Ford vs Holden 03

[Kiwiracing]

Hi all

I hope this isn't becoming just a Holden forum, there must be some Ford fans wondering who's driving who and who else is defecting from Holden. he he he

Who's the new second driver in DJR, no sign of the Rat at present at www.v8supercars.com.au.

I see Craig L has gone to the new Ford Performance Racing (FPR) with Seton and David Besnard. (Is this 00 rebranded??)

Gees I cannot wait till the season starts, getting withdrawal symptoms.

Cheers
Kiwiracing


_____________________________
I don't mind what kind of car really wins, as long as it's a Kiwi driving, Go Murph!!!!:D

[mustang1966]

Kiwi,

the rumours getting around is that Max Wilson will head over to DJR and replace The Rat.

The Rat will head over to Briggs which means it will be a straight swap.

Interesting that Dean Canto has signed also with Briggs, maybe his place was cemented because he is a panel beater. Any team would need that kind of experince with the Rats efforts this year.

[Kiwiracing]

Mustang

Thanks for the info, yeah the Rat has had it bad, mind you I guess the same can be said for DJR in general.

Where did you hear about the 'driver swap'?

Cheers
Kiwiracing

[BATHURSTFAN]

try www.conrod.com.au or

www.ten-tenths.com

[mustang1966]

Kiwi,

yeah I agree. I am a big fan of The Rat and I still think he has so much to offer.


BathurstFan, yes conrod is the place for rumours and I was pretty spot on with the canto one several weeks ago ;)

[BATHURSTFAN]

speaking of THE RAT, some person on ebay is selling his 2001 DJR No 18 drivers door for $600, DJR were/are selling doors for $150.

When I was there the other week the BA on the hoist had a yellow roof and some white doors nearby on the floor with what i think were red letters, the rest was unpainted ?????

[Glen Alexander]

Kiwiracing:

Ford Performance Racing is a combination of Glenn Seton's Level 1 franchise and Rod Nash's Level 2 franchise. 00 Motorsport is still a team with 2 cars and no drivers as of yet. Prodrive bought into Seton's team and they secured Rod Nash's franchise so they could run a car for David Besnard, seems Craig Lowndes wants to be in the same team as Besnard, he is a great young driver of the future. Hope to see some good things come out of this team, I'd like a bit of competiton this year from the Fords. Plus I have a close link with David Besnard, being a friend of his father, and Lowndes is my favourite driver, but I'm a Holden supporter!!! Go figure!!!!:D

[brchi17]

Originally posted by Kiwiracing
Hi all

I hope this isn't becoming just a Holden forum, there must be some Ford fans wondering who's driving who and who else is defecting from Holden. he he he



G'day kiwi,
have a look at this link to give an indercation of the Ford / Holden split

http://turing.ibc.com.au/bianteforums/showthread.p hp?s=&threadid=1315

cheers.

[Kiwiracing]

WOW thanks brchi17

Just wondering if it's a part of a kids education at school, do they teach V8 supercars in school?

Cheers
Kiwiracing;)

[Glen Alexander]

V8 Supercars cannot be taught. Only the blessed can grip the greatness of the sport!!!!

[V8SS]

But remember, V8 Supercars is not a religion, its way more important than that!!!

[KiwiRallyFan]

I think the passion that Aussies have for their Fords and Holdens is not really understood by us Kiwis.

Over here, many of us are V8 Supercar fans, but very few of us have the same passion that exists in Australia, and that strong rivalry between Ford and Holden is not as intense.

I have made the trip to Bathurst and the Melbourne Grand Prix a few times now, and I am still amazed by the intense passion that exists in some V8 fans.

[brchi17]

I think you could do a Doctorite on the subject & still not have a clear picture of why, who chooses which side !!!!

Take me for example, I'm an avid Dick Johnson supporter, but since Dick's retirement from racing my badge blue blood has began to change colour (to more of a pale sky blue).

Don't get me wrong I still love Ford & DJR but my next car will not be a Falcon.

After being struck by the AU bug (gee its' ulgy!!!) & being rather apprehensive about the Barra (I hope its' a good car but I fear it may have been struck by Ford lack of quality control) before I'm liniched, I believe from MY expirences, that Ford need to improve their quality control before I'll buy another one & very soon I'll be driving a Commodore SV8.

Make sence, even I can't work it out !!!

My change of heart could be blamed on my father (when in doubt, blame your parents !!!!) who was once a one eyed Ford man, but now he's driving a VX Supercharged Calais (gee I love driving it !!!) & brother who was also another Ford boy who is in a VXII Commdore S (never really sure on his blood type to start with !!!).

One thing is for sure thought, at the track, I will ALWAYS cheers for DJR first, Ford second & Holden never.

