Has anyone had any dealings with Sierra XR4i 4x4 2.9i’s?

[accord83]

I have seen a Sierra XR4i 4x4 2.9i I fancy, but know three fifths of sod all about them, easy of maintenance, repairs, running costs, reliability etc. Soooo I though I would plumb the depths of  Old Skool Ford and see if any one will come out of the closet and admit to running/working on one.

Cheers in advance, John.

[accord83]

Anyone? Are they that dire then? Hmmm?🤔

[Rally Pack 2000]

Not replacing the Victor I hope?

You dont often hear the 2.9 4x4s mentioned very often at all with all the hype swirling around Cosworths instead. But I imagine the would be a formidable vehicle and if you can afford one now get it as I think you will find a flow on price effect to all classic Sierras soon especially the powerful ones. The market is very much buy now or admire at shows later.

[disco_monkey79]

I haven't ever driven an xr4x4, but my old 2.8 xr4i was a hell of a lot of fun. I really can't see how giving it the more powerful 2.9 and improving grip is going to make it worse... 

My only real gripe with mine was the dreadfully cheap trim and interior, which was the victim of 80s Ford penny-pinching. 

[mpdevelopments.uk]

Back in the good ole days. Early 80s. I had a silver 2.8 4x4, back then It was a formidable car to drive. Handles like on rails, and pretty cheap to run and maintain. And the girlfriend loved it...
I would buy another, if I could find a nice one. Definitely recommend. But beware of todays running costs. Petrol ££££.
And I bet parts are going to be thin on the ground.

Sent from my SM-A526B using Tapatalk

[dxcgnoc]

On 08/06/2023 at 19:30, accord83 said:

I have seen a Sierra XR4i 4x4 2.9i I fancy, but know three fifths of sod all about them, easy of maintenance, repairs, running costs, reliability etc. Soooo I though I would plumb the depths of  Old Skool Ford and see if any one will come out of the closet and admit to running/working on one.

Cheers in advance, John.

The 2.9 is a good reliable car  but spare parts are getting rare , you should hop on to the xroc forum  https://www.xrstyle.co.uk/forums/

one or two things to be aware of is that the power steering rack is  specific to the xr and not same as cosworth 4x4 or granada 4x4 . front hubs and drive shafts  are also different to cosworth 4x4 . the rear diff is lsd but smaller than cosworth 4x4 .   Look out for rust on the inner sills and front floors  and also around the sunroof .  Maintenance wise  not too much to worry about  other than  grease front  propshaft uj,s  and regular oil changes . the mt75 gearbox needs  speific oil  https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-147606-granville-mt-75-manual-transmission-fluid.aspx .  If the car has ABS then it must work for the MOT  so any warning lights relating to the brake system could mean replacement parts needed  which will be difficult /expensive to scource   good luck Dave

Edited June 13, 2023 by dxcgnoc

[accord83]

Many Thanks for the advice gents,

@Rally Pack 2000 James,  I'm struggling to find a way to fit child seat harnesses in the back without ruining the arch trims, and even then the angle might be wrong. The load floor has the tank under it, so again an interior wrecker. It came from the factory with lap belt fitments, and saloons have a mount in the C pillar, but estate pillars are too narrow. I was just thinking out of the box, rare, fast, classic(ish) Ford with a full set of safety belts and all the toys.

@disco_monkey79I would like an XR4, but the 4x4 has more doors, so more practical.

 @mpdevelopments.uk Fuel costs? The Victor is about 23/24mpg  on premium unleaded, I could get 8mpg out of my P6b V8 if I was trying, If I get 26 on a run it’ll be a refreshing change!😂 I don’t think I’ve met your girlfriend so I cannot comment......😂

@dxcgnocDave, The only thing that worries me is specific parts availability, apparently new ABS pumps are made of unobtainium,

[dxcgnoc]

ABS pumps are not always the problem, most common are wheel sensors and the accumulator.  both of which are available   so just be carefull to check if buying one .

 

[DT36]

3 hours ago, accord83 said:

Many Thanks for the advice gents,

@Rally Pack 2000 James,  I'm struggling to find a way to fit child seat harnesses in the back without ruining the arch trims, and even then the angle might be wrong. The load floor has the tank under it, so again an interior wrecker. It came from the factory with lap belt fitments, and saloons have a mount in the C pillar, but estate pillars are too narrow. I was just thinking out of the box, rare, fast, classic(ish) Ford with a full set of safety belts and all the toys.

@disco_monkey79I would like an XR4, but the 4x4 has more doors, so more practical.

 @mpdevelopments.uk😂😂

@dxcgnoc

Have you considered a MK3 Mondeo ST220 Final Facelift? 

4 doors, Isofix and are now starting to appreciate. However, the Final Facelift is in the high tax bracket, compared to a Pre-Face and are not Ulez friendly. Still a reasonably cheap car though.

However, I do like the XR4 in fairness. Also notice that Carcave Scotland have a few 4 door SA XR Sierra's at the moment. 

http://www.carcavescotland.co.uk/classic-cars-sale/our-classics-cars-sale?page=3

Edited June 13, 2023 by DT36

[dxcgnoc]

yes the sierra 3.0 i   would be a good car as it is the older Essex v6  like the mk1 Capri and  Granada but with fuel injection . they also don,t  generally have abs so less to worry about  

https://www.carcavescotland.co.uk/classic-cars-stock/ford-sierra-30-i

rare in this country. There was also a fuel injected 3.4 essex v6  sierra but only ever saw one for sale .

 

the mk1 XR8  is also very rare and  a nice car  but spares would be awkward as some of the mechanical parts were south african only 

 

Edited June 14, 2023 by dxcgnoc

[dxcgnoc]

if i was in the market for  something different and practical this would be my choice

https://www.carcavescotland.co.uk/classic-cars-stock/ford-cortina-30s-3

[accord83]

On 14/06/2023 at 20:08, dxcgnoc said:

if i was in the market for  something different and practical this would be my choice

https://www.carcavescotland.co.uk/classic-cars-stock/ford-cortina-30s-3

I have had dealings through an acquaintance of SA imports, this guys are the best filler sculptors in the world...........

The X$ 4x4 deal fell through today, so I think I’ll keep the Victor and sort out the Escort for rear belts, much cheaper too. (unless something wanders across my path that catches my attention😂).

[DT36]

Could you somehow get something like this mounted? 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-ISOFIX-Mount-Base-Car-SUV-Autos-Safety-Seat-Belt-Bracket-Latch-4mm-/264119377966?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p4429486.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[dxcgnoc]

2 hours ago, DT36 said:

Could you somehow get something like this mounted? 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-ISOFIX-Mount-Base-Car-SUV-Autos-Safety-Seat-Belt-Bracket-Latch-4mm-/264119377966?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p4429486.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

Personally i wouldn,t use  something like this  as it is just connects to the seat , I would want something welded to the floor pan  .

Regards

Dave

[sierra3dr]

@accord83,they are fairly reliable if not neglected. It takes alot for the Cologne to go wrong. Fuel injection in general can have its gremlins. Corrosion on the Sierra,are the sills,and in front of the rear arch