Tickford XR8 Motor Info Please

[Wonky]

I know this is a Holden forum but hoping there are some people on here who can help so I don't have to join the Ford forum.........

My daughter's partner used to be a die-hard Ford fan (went to Bathurst most years with his dad) but is being converted by our Holden family, particularly my daughter's VYII SS he often drives.

However, he does have an AUIII XR8 (2002 build) which apparently needs new valve springs and rockers. Unfortunately it's one of the "hand built" Tickford motors. Even with my contacts the valve springs are going to cost around $550 (TAU36513A & TAU36513B, 8 of each) and the rockers are over $2000!! (TAU36564AKT)

I aim to get some from the USA but have no idea what parts to get in their place. Am hoping someone can please tell me what parts I can use in their place. Also, apparently the head gaskets are no longer available and standard head gaskets I've been told are no good as the Tickford motors are higher compression than normal.

Heeeeeeeeelp!!

Thanks,
Gary

[troytroy]

I'd be thinking aftermarket all the way. Paying for rare and expesnive Tickford stuff wont be worth it. There has to be some common parts with other Ford 5.0 engines - even if you have to regress a little in terms of performance potential to get a lesser part or hopefully a better aftermarket part that exceeds Tickford's stats.

[Toddler78]

Wonks, thats all sound like too hard work. what you need to do is either piss the partner off (he still drives a ford) or drive that thing into the river - problem solved

sorry mate I cant be more of a help then that

[Grunter]

Hi Gary, join Ford Forums. There is plenty of info on what your after and the vast majority will be more than willing to help you out with that info.

[cams290]

I am pretty sure Yella Terra supplied Tickford with all the rocker gear and valve springs for the roller rocker Windsors.
Give them a call, they had some cheap Gt40P heads there a while back that might be cheaper than buying individual parts

[macca33]

Yep, I'd be looking towards YT - conveniently enough, now a site sponsor - and asking them the questions. Otherwise, Herrod, Mick WEBB(?) or some other Ford guru.

Sometimes, the money simply has to be spent to get to the correct outcome - even if it hurts.

cheers

[v8dude78]

Hi Gary, join Ford Forums.

Mind as well ask him to stop breathing

[Irish]

As far as I know the rockers are a 1.73 ratio roller rocker by yella terra. Any other reasonable brand should suffice. I would find out the spring rates and just buy them from someone else.

[SSDVL!]

Hey wonky,

Kristo (forum member) and best mate has one of these motors in his Fairlane, it is an absolute monster and sounds fukn awsome. He has all the knowledge bout it and if he doesnt he will get it all for you. He will be jumping on soon to answer what you need to know.

Loves always ed

[cams290]

200kw = GT cam (.458" lift) 1.6 rolla FMS crane rockers, hand built label, 65mm T/B, Stock GTP heads.

220kw = (.455" lift) 1.72 Yella terra rockers, bigger valves, more compression up to 9.4:1, 70mm Tickford T/B, handbuilt label.

[Wonky]

Mind as well ask him to stop breathing

Yeah, would rather lose my left nut! Hang on! It's already gone! (Just kidding! )

[Wonky]

Thanks for all your input guys! It is the 220kw motor but fortunately turns out it really only needs rocker and springs on one cylinder. Given he's been trying to sell it forever he's just going to get the guy to fix that one, make the car drivable and trade it in rather than doing the whole lot as really should be done. Pity the poor bugger who ends up with it! Besides, who'd want a bloody AU?

Only potential problem is head gaskets given the original ones are supposedly NLA. However, according to one of the above posts the compression ratio is only 9.4:1 anyway. I'm no expert but that doesn't seem particularly high to me, so maybe stock (non Tickford) ones would suffice anyway???

[185iboy]

Try the Ford forums Wonky you'll get good advice, plenty of AU fanatics lol

[tmob]

hah your a few weeks late Gaz, many of the ford boys seem to have gone quiet lately

[tyrhantc]

Only cause they are all over on here stirring sh!t over the Miami.