Barra powered Charger

[au350hp]

Saw this recently, thought one or two might appreciate it.
https://www.streetmachine.com.au/fea...ars_newsletter

[Raptor]

Smart conversion

Importantly it's still a six

And it's much more than just an engine swap;

...
I wanted EFI, air conditioning, power steering, reliability and modern handling
...
The plenum chamber and tunnel were shot too, so we replaced most of the floor and fitted the BA Falcon trans tunnel
...
We used the complete Ford front end, including the BA’s brakes, which kept the engineer happy
...
it drives amazingly well for a Valiant. I really appreciate the modernism of it
...

[XByoot]

Yes he’s done it well. I’d like to see how he set up the front end, the track of a BA is about 80mm wider than a Val....I checked! The turbo Barra is probably the best Australian produced engine in my books, and certainly the last. I’d love to fit one in my old Val one day, ultimate sleeper. My XB has to be done first, it’s consuming too much time, and money,and time, and money

My old Val
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showth...47#post6101547

I’ve got a few plans for her.

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by XByoot

Yes he’s done it well. I’d like to see how he set up the front end, the track of a BA is about 80mm wider than a Val....I checked! ...

An extra 40mm or so each side probably isn't an issue.
Seems like there's a bit of room there

[XByoot]

True! Fills the guards better! There’s a place in NZ that puts a lot of modern platforms under old metal, I Love a dish in the rims and the wider track of modern cars can be restrictive. Not sure how you go legally widening the track, there is a limit but I’m sure there are ways!
Here’s another option
https://www.streetmachine.com.au/fea...-sedan-sleeper

The rod shop do a really nice K frame set up with coil over and rack and pinion. Not cheap but it’s probably a very solid option . Subframe connectors would be a must too, those old girls flex quite a bit.

[arronm]

Great job. I would have gone manual and really upped the power.

[XByoot]

There’s two things I don’t like about the green charger, firstly is the front apron, but he mentioned it’s yet to be finished and it was a temporary fix...the second thing I don’t like about it is it isn’t mine! Upped the power?? Good call!

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by XByoot

...
Not sure how you go legally widening the track, there is a limit but I’m sure there are ways!...

The regulations state that the track width of the donor vehicle applies
You use a Falcon front end - the Falcon track dimensions (plus modest allowances) are what applies. The only other requirement is that it has to be installed properly and has to fit - clearance for full suspension movement, steering etc.

[commodorenutt]

The R&P steering from the BA would be a massive improvement too.
Good project. He needs to come up with a way to finish the console at the front, or maybe use an FG one that might integrate better.

[XByoot]

Originally Posted by Raptor

The regulations state that the track width of the donor vehicle applies
You use a Falcon front end - the Falcon track dimensions (plus modest allowances) are what applies. The only other requirement is that it has to be installed properly and has to fit - clearance for full suspension movement, steering etc.

Interesting, do you have a reference? Certainly makes a swap viable and an excellent option but surely there are limitations.

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by XByoot

Interesting, do you have a reference? Certainly makes a swap viable and an excellent option but surely there are limitations.

Sure

VSB14 : NATIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE for LIGHT VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION and MODIFICATION

https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/...ov_2015_v4.pdf

Page 44;

• Track. Where non-original axle or suspension cross-member components are fitted, the offset of the wheel in relation to the axle or hub assembly used must not be increased by more than 12.5mm each side of the vehicle based on the specifications of the axle components used. If an axle assembly is shortened then the track width limit is taken as the axle manufacturers original track dimension, less the amount the assembly has been narrowed, plus 25mm

So you have the same allowance as a modified vehicle with original components (track +25mm which is the same as each wheel offset -12.5mm) but you measure from the donor vehicle specs.

[XByoot]

Cheers I read that section. To me it mentions the wheel offset variation, not the actual track change of the suspension. It’s very interesting if it’s not restricted from donor to recipient. It’s obviously the case when looking at the green charger. Minimal dish rims up front to tuck under the guards...so basically don’t increase the wheel offset more than the specified amount in the regs and if it tucks under the guards it’s all good.very interesting and opens up a lot of possibilities. Thanks again

[OzJavelin]

I've been in contact on FB with the guy who finally bought that N/A Barra-powered 1968 AMC Javelin .. would be great for it to be re-powered by a Turbo? ;)
BTW .. looks like it has an issue with the length of the engine too .. they can't install the orginal recessed grill as the engine comes forward too far ..



https://www.shannons.com.au/auctions...6CQB96I7Q84VE/

[au350hp]

This beautiful '71' Mercury Comet is crying out for a Barra or a hot 289ci
https://www.carsforsale.com/1971-mer...-sale-C1060930

[aussie muscle]

Originally Posted by XByoot

There’s two things I don’t like about the green charger, firstly is the front apron

i don't like how the grille/headlights are not centered in the front grille opening. they are way too low.