Hi all,

Long overdue update.

Ok, so the 125k engine went in a while back, and was a good strong engine and gave no problems for ages. Right up until last weekend when it popped the head gasket. I was on the highway, coming back from the Gold Coast, and it just started detonating under load. The temp gauge started creeping up, but only got to about half way. I backed off and coasted down to around 80 KPH, and the temp dropped, but when I went to pull off the exit (up hill) it was rattling it's head off. Then it died, and when I cranked it over, it had a lungful of water. So, 1 dead engine. I had another AU engine, with approx. 150k on it, so it was easier to swap motors than to bugger around fixing this one. I took the opportunity to fit all new welsh plugs - a couple looked iffy - new rear seal, new water pump, etc. A mate helped and we had it all swapped over and driving in approx. 11 hours, start to finish.

Other than that, nothing else has really changed with it. I fitted the 'lane front seats and lower rear seat, and have to organize to paint the 'lane doors, and will fit them up complete once that's done. I have also sourced another front bar - this one is damaged - so will have to paint that as well. So, still plenty to do, as time and money allows. But it has been a good old bus, so far (touch wood) and I cant really see myself getting rid of it for a while yet. I have been thinking about upgrading to a BF wagon, but haven't seen any low klm ones up here for less then $10k, and I cant afford to spend that much right now. But who knows what will happen in the future.

Cheers,

OK, so I'm over the old EL. I have a S3 AU Futura wagon, and an XR8, and will soon be combining the two, and should end up with a nice, V8 Futura wagon. I'll probably start a build thread on it one day, but for now I have to decide if I want to bother fixing up the EL and trying to sell it, or part it out and probably end up with a similar amount of cash. Thoughts anyone?

well she got 'old' quick lol





awesome




can ya be bothered?

Yep, it's old, (like me) and while it has been a good car, it needs a few too many things fixed. The rego runs out late next month, so I have until then to have the AU V8 conversion done and sorted. Then I reckon I will wreck out the EL and the leftovers can go in the back paddock for "Natural Resources" for the rest of the fleet.

So, anyone looking for a set of 16" factory alloys? Or a full interior (seats, carpet, console and 4 complete doors) for an NF Fairlane? Or a good AU 4.0 and Auto? I'll have lots of goodies to move on soon...

i'd put up me hand for some of it .... but ya tooo far away .. good luck on the 8 tho

So the AU is done and dusted. Took a bit longer than I hoped, but it's done now, and is awesome to drive. So I started with this.



Then I bought this.



And it became this.



And after a couple of busy weekends, I had this.



It's all finished and on the road now, still needs a good detail and polish, and a few little interior bits finishing off, but I am very happy with the result.

More pics to follow.


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So a quick update:



The AU has been going great for the last couple of years, and we have been very happy with it. But a week ago the auto trans started playing silly-buggers, and in less than a week the trans fluid went from red to almost black. So that is pretty well screwed...

I looked around for a good 2nd hand auto trans, but I don't really want to spend $1000 or more on a trans that could only be good for a year or two. And a full reco, at $3k, is not an option either. So I am on the hunt for a manual trans conversion. Not having much luck yet, but I'm still keen to find one.

If anyone knows of an AU V8 Manual for sale, either a complete car, or the full conversion, let me know. I have a budget of around $2k for everything.

Cheers.

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Quick Update:

The T5 is fitted and done, used the J3 chip from TI Performance. Works great, drives nice, very happy with the result. And there cant be too many AU V8 Wagons out there, huh?

But, I have decided it is time to pass it to a new owner. Short version - this car is no longer suitable for my requirements, and I've had to buy a big van, so the Wagon has to go. I have a few little fiddly things to finish off, but it is 99% there. Here is a recent description:

AU3 Futura Wagon, white paint, 17" XR8 wheels, new tyres. Looks like a stock 6cyl wagon...
XR8 5.0, T5 (Tremec) 3.45:1 LSD, 3" single system, new flywheel & clutch, tailshaft balanced & new universals. Full black XR interior, including dash & cluster. Very tidy car, everything works, air con, power steer, electric windows (all 4) cruise control, etc. Very nice car to drive, suit large family, great rig to tow a boat or small caravan, etc. Shame to see it go, but I cant keep it, looking for a good home for it.

I will be asking $6k, with whatever (Qld) rego is left, expires in May 2019.

Any thoughts?