As for my road preferance I think at present it's swung towards the general. In 5 years time (I like to change cars every 5yrs) who know's, maybe I'll be sick of the 5.7Lt V8 & 6spd and return back to the Blue oval.

cheers.:D

[biante1478]

brchi17 -- interesting post. On your comments on Ford quality. Let me give you some inside info from FMC. Initial quality survey of Barra buyers is just in, and the car has surpassed even our most optimistic hopes for quality. Just amazing results. Wish I could be more specific, but data is restricted to syndicated participants, so you'll have to take my word for it. Anyway, we'll bring you back into the fold yet !!

[mustang1966]

Originally posted by biante1478
brchi17 -- interesting post. On your comments on Ford quality. Let me give you some inside info from FMC. Initial quality survey of Barra buyers is just in, and the car has surpassed even our most optimistic hopes for quality. Just amazing results. Wish I could be more specific, but data is restricted to syndicated participants, so you'll have to take my word for it. Anyway, we'll bring you back into the fold yet !!

Great post and thanks for the info. I agree FoMoCo is on a winner with the BA, I have seen several people in other forums do nothing but knock the new Falcon. I am not going to knock the Commodore and start some flame war, but it seems to me the Falcon range is a big step ahead of the Commodore and I cannot wait for the reply from Holden. Seems the consumer will be the winners.

Can I ask you a futher question concerning the new XR range. How has the survey on the new XR6 T gone? I have heard some conflicting reports about problems with the Turbo and customers not happy. As you are in the loop down there can you give us a little info?

I kind of gather that the XR6 T has been the big surpise packet in the Falcon range and it is getting hard to meet demand.


I await last months sales figures between the big 2.

Thanks again for any info.


Mark

[7Litre]

Alot of new drivers in alot of new teams, Should be a good recipe for a very interesting season.

[brchi17]

Originally posted by biante1478
....On your comments on Ford quality. Let me give you some inside info from FMC. Initial quality survey of Barra buyers is just in, and the car has surpassed even our most optimistic hopes for quality. Just amazing results.........

To biante1478,
Thanks for the info about the Barra & I genuninly hope it is the best Falcon ever (as I said before I do like Ford's)!!!!

My concerns come from my own expirence on owning an EL Falcon & from what I have seen happen to the Falcons that my father repairs in his business. I would be happy share my concerns with you, if you wish to email me about my expirences.

Mustang1966, I respect your comments & I would not openly criticise a vehicle unless I had expirenced it 1st hand.

I have driven the Barra (a Futura - they didn't have any XR's) & I was impressed with the way it drove (drove it on some windy roads I know & I was really, really impressed how it handelled for a standard car).

I didn't like the auto because it still doesn't seem to know what gear it wanted (put my foot down & the auto slammed itself back to 2nd went close to the red line straight away & immediately dumped it into 3rd - my EL has always done this as well) when I accerlated quickly from 70kph, but mainly I hold reservations about how the Barra will be (reliability wise) when it get up to & over the 100,000km mark.

My EL was awesome, up & till around 95,000km then things went down hill quickly. Maybe I got one that slipped throught the net, but it is what I am basing me assumption upon.

Hense why I am considering the SV8 as my next vehicle. I can't afford an SS nor an XR8 yet & so the SV8 is the next best option.

Each to their own opinion I suppose.

cheers.:D

Go DJR !!!!!!!

[biante1478]

Mustang1966
Survey was for first month of sales -- XR6T went on sale in the next month so not included in this survey. But I can tell you that rumours of XR6T problems of blowing engines, transmissions etc are a crock of, not showing up in warranty, customer helpline etc.

Sales Data (Jan 03)
Falcon 4300, up 1500 from Jan 02
Commodore 5300, down 300 from 02
Falcon Ute 1200, down 100 from 02
Commodore Ute 900, up 200 from 02
Falcon improving strongly, but still behind Commodore.

Brch17
Your opinion is respected, and I was not disputing your experiences in any way. It is our job to convince you that this Falcon is worth buying.

Cheers.

[brchi17]

Originally posted by biante1478
Brch17
Your opinion is respected, and I was not disputing your experiences in any way. It is our job to convince you that this Falcon is worth buying.
Cheers.

I never thought that in the first place. To be honest I feel bad about thinking about buying a Holden, but at present I am a little disillusioned with the Ford product.
Let us know if you guys produce something like the SV8 & I might give it a look.
cheers.

[mustang1966]

Thanks for the feedback guys,


Brchi, Mate the SV8 does look like a good buy and for the price they are asking for it, I think it is bound to be a hit.

I have not had the chance to drive the BA range, so I cannot comment. As I said I have read many comments from people bagging the XR6 T and I thought it would ask the some info, from someone who works at Ford. I hope some dealer will let me take one for a spin, without feeling guilty for not buying it. (know any good dealers Peter? ;) )


When ever I have brought a car I have never been blinded by the one brand and I have owned Commodores in the past.

