Upgrading the EF

Interceptor'85 · 01-03-2005, 04:23 PM

This is the up and coming for the EF i6...

- T5 Manual tranny (What should it come with?) $1200
- Limited Slip Diff (EL XR8 3.45 or up to 3.7?) $500
- Pacemaker Extractors (new or 2nd hand?) $350
- Redback exhaust system (does it include a HF cat?) $300
- DBA discs (maybe 6x6 wiper slot) / twin piston calipers / pads all round $???
- Tinted windows $250
- XR bonnet Vents

I know the pricing pretty much, but I'd like to know who's had these upgrades, what worked best for you and who are the people you recommend getting the parts from or doing the job?

I'm tempted to go for the T5 first, but I'm really impatient and might get the exhaust done first :P Any suggestions on what I should get first? I know what I want, but I'm just curious ;)

Danny · 01-03-2005, 04:26 PM

I got the LSD first in mine matt.... But then again I already had the manual Tranny...... Umm yeah probs go the manual mate thats what i reckon
-Dan

Thanatos · 01-03-2005, 04:31 PM

Looks like a nice list of mods you got planned there mate ;)

If it was me, i'd probably go the manual before the exhaust, that way people can't hear you stuff up as easily while you learn how to drive the manual! :P

RG · 01-03-2005, 04:33 PM

I had the exhaust done first but I was never happy with the redback. Got a Lukey 2 1/2" one muffler system put in yesterday and it is A heap better than the redback and cheaper too! Just make sure with the T5 conversion that you can go back to them to get the extra parts if the place you buy it from isn't the one that's putting it in. You are also better off to but a new cluch and cable and get the flywheel machined WHEN you get it put in! (geez I wish I had practiced what I preach!

: ). But all in all the manual is a hell of a lot more fun to drive than the auto IMO. Well I think that that is long enough!

Interceptor'85 · 01-03-2005, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Child

I got the LSD first in mine matt.... But then again I already had the manual Tranny...... Umm yeah probs go the manual mate thats what i reckon
-Dan

Cool, manual it is! haha. You'll have take me for a ride in your machine Danny

Yeah guys, I learnt on a manual and still drive the old conker too :P That's why when I jump into the auto EF it's cruisey, but I'm missing something.

Thanatos · 01-03-2005, 04:36 PM

Oh, also, just to answer a couple of the questions:

EL XR8 3.45 Diff is no better than an EF/EL XR6 Diff.

You should be able to get new Pacemakers for $350.

For $300 you won't get a HF Cat with your exhaust. A HF Cat is about $250 by itself.

Hope that helps ;)

Interceptor'85 · 01-03-2005, 04:39 PM

Very much! Thanks Than.

Is the lukey better sound wise or more practical? And how much cheaper?
And what HF cat's should I consider?

Damo · 01-03-2005, 07:53 PM

teeeeeeeeeeeefiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiveeee!!!

Hey Machine, were you driving along Warranwood road at around 5:50 this afternoon. If so I saw you.

: Hi.

Interceptor'85 · 01-03-2005, 08:12 PM

Aaaargh! An Imposter!!!
Nah sozz Dam, wasn't me, but Hi anyway

LUXO_8 · 01-03-2005, 08:16 PM

it was probably danny damo...

Interceptor'85 · 01-03-2005, 08:35 PM

So back on topic...

T5 = That's a given :P
LSD = Any benefits of going above 3.45 with an i6?
Extractors = Worth getting second hand ones?
Exhaust = Redback or Lukey? Love to get one of each together and hear the difference.

Damo · 01-03-2005, 09:21 PM

nah wasn't danny, it had XR wheels, kit, black strip. Don't think i noticed P's.. So you wern't anywhere near Warranwood around 6 pm ?

We have an imposter EF machine. :O

Gunmetal Grey is awesome.

01-03-2005, 10:16 PM

i should have gone manual first but i wasted too much money on other B/S that i wish i hadnt have....

id also slot a cam change in that list of mods, very easy to do on the I6 and probably the cheapest if you go a regrind, like a wade or something.

AdzT3-146 · 01-03-2005, 10:56 PM

Where are you getting the diff from?

EFFalcon · 02-03-2005, 08:04 AM

5 speed and 3.45 LSD would be first up IMO.
gives the car a hell of a launch without having a car that sounds like it.. that comes later

FRDXR6 · 02-03-2005, 12:22 PM

I've got Lukey extractors and exhaust and I reckon they sound awesome. Supposebly redback is just as good but a bit quieter, but i love the tough note at idle of the lukey.

Interceptor'85 · 02-03-2005, 02:45 PM

John XR6 = forgot about a Cam, what's recommended for i6?

ef_classic = Where? That's what I want to know :P

EFFalcon = Any benefit going higher than 3.45 gears?

