Ford Showcar – Venom ute

Ford Showcar – Venom ute.

Commissioned by Ford as a scene stealer for the 1999 Sydney International Motor Show the Venom Ute is based on an old prototype (as are most Ford showcars) black XR8, and was produced to show what could be done with Ford’s utility. As such it includes most components purchased from local Aftermarket suppliers so one would imagine it wouldn’t be too difficult to create your own “Venom” Ute providing you had the time and spare cash. Considering the changes made it wouldn’t be too hard to realise this transformation on any AU V8 Falcon Ute (not just XR8’s) or a six cylinder could be done as well using engine ideas from the Predator (supercharged EL Futura) or any of the aftermarket hot-up shops (try CAPA or Herrods). So read on to find out exactly who Ford consulted to transform one of it’s best utes into this beast!

Engine:

· 5.0 litre push rod cast iron V8 (4942cc).

· Modifications by Herrod Motor Sport:

· ‘Herrod Motorsport Camshaft’ along with valve springs and retainers jointly developed with Crow Cams to give 0.540” lift.

· GT40P Heads with slight porting (these heads come standard on all XR8 engines since the introduction of the 185kw Series 2 EL XR8 Falcon – minus the porting of course).

· HPC coated Genie / Herrods extractors.

· All this adds up to a healthy 165kw at the rear wheels (don’t get confused with the more commonly quoted flywheel figures).

Transmission:

· Factory 5 speed manual.

Brakes:

· Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS).

· Harrop Engineering ventilated discs, 14” dia x 28mm thick with 66 curved and cross-hatched slotts.

· Harrop Engineering 4 piston aluminium alloy callipers.

Wheels:

· 18” dia Billet wheels by Boyd Coddington – named “American Racing”.

· The centre of each wheel begins as a solid billet of high quality 6061 T6 aluminium. From this metal each wheel is carved, one at a time by a Computer Numerical Controlled machining centre (a mill with automatic tool changer) then mated to the aluminium outer rim and hand finished (to clean up any manufacturing marks).

Tyres:

· Dunlop SP Sport 9000 255/35 ZR18 high speed performance tyres with excellent dry and wet driving stability, superb aquaplaning resistance and low ‘pass-by’ noise (that’s no dreaded tyre ‘howl’ to you and me).

Differential:

· Standard 3.45 ratio Limited Slip XR8 Diff.

Suspension:

· Lowered by 60mm.

· Spring package by Herrods Motorsport.

Interior:

· Power windows.

· Unique interior trim in Daytona 3 Perforated Suede with Grey Siren backing, combined with Black Escaine Suede.

· Full T-series dashboard including silver (patterned) inserts called “Carbon Check Linear pattern in the place of the Ghia’s woodgrain, Fairmont Ghia dash panel with T-series white instrument faces – fitted by Herrod Automotive.

· Momo ‘Millennium’ steering wheel (can somebody tell me if it’s legal to remove the airbag to fit this?).

· Momo ‘F16’ gear knob with carbon fibre insert and polished alloy base.

Exterior:

· Electric Remote rearview exterior mirrors.

· Fibreglass ‘Slim-Lid’ tonneau cover by FTP Pty LTD.

· Bodykit including side & rear skirts, front spoiler and roof spoiler.

· Fairmont clear blinker repeater lenses.

Paint:

· PPG ‘Wizard’ using a Deltron basecoat from the Harlequin range.

· Paint and bodywork done by Ron Mcintosh of Campbellfield Smash Repairs, who also executed the oh-so-neat venting of the exhausts through the rear quarters.

Sight & Sound:

· Clarion ARX6570z head unit including AM/FM cassette player, CD/MD changer control and 4x40w outputs.

· Clarion TVX6451 flip out TV unit with high contrast TFF colour screen.

· Clarion CDC655z – 6 disc CD changer with Optical Digital Output and digital text.

· Clarion APA215OG – 2 channel high power amp with 2 x 150watt outputs.

· Clarion SRM3091 – 30cm subwoofers x 600w (3 off).

· Clarion APA1200 I-Channel high power amplifiers with single 360watt output each (3 off).

· Clarion SRS1691-200w 16cm 2-way Component System speakers 200w.

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