commit to a lease for the full term, you will be burned bad due to the early termination penalty. This is based on the value of the interest that the finance company would have received if the lease ran full term. (it's a rort in IMO!) You sound like a hard working guy doing 2 jobs, so if this is not the time to take the plunge, hang in there you'll probably be cashed up in the next few years and be comfortable with the purchase! Maybe you'll be looking at the GT-P/GTHO instead!!!

From memory it's about 68 litres.

Not familiar with the Thalestrak GPS system. I had a quiktrack system in a previous car (200SX) and found it to be very effective. Had 3 attempted break-ins over 2 years. No false callouts noted. Had my T since Mar 03 and fo far have had no incidents. Not sure if the T is a big a theft risk at this point in time. But once word gets out - they may become a target!

Agree with DavoWA, the correct oil as per pg 34 of the “Customer Assistance, Warranty And Service Guide BA Series” service logbook is 15W/40. Here's an extract of an email I sent to Ford Aust Customer Service the reply: ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for your reply. Using Castrol 10W-30 is ok, however we suggest to replace this oil with 15W-40 in approximately 5000kms due to the oil now in your vehicle being a lighter grade and thinner quality, and replacing it with a thicker grade. As to Brand Name's of Oils, Ford Australia does not recommend any particular brand, just as long as it is a reputable brand. We hope this helps. Regards, Nicholas Kowald Customer Service Representative Ford Customer Relationship Centre (: 13 36 73 (13 FORD) Fax: 03 9929 3175 .: nzkowald@fordcrc.com.au For the latest updates, visit www.ford.com.au -----Original Message----- Sent: Tuesday, 3 June 2003 14:19 To: Kowald, Nicholas Subject: RE: BA Falcon XR6T Enquiry Nicolas Thanks for your reply. Is Castrol GTX3 10W-30 suitable? And which type of oil in the Castrol range is suitable? The reason I forward this query to Ford Motor Co, is because the Service Dept of dealership were not helpful. Thanks -----Original Message----- From: Kowald, Nicholas [mailto:nzkowald@fordcrc.com.au] Sent: Tuesday, 3 June 2003 2:14 PM Subject: BA Falcon XR6T Enquiry Dear Thank you for your email to the Ford Customer Relationship Centre. We can advise that the Engine Oil Specification for the Falcon XR6 Turbo is SAE 15W-40. This is for optimum fuel economy. We suggest if you have any further enquiries to contact your local Ford Dealership. Regards, Nicholas Kowald Customer Service Representative Ford Customer Relationship Centre (: 13 36 73 (13 FORD) Fax: 03 9929 3175 .: nzkowald@fordcrc.com.au For the latest updates, visit www.ford.com.au

Power Ford seem pretty hot and cold. I waited 40min to be greeted by a Service Rep when I put my T in for 3000km service. They put in the wrong oil 10W/30 instead of 15W/40 and quoted me $130 for oil/filter change (paid $70 in the end). God knows if they got it right when I flagged the error. I've ditched them. I gave them a bad wrap on the customer service survey and expressed my experiences to Ford.

ft/ib to Nm's - don't know. I was thinking the % increase (from the before and after readings), may be of interest. Can someone point out if this approach is too simplistic or potentially inaccurate?

Ms700 Good mod for little outlay. Excellent work! You stated that you picked up 80ft/ib torque with the XR8 air cleaner. Can you recall the actual torque figures before and after the mod?

The T is my 3rd turbo, hence my tag. 03 XR6T SSS No mods. Definately the best. Rigid chassis. Brakes let it down. SSS is fantastic! 98 200SX 5sp - Boost control to 16psi and cat back exhaust. Big gains from minor mods. Stolen once and recovered. Now driven by riff raff types which is a pity. 88 Celica 5sp with a 3SGTE engine from the 90 Celica GT4 - Boost control 3" exhaust, filter (still a front wheel drive). Ate 3 gearboxes and 2 clutches. Being addicted to turbo's, I hope that the XR6T stays for the long haul in the falcon range! Maybe I'm pushing my luck, but imagine if Ford built an XR8T! (Forgetting for a moment the complexity of single vs twin turbos, lack of space in the engine bay, cost etc)

Wow the Fairlane has also edged ahead of the Statesman! Great result. That's impressive, given the high level of TV advertising for the Caprice (Statesman) in July/Aug!