FRDXR6 = Cool, yeah i think I'll go lukey. Great that it comes with extractors. Is it a straight through pipe with single muffler? And did yours come with a HF cat aswell? And if I could ask how much and where from? (So many Questions!

: )

EFFalcon · 02-03-2005, 02:49 PM

THere is plenty of benefit of going higher then 3.45, ideally something like a 3.9 LSD would give the auto a real kick and you'd be laughing, but for 3.9's u'd need to either pay through the nose for a new one.. or find one 2nd hand (doubtful)
atleast 3.45's arnt *too* hard to come by.. but if ur on a budget, the 3.45's would be the best way to go about it.

XRated · 02-03-2005, 02:52 PM

I've got a Lukey mandrel bent with a single straight through muffler. Only now (six months later) am I noticing the drone. You might want to consider a resonator with the system to eliminate the drone that usually occurs on accelleration or under load ie. up a hill or with a heavy load. You're probably looking at an average of $250 fitted, just look around and bargain with them ;)

Re. the diff; you could get one rebuilt to suit 3.7, 3.9 or 4.11s. Bare in mind that going shorter (higher number) you will rev more on the freeway. If you're going a T5, a 3.45 is a good compromise or 3.7s if you want to go any shorter IMO.

AdzT3-146 · 02-03-2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EF_Machine

ef_classic = Where? That's what I want to know :P

: i thought u already had it or something like that.

EL_futuraistic · 02-03-2005, 07:25 PM

CHEAP MANUAL CONVERSION ON EBAY, JUST CUT AND PASTE LINK

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....532348645&rd=1

SileNceR · 02-03-2005, 07:34 PM

3.45s with an EA t5 (3.5:1 first gear ratio) means redline at approx 40ks... 3.7s would mean the same amount of shifts to 100, (2) but you'd hit thirds redline not all that far above 100... (anyone care to clarify im not 100% on this but my second gear hits 80 at redline, 3rd is about 120 or 140

b2tf · 02-03-2005, 08:03 PM

Ok, if it were my car:

* 3.45's simply cos of availability. Any wrecked XR will have them (provided theyre not taken). Fairmont Ghias have them too dont they? They're a proven package, maybe not the best possible, but definitely worth it for your general street applications etc.

* Exhaust System. HF cats are a waste of time IMHO, from what ive read theyre a waste of money. Go an AU one if you really want to put a new one in.

*Then the rest in whatever order you can find/afford them.

2nd hand extractors are fine as long as they dont have rust/cracks etc etc. Just give them a good once over before you put any cash down for them.

Regarding Redback or Lukey, id pick Redback. If you want more noise than go, pick Lukey.

Kenaz · 02-03-2005, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by back2thefutura

* 3.45's simply cos of availability. Any wrecked XR will have them (provided theyre not taken). Fairmont Ghias have them too dont they?

Fairmont Ghias have them from EFII onwards.

b2tf · 02-03-2005, 09:36 PM

Thought so, AUII Fairmonts have them too.

LUXO_8 · 02-03-2005, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by back2thefutura

Thought so, AUII Fairmonts have them too.

sure?
it was my understanding any car with traction control didnt have LSD....ie fairmont...

:

b2tf · 02-03-2005, 09:57 PM

As far as im aware it has them, the AU gearing document on aufalcon.com says it has them.

EFFalcon · 03-03-2005, 08:10 AM

my mates AU Ghia V8 had Traction control and no LSD... was weird :P

FRDXR6 · 03-03-2005, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EF_Machine

John XR6 = forgot about a Cam, what's recommended for i6?

ef_classic = Where? That's what I want to know :P

EFFalcon = Any benefit going higher than 3.45 gears?

FRDXR6 = Cool, yeah i think I'll go lukey. Great that it comes with extractors. Is it a straight through pipe with single muffler? And did yours come with a HF cat aswell? And if I could ask how much and where from? (So many Questions!

: )

The exhaust and extractors were already on when i got the car so can't tell you how much and where unfortuneatly, the guy i bought it of said it had a hi flow cat but i think i read they dont make much difference anyway on a near stock I6. I think i have a video of the exhaust sound will see if i can find it, theres also some exhaust place near the corner of Ferntreegully and Burwood Rd my mate got an exhaust there the other week and is very happy with it.

Interceptor'85 · 03-03-2005, 06:56 PM

Great FRDXR6, love to see a vid clip if you ever do find it

I'll start searching around soon, check out a few places, and that one corner ft'gully and burwood.

Ok guys...so...

When I get a T5 box = What should come with it as a package?

(and I know this question is asked all the time, but...:P)
Pacemaker's = What's the type everyone recommends? Is it the 4480 6>3>1?

And as for the exhaust, I'm still undecided between the Redback and the Lukey. Have to figure that one out myself i guess. But It'll definately be straight through 2.5" one muffler with a resonator.