It is sad to see your EL is having problems. I am currently looking at buying an EL for the Mrs. The car we are looking at trading in is a series 2 EB, this car could also be called "Moonraker" as it has almost done a trip to the moon with 210,000 k's on the clock. We have had the car since 80,000 k's and the one major problem it had was a head gasket. We have had no problems with the Auto, engine, diff, brakes, etc.

biante1478,

I dont think it was Geoff Polities idea to beat the Commodore in sales figures. I thought it was taking it one step at a time, and try and gain some lost ground. Seems to me they are doing just that.

Thanks for the info mate

Cheers
Mark

[Three_o_seven]

EF/EL's are the best car Ford made.....they're a gold mine in the field of air conditioning spare parts:D If Biante ever produce these its advisable to suppy a spare TRS 105 compressor....i have many carcases here to take measurements from:p

Jeremy

[GRPIII]

after hiring a new ba falcon whilst in S.A for the weekend. with all the talk about fords new u beaut IRS, thought i'd give it a good run, since i'd had driven ba before but only for small test drives.
to my disgust ford is still running leaf springs in there stationwagon range!!! & people bag holden for the 80 style suspension( in other post on ba falcon).
leaf springs, if the BA is wheels car of the year, shouldnt it be judged on all of the models.
leaf springs are cutting technolgy for ford seeing that they have been using them for god knows how many decades.
in the utes i can understand, but can anyone name another large passenger or smaller car for that matter that still runs leaf springs & how long ago these other car makers got rid of the dinosaur technolgy.
Wheels should hold there head in shame, to award a car wheels coty which still runs the same rear suspension as it did when the first falcon came out is bull****.
and non of that sedan/stationwagon bs either.
for the 500 million ford spent you would think a small amount of dollars would go towards improving the wagon.

[Three_o_seven]

They probably kept leaf spring due to the better weight distribution they offer.....coil springs seem to compress down too much under excess weight unless they are very heavy. This would then make the rear end as bad as unloaded leaves anyway. It might be a tad out dated but why scrap a design that works?


Jeremy

[SWRT]

GRPIII,which hire car company are you hiring a BA from?
My dad was interested in hiring a BA whenwe go down to Adelaide for the Clipsal 500.We couldn't find one so were hiring a new camry instead.

[mustang1966]

Originally posted by GRPIII
after hiring a new ba falcon whilst in S.A for the weekend. with all the talk about fords new u beaut IRS, thought i'd give it a good run, since i'd had driven ba before but only for small test drives.
to my disgust ford is still running leaf springs in there stationwagon range!!! & people bag holden for the 80 style suspension( in other post on ba falcon).
leaf springs, if the BA is wheels car of the year, shouldnt it be judged on all of the models.
leaf springs are cutting technolgy for ford seeing that they have been using them for god knows how many decades.
in the utes i can understand, but can anyone name another large passenger or smaller car for that matter that still runs leaf springs & how long ago these other car makers got rid of the dinosaur technolgy.
Wheels should hold there head in shame, to award a car wheels coty which still runs the same rear suspension as it did when the first falcon came out is bull****.
and non of that sedan/stationwagon bs either.
for the 500 million ford spent you would think a small amount of dollars would go towards improving the wagon.

I agree the 250 Mill spent on the 50's V6 deserved COTY

[biante1478]

Mustang1966/Mark -- I'll be getting a BA in a couple of weeks. As we are both in Melbourne, maybe we could hook up next time you take the Mustang out for a cruise. I could get a look at it, and I'll give you a drive of the BA.

GRPIII
Quote from Wheels - "Although it (the wagon) gets the same six cylinder engine and interior upgrades as other BA's, it retains the..leaf springs..of AUIII. The wagon driveline is noticeably less refined than the sedan, but the recalibrated suspension is surprisingly effective and decently comfortable, while delivering viceless handling."
Old doesn't mean bad. BA won COTY. Get over it.

[BATHURSTFAN]

Re the Wagon suspension: I'm sure they stayed with the tried & tested for a reason.

I work for a large company and we have our own fleet mechanics and the mechanics there have said the Falcon offers better reliablity.

I have a 2002 Laser and a 1989 EA Wagon, the 3speed auto went at 240,000kms and I have 270,000 on it now with the same motor - untouched.

My brand new 1981 XD had 235,000kms when I sold it to a relation and it now has well over 300,000kms with the same motor.

I drive a AU XLS ute at work and hopefully the replacement in March will be a BA and not a Holden.
:(

[mustang1966]

Originally posted by biante1478
Mustang1966/Mark -- I'll be getting a BA in a couple of weeks. As we are both in Melbourne, maybe we could hook up next time you take the Mustang out for a cruise. I could get a look at it, and I'll give you a drive of the BA.

