AU2 futura, where to start

AdamK · 16-03-2008, 08:59 PM

been reading for a little while and thought i'd register at last...
ok so my parents are going to give me their AU2 dual fuel falcon.
(not my first choice of car but looks like i'll have to do without a BA

: )
what would i be looking at to get a manual conversion, and LSD?
where would i start for mods?
cheers

GK · 16-03-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamK

been reading for a little while and thought i'd register at last...
ok so my parents are going to give me their AU2 dual fuel falcon.
(not my first choice of car but looks like i'll have to do without a BA

: )
what would i be looking at to get a manual conversion, and LSD?
where would i start for mods?
cheers

Mate, your parents are "giving" you a car, that's a good reliable model, that you know the history of, already on LPG and you're lamenting the BA! Classic!

Be thankful mate!

As for mods, well, the manual conversion will set you back $2-3K, but I'll let you know that you wont be happy with the stock diff ratio. Go for an XR spec 3:45 or even a 3:7. I went the 3:7 and maybe went too much. I also had my car converted to manual just before Christmas, and just had my diff rebuilt so this is all recent experience to me.

If I had my time again, this is what I would have done.

Gone the 3:7 diff but kept the auto. At least I could have seen what it would have been like. Perhaps I was a little hasty in going for the manual. Driving Evan's car (a weapon) made it hard not to think about converting over though!

If I still went for the manual, perhaps I'd only have gone the 3:45 ratio in the diff. The 3:7 is a little too annoying in stop start traffic, hence my thoughts about keeping the auto.

I could have also gone a hi-stall converter in the auto and had a fully recoed auto for $700 less than what it cost me to do the conversion.

There's a few things to think about.

BTW, plan on getting some pacemaker extractors and a 2.5 Redback sports exhaust. The car will go heaps better, without even touching the trans or diff.

All the best with it.

BTW, welcome to the forum. In time you just may learn to love the AU, just like we do! LOL!

GK

InfernoSR · 17-03-2008, 08:34 AM

Welcome to the forum... i hope you soon love the AU... it grows on you over time...

Parts are getting cheaper and cheaper for these models... go and look at some trimming mods, clean it right up, fix problems and you'll have a great cruiser.

AdamK · 17-03-2008, 07:06 PM

i think i'm starting to like it... after seeing LG's AU forte, its really showed me what can be done.
is there a big power difference between the regular & the VCT engine?
what would be the benefits?
cheers

GK · 17-03-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamK

i think i'm starting to like it... after seeing LG's AU forte, its really showed me what can be done.
is there a big power difference between the regular & the VCT engine?
what would be the benefits?
cheers

The extra power of the VCT is balanced with the extra weight of the IRS. It's a nicer handling package from what I know. Mine's live rear axle, so I'm only going on what's accepted here.

LG's car is a cracker. He is one handy bloke for sure. He also has a very good eye for detail.

The benefits IMO are not with the engine, but with the IRS that goes with it.

I may be wrong, but it's also pretty accepted here that there's not a lot of development work done on the VCT, but lots more on the stock I6. That's a disadvantage IMO. Others may differ but I think it's accurate enough. Also, whilst the IRS will handle sweeter, the rear shock mounts are a well known problem. Lots of IRS owners have knocking in the rear from their wear. On that you can be sure.

GK

LG · 17-03-2008, 09:52 PM

Hey mate,

You have to decide how you wanna do up your car. Looks or power.

For power, i suggest you go for a full exhaust & intake, with a new diff gears and lsd like GK suggested. My friends Futura is on gas, and with an exhaust, gives it a nice note and some decent power to be happy with.

For looks, I suggest you do the little things on the interior, gear knob, steering wheel, get some chrome in there.. Then for the future, check out some bodykits, but I reckon you try and stay unique and different to everyone else.

Goodluck buddy.

AdamK · 17-03-2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LG

Hey mate,

You have to decide how you wanna do up your car. Looks or power.

For power, i suggest you go for a full exhaust & intake, with a new diff gears and lsd like GK suggested. My friends Futura is on gas, and with an exhaust, gives it a nice note and some decent power to be happy with.

For looks, I suggest you do the little things on the interior, gear knob, steering wheel, get some chrome in there.. Then for the future, check out some bodykits, but I reckon you try and stay unique and different to everyone else.

Goodluck buddy.

thanks mate, awesome car btw!
thanks for the tips. definately the things i'll be deciding soon enough...
just saving the pennies :P

nikos · 17-03-2008, 10:17 PM

LG - Nice looking car, but you should put up some more whole car shots! Those rims are sweet, I don't usually like aftermarket wheels but those look sensational.

AdamK - For looks I'd recomend a lowering job and some nice wheels to begin with, and as LG said exhaust and intake for power.

**SSD-85** · 18-03-2008, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

The extra power of the VCT is balanced with the extra weight of the IRS. It's a nicer handling package from what I know. Mine's live rear axle, so I'm only going on what's accepted here.

LG's car is a cracker. He is one handy bloke for sure. He also has a very good eye for detail.

The benefits IMO are not with the engine, but with the IRS that goes with it.

I may be wrong, but it's also pretty accepted here that there's not a lot of development work done on the VCT, but lots more on the stock I6. That's a disadvantage IMO. Others may differ but I think it's accurate enough. Also, whilst the IRS will handle sweeter, the rear shock mounts are a well known problem. Lots of IRS owners have knocking in the rear from their wear. On that you can be sure.

GK

I agree GK, i bought the VCT for the IRS, not the factory power increase. since power is a lot easier to add on later. as for the diff gears, im all confused now, 3.7 or 4.11 ???

**SSD-85** · 18-03-2008, 12:17 AM

but in response to your post AdamK, congratulations on inheriting a fine piece of machinery and welcome to you

i agree with what everyones saying on mods. it seems to be easy, yet so effective when modding the look of your bland futura using parts from other AU's, e.g fairmont, fairlane (as far as interior is concerned anyway). exterior looks, well, thats just personal preference, something as subtle as an SR kit all the way to V8 supercar. C2R kits prove popular i suppose.

blueoval · 18-03-2008, 01:16 AM

hi adam welcome to the forums

we have similar cars, your lucky to have been given yours. it sounds like a pearler.

get the car running smooth first, then assess your budget. start with exhaust and intake mods, then diff gears. i suggest keeping your auto and getting a hi stall fitted.

it just comes down to what your wanting out of your beast. speed? power? looks? handling?

let us know, and post up pics dude