Financial Planner Says YES to $15k EL Turbo Build!!!

[challiwell]

To start with I'm Cain

Hi.....

My financial planner (wife) has, after much deliberation said yes to an EL turbo build with a budget of $15k.

So here is the plan:

Stage 1: Buy the Car, I'm debating with myself either to buy a GLI or an XR6 for this endevour. Because i could buy a GLI for $1500-$2000 and work with it, or i could spend $5000 on an XR6 which has LSD and XR Head. I'm partial to the look of the xr but wouldnt be a selling point for me.
IDEAS?

Stage 2: Build an Engine, So for the 250-300rwkw range if i spent around $2000 -2500. on an engine rebuild would this be sufficant, Im thinking forged is overkill but please give me your thoughts!!!!

Stage 3: Transmission, AUTO is the way i wish to go, but the BTRs are like driving around in mud so, are they worth building up or is it better to adapt something else in its place, My thoughts where $3000 ish for this area.

Stage 4: Turbo Setup. I have read alot about snorts systems and i think this is the way im going to go as its a kit and for $3000 thats seems to be a good price.

Stage 5: Exhaust 3inch? about $1000 for high flow?

Stage 6: Bits and bobs i have found on other projects i have had, bits and bobs is the most expensive part of the build. So i figured $4000 for this area.

Now This is where i need your assistance.

1: Which car and Why?
2: Engine Components and why?
3: Which autos and Why?

I will be fitting turbos and engine building myself, but gearbox build will be done at a shop, but fitted by me, so PLEASE throw your ideas at me, i have ALOT of planning and research to do!!

Thanks

Cain

[holmsy]

if ya not partial to an xr6 or gli etc.
id just get a cheap (under $1000) non xr6.

your not going to get that much of a better car spending the extra $500-1000 especially when your going to build the motor and box anyway. doesnt really matter how it runs.

[EFFalcon]

as holmsy said, just pickup something relatively cheap... regardless of model.
even fairmonts can be had pretty cheap.

what are your ultimate aims, BTR can be an option depending on what you're hoping to get.

[xr6berto]

As above and stick with the btr when upgraded that is a good power level for them.

I would upgrade rods with something like spool items if you are rebuilding as they work with cast pistions and are reasonably cheap. At that power level cast pistions are fine but the rods and rod bolts are the weak point, especially when revd.

Don't forget your fuel system ecu and tune will use a fair amount of cash aswell.

[josh_ef]

should get something with a nice straight body, ghia with a sun roof or something

or buy hus's car lol

[challiwell]

What im aiming for EFFalcon is somewhere between 250-300rwkw that is wont break when under boost, and will last, i dont expect 10 years out of the box but something that wont die after 6 months

[josh_ef]

allwyas find a half done project also, people start projects throw big money into a car and abandon it, cutting their losses for quick cash and sell it for alot less then has been spend

[challiwell]

As above and stick with the btr when upgraded that is a good power level for them.

I would upgrade rods with something like spool items if you are rebuilding as they work with cast pistions and are reasonably cheap. At that power level cast pistions are fine but the rods and rod bolts are the weak point, especially when revd.

Don't forget your fuel system ecu and tune will use a fair amount of cash aswell.

I had thought about that what is most commonly used?

[xr6berto]

My advise would be to take your time and look for quality second hand parts when you can , as I would rather good second hand stuff than new cheap crap that will need to be replaced.

[challiwell]

My advise would be to take your time and look for quality second hand parts when you can , as I would rather good second hand stuff than new cheap crap that will need to be replaced.

Time and Research is the biggest part of this build for me, i want to do it once and do it right.

What power figure are people getting through BTR's and what sorts of builds have been done to them

[xr6berto]

Most commonly j3 chip, rising rate fuel reg, upgraded intank fuel pump something like a walbro 255 lt/h and stock injectors. In my opinion this works fine but I would rather go down the route of aftermarket ecu and decent fuel system which isn't limited in many areas. Just depends on how you spend your cash

[xr6berto]

I'm not the best person to explain whats needed to be done to btrs as I have always stuck with a manual but there are plenty of threads to do search on or someone may chime in and tell you what needs to be done

[TAXI]

Here cain buy one of these and save yourself alot of wasted cash.


viewtopic.php?f=10&t=24469

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EF-Fairmont- ... 978wt_1154

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide ... 1002407538

[Dansedgli]

Car $1000
Engine $2500
Auto $3000
Rego $1000
Diff $1000
Exhaust $1000
Turbo kit (get a 6boost kit) $3300
Injectors, fuel pump, reg cooler piping $1200 ish
cooler $200
ECU and TUNE $3000

There's your budget gone.

Get an XR6t instead.

[TUFED6]

EL with brand new built driveline vs shagged BA. Not really comparing apples with apples.

If you only want ~300kw I'd still get a BA tho.

Edit: you should fire your financial advisor

[iCER]

^ ^ ^

[mad_keen]

Turboed el xr6 on carsales 16k

[challiwell]

I have a ba Ghia. It has no character it's bland to drive. And as tufed6 said if I bought an xr6t it would be high Kms. Also the el is my favourite shape. BUT thanks for all the advise guys keep it coming

Ps: buying one in sa would be alright but from interstate would be a headache for rego

[needfordspeed]

Spend good money on the box and fuel system/ECU first, then do what you can with the rest. If you're handy with a spanner IMO you could build something that will smash out 10/11's including purchase price.

I'd start with a EL XR, they look so damn good.

[AaronEF8]

Are you in SA? If so, you don't need a roadworthy for an interstate car any more. Just an ID check of the car and you're done.

[challiwell]

Spend good money on the box and fuel system/ECU first, then do what you can with the rest. If you're handy with a spanner IMO you could build something that will smash out 10/11's including purchase price.

I'd start with a EL XR, they look so damn good.

This is the sort of info I'm after. And yes I'm handy with a spanner. All of the work other than the box and ecu tuning will be done by me. Any other handy tips like this would be good

[needfordspeed]

Read this: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=24091

[ford_racing_8]

Id start with an EL XR, great looking car, if its quick you'd want it to look the part aswell. There's my 2 cents, know Fuk all about turbos

[krisisdog]

Buy a car that's already done for 6-8k then upgrade what you need, if needed.

[Nikk O'lass]

EL over a BA/BF anyday.

[nothin suss]

Nice build plan...
Sounds like you need to find the best example of an EL you can find with the highest Klms at a good price, get it RWC and pull it apart.
I guess a $1000 shitter will eventually need 4k of bodywork to make it look the part.
So many people start with the Gli and end up being converted to full ticky kitted XR's anyways and have rooted about sourcing all the parts and spent heaps.

[superhuS!]

Just buy mine, build an auto and throw a microtech & a 3" exhaust. Should be about $15K after all that. Motor's built, it's got 224rwkw atm and is probably one of the best looking EL's at the moment.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=24846

[markr154]

Buy EL XR, throw Barra DOHC Turbo into it..

[dcstraight]

Sounds like you've got all the useful information so far.

As it has been said, get something straight and clean that perhaps has high kms - something standard always helps - don't want something that has been played with in the wrong way (cut looms, elec nightmares etc).

If you're sticking with auto - EF / EL Ghias are a good option if you like your creature comforts - climate control, leather seats, plusher carpet etc. Else, an XR6 has the more aggressive front end - horses for courses!

Should be able to get a reasonable example for ~$5000 depending on options (bodykit, sunroof, wheels etc) and condition.

Good aftermarket ECU - people have had good results from haltech, wolf, microtech.

With all the right bits, you can easily achieve 250 - 300 rwkw without much outlay these days. Standard motors with a good fuel system and engine management will do it! AU motors are good donors too.

My 2c,
Steve

Edit: Yep buy Hus' car - best of both worlds...Ghia interior, elxr front, bodykit, super fresh paint, motor good for boost!

[markr154]

Yep, buy Hus' car ...then blow the **** out of it

[superhuS!]

If someone buy it and blows it up I'll have a nervous breakdown. The amount of trauma and stress that car has put me through...

[markr154]

If someone buy it and blows it up I'll have a nervous breakdown. The amount of trauma and stress that car has put me through...

Didn't mean that literally, lol ...I meant a nice PD blower / Turbo making 280 rwkw minimum

[Jet]

Your financial adviser forgot the bit after you work out what you think it will cost...DOUBLE IT!!!!

[Dumpsta]

EL over a BA/BF anyday.

Amen. Ba/Bf's are the new vn.

Im going against my financial advisor and boosting mine anyway.