The XR4Register Profile - Norman Brooks
Ford Sierra XR4x4
The car is a 1987 (First reg 27-10-87) Mk 2, which was a demo car for the
Ford motor company. I purchased the car on 17-5-90 with 21'329 miles on the
clock. The car was kept in standard condition apart from changing the gearbox, as it had eaten 2 of the T9's, so this was changed for the MT75. The first
show I attended was at Donnington in 98, and getting 3rd place & seeing some
cars close up things had to change. To date these are the engine was
changed in January 98 by Specialised Engines, this was rebored and given the
stage 1+ treatment along with modified Cam, injection, Clutch and so on.
This was followed with a Scorpion exhaust, TSW wheels, Cosworth bonnet and
bumper, next came the full leather interior, along with a dash, donated
from a 92 car.
I've also had a set to with a Porsche turbo and pushed him to 120mph even
though I could'nt pass him, he couldn't get rid of me either.
To make the car different the cossi bumper has had a hack saw to change the
design this I did with satisfying results. Still further work needed to a concourse condition so through the winter the car was subjected to a full strip down underneath to paint and powder coating of parts.
Changes also done are to fit adjustable Koni shocks with standard height but
uprated springs, Poly bushed all round. Brakes are Black diamond with
stainless steel braided hoses, and new 17" wheels which has helped to give
the car a more solid footing along with better braking.
The car is used for pulling the caravan for family hols, along with shows
and the normal run a round stuff, to date the car has only let me down once
with a failed petrol pump not bad for a car of this age with a 130'000 on
the clock. It also still has the original paint work and has passed every
MOT first time.
To date the only thing left as standard is the rear axle. So what's next, I have again stripped the underneath to have the rear beam done as the powder coating has cracked but this time its been zinc plated and epoxy coated with a 15 year guaranty against rust, along with striping the rear axle, and coating this to. I have also had a full set of shiny brake pipes made for the car.
Rear tail gate changed to the later type and some further work on the front
bumper if time permits.
Just a plug for the club I joined in May 97 then to the XR4 Register when
their was just 4 members and this has grown year on year to last year (2003) being the best ever, thanks to the members but especially for Caz and Bhav
In early 2005, I decided to 'spurce' up the front end. The car was taken off
the road and work began. The whole front was stripped for cleaning & shot blasted to get to a good starting point.
Whilst I was there, I decided to take the 'Bhav' approach of fitting and
forgetting so, all new bearings, seals, and drive shaft boots fitted. Anything that had a hint of play or wear was replaced. New poly-bushes, Track rod ends and TCA's and other joints were also fitted. Even the power steering rack got the same treatment.
It was all looking good but I was still not happy with the inside of the car
as have been toying with replacing the carpet for some time. I wanted something different as everyone had the mandatory grey/black/charcoal carpet. I had
made up my mind and it had to be red!. I was going to dye it red but the
thought of contaminating everything in the washing machine red for months on end and the Mrs's 'seeing' red soon put a stop to that. I managed to find a few suppliers and asked for samples but they were either pink, damson or the same colour as Gengis's overalls! Everything but RED!. Time was running out as the car was going to be used as wedding car for my daughters wedding so it all needed to be ready or else the carpet would have been red with my blood on it!
Finally, I had the 'red' sample so promptly supplied the pattern to Coverdale and got the carpet made up. Its the nearest red I could get to match the
car. With a bit of 'trimming' and 'tweeking' it all went in and the car was
ready for April 2004. A 3rd Place at Ultimate Ford Show 2005 and the thumbs up from the 'Motley' crew, so not a bad result.
Awards Won
2005 Ultimate Ford Show - 3rd place Entrants Choice
2004 Interford - 2nd place for 'Modified category'
2003 Town & Country Show - 2nd for 'Best XR' on XR4 Register stand
2003 Interford - 2nd place for 'Modified category'
2003 The Northern Classic & Performance Rally - 1st place for 'Best XR' of show
2002 Country Show - 'Best in Show'
2001 XR National Day - 2nd
2001 Country Show - 'Best in Show'
2000 XR4 Register Club Award for 'Best Improved Car'
2000 Country Show - 'Best in Show'
1999 Donington Park - 2nd place for 'Best XR'
1999 Coventry & Warwickshire Show - 1st for 'Best XR'
1999 Coombe Abbey - 1st for 'Best XR'
1999 Beaumanar Hall - 2nd for 'Best XR'
1999 Town & Country Show - 2nd for 'Best XR'
Last Updated: 10.10.05
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Car Profile
Owner: Norman Brooks
XROC BB Name: n/a
Model: XR4x4
Engine:
Gearbox: MT75
Brakes: Black Diamond drilled and grooved, braided hosepipes.
Suspension: Koni adjustable with uprated springs. Polyurethane bushes all round.
Interior: Leather interior, Momo steering wheel, alloy pedals, gear knob, Red dials & custom red carpet.
Exterior: Cosworth vented bonnet, skirts and modified bumper, M3 mirrors, Scorpion stainless steel exhaust.
ICE: Kenwood head unit with 10 disc multi changer. Sony 6x9 rears and 6" Pioneer duel cones in front and all set in wood.
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