GRPIII
Quote from Wheels - "Although it (the wagon) gets the same six cylinder engine and interior upgrades as other BA's, it retains the..leaf springs..of AUIII. The wagon driveline is noticeably less refined than the sedan, but the recalibrated suspension is surprisingly effective and decently comfortable, while delivering viceless handling."
Old doesn't mean bad. BA won COTY. Get over it.

Sorry mate most of my family still live down Melton way but I saw the light and live in Sydney, I there a Bowen Mountain in Melbourne?


Thanks for the offer as well. Which BA re you getting?

[GRPIII]

SWRT
hired the falcon thru AVIS at the airport

[Kiwiracing]

Hey Guys

Great to see the thread still alive and kicking excellent history of the Ford and where to from here. We've only been in Aus for 10 months happy with our Futura AU after a number of Jap imports in NZ, would be much happier with a BA, but that'll have to wait.

By the way how much are the tickets for Adelaide (Clipsal 500)? And is the Grand Prix meeting worth going to?

Good to see Radisich has a drive, only trouble is I just bought the 2002 1:18 DJR Radisich car, now I'm going to have to get a Betta E car, douh.

Cheers
Kiwiracing


_____________________
Go Kiwi!:D

[mustang1966]

Kiwi, have a look in the papers, Tele I think it was. They are doing a deal for airfares, Accomadation, tickets, etc for 750 odd dollars

[Kiwiracing]

Thanks Mustang1966

Looks like I might have to watch it on the telly again, wait till the V8 Circus hits Sydney in May - Douh - Sunday race day is the wifes birthday!

Cheers

Kiwiracing

___________________
Go Kiwis:(

[Grubby]

That's going to be a tough call come May Kiwiracing.

Better you than me.

Grubby

[Kiwiracing]

Hey Grubby - hopefully not to bad, my wife doesn't mind the V8's - luckily.

Special birthday pressy - double pass to Eastern Creek!

Cheers
Kiwiracing

_______________________
Go Kiwis:D

[Grubby]

Kiwiracing - That's the way

Great pressy idea

Grubby

[Kiwiracing]

For Betta Electrical fans check out the Betta Electrical web site, has a great 3D picture of the car that you can rotate 360 Degrees, zoom in and out, I even zoomed in so far you could just make out the Biante logo!

Some great animation.



Cheers
Kiwiracing

____________________
Go Kiwi:)

[admin]

That's good!!!

[the_goldie]

Found this on www.v8x.com.au

Driver List
1 - Mark Skaife - Holden Racing Team
2 - Todd Kelly - Holden Racing Team
3 - Cameron McConville - Lansvale Racing Team
4 - Marcos Ambrose Pirtek Racing/SBR
5 - Glenn Seton - Ford Performance Racing
6 - Craig Lowndes - CAT/Ford Performance Racing
7 - Rodney Forbes 00 Motorsport
8 - Paul Dumbrell - Castrol Perkins Racing
9 - Russell Ingall Caltex Havoline Racing/SBR
00 - Greg Ritter – 00 Motorsport
10 - Mark Larkham - Orrcon Racing
11 - Steve Richards - Castrol Perkins Racing
15 - Rick Kelly - Kmart Racing
16 - Paul Weel – Team Brock
17 - Steve Johnson - Shell Helix Racing
18 - Max Wilson - Shell Helix Racing
19 - David Besnard Ford Performance Racing
20 - Jason Bargwanna - Orrcon Racing
21 - Brad Jones - OzEmail Racing
021 - Craig Baird - Team Kiwi
23 - Mark Noske Noske Racing
24 - Paul Romano - Romano Racing
29 - Paul Morris - Sirromet Wines
31 - Steve Ellery - SuperCheap Racing
33 - Jamie Winchup - Valvoline Cummins Racing
34 - Garth Tander - Valvoline Cummins Racing
44 - Simon Wills – Team Dynamik
45 - Jason Richards – Team Dynamik
50 - Jason Bright – Team Brock
51 - Greg Murphy - Kmart Racing
65 - Paul Radisich - Betta Electrical
66 - Dean Canto - Betta Electrical
75 - Anthony Tratt - Toll Racing
99 - David Thexton - Thexton Racing
888 - John Bowe - OzEmail Racing

Good to see it's still called Team Brock. Also see that 35 is no more, guess they didn't want Bargs number floating around.

It's almost race time :D

[Kiwiracing]

Thanks to the_goldie for the 2003 list, now all we need is the racing!! I cannot wait.

Cheers
Kiwiracing

_____________________________
Go Kiwi:eek: