Have You Driven A Ba V8?

[Falchoon]

I had the pleasure if driving a BA XT 5.4 on the weekend as was very impressed with it. It was a manual, the gearbox and clutch seemed much lighter and smoother than the manual XR6T I test drove late last year and the noise and V8 grunt was fantastic. The performance was probably better than my XR6T, certainly down low it was, gotta love the torque of a V8. Taking into account this was a 3 valve 5.4, imagine what a XR8 or *gasp* a GT would be like. I couldn't rap it out too much because I didn't want to get slapped by the owner who was sitting in the seat beside me, I took it briefly just over 4000rpm and it seemed to have a powerband (like coming on boost in the turbo!) where it just wanted to haul ar$e. It did have a Herrod exhaust and suspension and also had 19" wheels so it wasn't completely stock. I was left seriously wondering if I should of considered a car like this and kept the other $20K in my pocket, or indeed waited until the XR8 had hit the showrooms and spent an extra $5K.

[Guest Phantom]

Your observations are interesting Falchoon.

I would have thought the XR6T would have out performed the XT V8 as it is supposedly neck and neck wiyh the XR8.

Surely even with the 19" wheels it wouldn't look as good as the XR and with the exhaust and suspension as well you wouldn't be saving $20K.

I am pretty happy with my choice.

[AMoffat]

Don't know where you got the 20 K saving from? There is a XT 5.4 auto at my local dealers. I thought about it too. It was about 40 K on the road with 17 inch wheels, and a rear deck spoiler. It was otherwise stock.

Certainly this is about 17 K less than the on road cost of a XR6T with a heap of extras.

But then it doesn't have the looks, suspension or the interior of a XT6T does it.

Bang for buck, with the options you mentioned (aftermarket) it would be line ball with a standard XR6T wouldn't it.

[bs888]

AMoffat,

The 17's and sports suspension are both standard when you option the V8,(with Manual) but you are right, the RRP was lineball with the XR6T. (but I couldn't get Fleet price on an XR)

Falchoon,

Glad you enjoyed your drive and I hope it helped with your decision on the suspension.

See you around, Bazza.

ps; Aaron want's to know if you will swap your XR6T for a 5.4 XT.

[rjs]

I have been in the passenger seat of the Boss V8 and was quite dissappointed. It was pretty powerful but to really feel the torque you have to get in the high rev range as the torgue builds. I guess I am comparing to the XR6T where the torque kicks in aroung 2000rpm, much sooner.

[Falchoon]

OK, it seems I may have been a little out on my pricing. If the two cars are the same price (or within a couple of grand) well the turbo is the one to get. It (hopefully) will have the better re-sale value and has the "street cred". Not saying the XT is no good, as I mentioned performance is very similar (V8 might be a touch better, especially on hot days), insurance is probably less, and it still turns heads.

I'm still not sure if I want the Herrod suspension, I was impressed with the ride quality of the XT with ultra low profile 19" tyres with the Herrod suspension but I am concerned with the ride height. The lowered XT looked to me to be about the same as my stock XR6, but the XR6 has a larger more overhanging front spoiler that makes steep driveways a hassle.

Then there is insurance. They tend to have a cow over the most trivial things. Even though you are making the car safer (ie handle better) they seem to think you are more likely to have an accident. Strange logic.

[DavoXT]

Yes now done 7000km in my XT Manaul V8 great on the open road but loves a drink around town.

[Guest HORNXR]

How does the 5.4 220 V8 go I am thinking of getting one optioned up .. Can you maybe post a thread and tell us of your experiences ,.....

Thanx man

Mongrell

[bs888]

Mongrell,

I've now done almost 10k and it has loosened up nicely, It really hauls arse up to about 5000rpm then starts to run out of puff, But I don't find this a big problem as I like to use the awesome Torque down low (remember that the 220 produces max Torque 1000 rev's lower than the 260)

Fuel consumption has settled at about 13.7 around town and 10.0 highway (usually with 5 passengers and a full boot) kepping in mind that with the kids on board I don't play with the right pedal to much, but around town I tend to play a bit when a lion pulls up next to me! (once a hoon always a hoon)

The Tremec is developing minor rattles as most do but other than that it is and has been virtually fault free except for the after market 19" wheels which have now been replaced with a different brand.

The only thing I am still going to do is visit Herrod's this year and get the Headers fitted to complement the 3" Exhaust.

The best thing about it is that it is different.

I would recomend one to anyone who for some reason can't have or doesn't want an XR,

I couldn't get Fleet price on an XR at the time but I now think that was a blessing in disguise as every second BA in Canberra is an XR.

Cheers Bazza.

[XR8Chic]

I was stuck in traffic next to a BA the other week (I was actually in MISSXR's Ute)

I was commending on how quiet it was, and how the loudest thing on the car was the thermo fans.

Then I realised it was a V8.

I was trying to listen for ages to hear the engine, but I couldnt. I think MISSXR even gave a few rev's of her car to try and get a reaction... but alas - there was no noise.

Would it just be someone with a 6cyl, with V8 badging? or is the 8 really that quiet?