Now, there's nothing we like better than a sweetly done modification of one of our favourite cars - so when Grant wrote asking "A hopeful addition to the Visitors page" we didn't just sit down - we wrote straight back. Check out the pictures and you'll see why - anybody who isn't excited by this oughta get their pulse checked! So I'll let Grant get into the explaining:
"Brilliant site! - And great to see you actually updating it as often as you do. Great stuff!" (Hey - what a way to start off any letter!) "Here are a couple of pictures of my manual AUII XR8 beasty. This is how I believe they should look ex factory. They would sell a bucket load if they did. :)"
Grant ordered his XR8 with the Tickford body kit and the optional Premium Brakes (which Grant says are a "HUGE improvement over the standard ones and well worth getting"). "I also opted for the Premium sound system which is brilliant." As if that wasn't already enough Grant added huge Viper (Avanti) - Kaizan 18" x 8.5" wheels shod with Bridgestone's Potenza RE040 255/35ZR18 tyres. It's been lowered using Lovells springs but retains the standard shocks "as I find them firm without being too solid."
Leaving the internals of the XR8's engine well along, Grant has added a large cold air induction intake with K&N filter. The exhaust system was replaced with a dual 2 1/2" D&T Performance stainless steel system with Pacemaker headers and Hi-Flow cats. "These two changes alone have given me just over 20 kw more power, not to mention an awesome sounding car!" Just after writing this, Grant was able to test his claims on a dyno - "It had 190hp at the rear wheels or 144kw. This equates to 222kw at the flywheel - taking into account the drive train loss (35% for a manual, from information given to me by Tickford a while back)." After he finishes running in the engine completely, a CAPA supercharger is deeply engraved on Grant's wish list "(money and Fiancée willing :)" Don't we all understand that! "I'm shooting for 300kw with minimal internal changes." says Grant - a hefty target even if I say so myself.
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"I also take it to Queensland Raceway, where I get to stretch the XR's legs and use it to it's full potential. There's nothing like pulling onto the main straight with a self induced, handful of opposite lock - or even better - coming back in and seeing your times are quicker than the HSV that was just out there!" Which is why I asked Grant for his experiences relating to the new ride height and springing by Lovells: |
"There doesn't actually "feel" much difference between the standard springs and the Lovells in normal road driving. Maybe a slightly firmer ride but not greatly so. But put the XR8 on the track and you notice it BIG TIME! To give you some idea of the difference, before the lowered springs I was going through turn 1 (a fast sweeper that the TV doesn't do justice) at about 125-135kph. With the Lovells in, I could go through there approx 15-20kph quicker. - I also should add that I use the standard 17" XR rims and the Dunlop S9000 tyres that came with the car on the track (mainly due to the cost of 18" tyres..ouchie!!)"
Supporting Grants claims are his lap times - his quickest being 1.06.170 - a full 2 seconds quicker than his previous best without the new suspension and engine mods (1.08.423). "The quickest time was on a day much hotter than the previous time so I expect much better times to come."
And as to the cost of all these mods? "The Lovells springs were $480, the wheels and tyres about $3800 and the exhaust system was $2800. Which leaves me with some big bills and a fiancée wondering if she has committed to someone who should be committed. =)"
Well Grant, we know you're not certifiable - you've certainly done to make us all jealous - as well as having a fiancée who is at lease semi understanding (hey - you've made it this far!). Thanks mate for sharing with us the story of your car - and all the best for the future of you and your fiancée...may there be plenty of great motoring stories to come!
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