Hello,

My girlfriend and I may be getting transferred to Melbourne in the near future. I understand that cars (models) are quite different down under compared to North America (not to mention that the steering wheel is on the right side!!). I have always been a Ford nut. I have owned a 1969 Cougar with a 428 CJ. I currently own a 1982 Mustang GT.
My questions: (please excuse my ignorance to your auto industry)
1) After viewing the classifieds, I am interested in swapping a V8 Windsor or Cleveland, whatever, into a Falcon ('85-'95 manual trans). Is this feasible?
2) Are there any Ford V8's (and T5's) available at the salvage yards? (there are many over here, we can bring a container with us )
3) Do cars have to pass any inspections (rego?) which discourages or makes swaps illegal?
4) Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Marty

1: 1985-1991 falcons (XF from 85-87, EA from 1988-1991) never came as a V8 from the factory, but many people have transplanted V8's into them, XF's are more difficult as they usually require a couple of small mods to get the V8 to fit in without hitting anything, EA normally only requires upgrading the various suspension/brake components to V8 spec from a later model EB falcon
clevelands arent as easy to get transport authority approval for as they dont meet emissions standards for later model cars, (though you can bypass the emissions requirements by running them on straight LPG) but you can use a 5L windsor from an EB-AU falcon, transplant it into your XF/EA and have little to do in the way of emissions requirements
2: V8's and T5's are in reasonably good supply
3:some states have yearly roadworthy inspections, i believe victoria does, but for engine/driveline swaps, each state differs slightly, but all have compliancing procedures/requirements in place, that depending on the swap, can mean just informing the transport authority of the swap, to having to get an engineers report and jumping through dozens of hoops, although they're usually not too fussed about transmission swaps
4: how much are you looking at spending on a car/s? you'll probably be better off looking for a car that is already a V8 rather than doing a conversion, as IMO the conversion price for a I6->V8 is greater than the price difference of buying a V8 instead of a I6

take a look at the list below, it's a good start
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Last edited by Interceptor on Sat Feb 04, 2006 5:13 pm, edited 3 times in total.

G'day Marty.

Yes you can put a V8 into an XF or an EA but you'll need to piss around with engineering certificates as well as roadworthy because these models, as pointed out above, only had 6 cylinder engines fitted. The EB and models following it ( 1992 + ) had Windsor 5.0's as options and there are enough of them around to pick one up cheaply enough. These factory fitted 5.0's are just your HO style Windsors with a few minor ancillary changes from the U.S. versions to suit RHD vehicles over here, but all in all, much the same engine.
I guess it depends on how much money you are keen to spend on a car if you do get down here.

really depends what your budget is like when you get here..

you would be best to have a look at some cars and decide what model/shape you like. personally, try and find a ef/el manual xr8, that will keep you most happy..(thats 1994-1998) and generally set you back around 10-15k AUS...

If you're not on a tight budget, bring some performance bits over with you.
If you're after a windsor, EB onwards will be what you're looking for.
If you want, you can also bring me a tremec 5spd

Agree with all the above. I'd buy here but bring a decent set of heads and intake with you, maybe the T5 although more are popping up these days.

Eh guys and gal, thanks for the great info. I had no idea how many sedans there are there already equipped with V8's from the factory! Wish we had that over here! Thanks Interceptor for pointing me in the right direction...
My budget is around $15K including mods to the drivetrain. The exterior will be stock looking except for hi-perf tires...oops, tyres! Are the inspections agencies more strict on drivetrain mods to later cars? Would I be better of with an older Falcon (mid '70's for example).
I will definetely bring parts. Speaking of parts, how much $$$ does a good used T5 go for? It will give me an idea as to how many to bring over
How easy is it to import vehicles? (there are many Mustangs over here) I read something about a "15 year old car" rule that was changed recently. Does the vehicle absolutely have to be converted to right hand drive?

Marty

p.s. I forgot to mention that I am currently restoring a 1962 Pontiac Stratochief (it's similar to a Bonneville but Canadian made). Yeah, I know it's a GM but it's a nice sleigh...

mate if the car is LHD and it is over 30 years old, u can import it and leave it LHD. if it is youger than 30 years old you will have to convert to RHD. I am pretty sure thats right.. crrect me if wrong.

here is email i have:

All LHD Vehicles over 30 Years of age are suitable to be registered in any State of Australia in LHD..No need to Convert to RHD any more. However some States have a Few, Local Rules you may have to follow before they will register..Usually this may be.. Two Mirrors.. Change the Headlights, and all must Pass Safety checks etc just like a regular car for Rego ( depending on what state you are in).. check with your local RTA or DMV Department in your state as to what if anything they May require.. Over and above the Import Permit for the Vehicle..
The New Laws apply for cars 15 - 30 years of age only.


hope that helps...

Dont usually see many people struggling to get their hands on manual boxes... what id be bringing with me are heads and intake manifolds. Never any shortage of buyers for gt40 heads and explorer/cobra manifolds!! And injectors... and A9L mustang computers... lol.

AKAIK, all of these items are considerably more expensive down here...

Tremec 3550 would be better and heaps stronger than T5...Yes heads either original or after market injectors can be as much as $160 + each here....
Whole car your better off checking with federal transport or you will not be allowed to take it off wharf and that'll cost you heaps in storage there...
;
http://www.australiatrade.com.au/Shippi ... /index.htm

Victoria only has a roadworty inspection when you are transferring the registration of a car, like when you buy it, there are no yearly checks

Best idea i have ever heard.

Just FYI I had a T5 from a 95 model (EF/EL) installed in my '85 (XF) sedan a few years back and the entire transplant with labour cost me $1800 Australian... It can be done substantially cheaper, but as with all things automotive, you generally get what you pay for.