37 replies to this topic

[GTRXU1]

I acquired late last year a Tangerine 8/73 LJ GTR with everything to bring it back to original. I want to turn this car into an example of what could have been expected to be purchase as an XU-2 or XU-1 V8 optioned (many schools of thought on this) from the dealership floor (many theories of what could be included).

Although to conflict with what could be expected from the dealership floor to a (2006) perspective.

I want to add a COME Racing 400ci alloy block as the power plant, 9 inch diff and a set of Custom made 8inch front and 9inch rear sprint masters as upgraded additions. At this point I am not sure on the gear box. If and where possible I would like to stick with/retain the M21 box (strengthed) for the driveline. Add the 36 gallon tank.

GTR XU-2

Using the above link as a starting point.

Forum members/avid readers will/may ask why a genuine GTR, why not take it back to original. For me, I have to do this with a genuine GTR as to do it with and XU-1 would be unforgiveable and to do it with an 'S' would not be suitable.

Further to my rationale, my passion is to own, preserve and present prime examples of the golden era of the Torana from 1967 -1974. Original examples of the 69 HB Brabham, LC & LJ GTRs & XU-1s. The XU-2 added to the stable as a prime example of direction lost due to GMH's blundering, caused by Federal Government scare tactics of 1972. I am almost there.

I hate to admit but I get around in a TA four-door as the every day driver.

Your thoughts on the above would be most appreciated and a starting point??

Edited by GTRXU1, 17 February 2007 - 07:07 PM.

[GTRXU1]

Reasoning as presented, intentions absolute and objectives clear, baring any further critiques of my motivations from the purists this project will be as stated. The stable is near complete, my simple request is guidance, suggestion and practical advice to see through to completion...

[GTRXU1]

To reiterate: ..."Although to conflict with what could be expected from the dealership floor to a (2006) perspective"...

[GTRXU1]

Reasoning for COME an Australian Alloy engine with capacity from 304 to 427. What stops someone from getting their vehicle registered and certified at 304 then stretched to 427 and strengthen drive line?? Whilst at the same time keeping it registered??

XU-2 or XU-1 V8, the magic of the myth remains we can speculate all we like on GMH's labelling choices. Whether designated to Bedford or LH, I believe that the natural/logical progression would have been XU-2 for us romantics retrospectively looking back through rose colour glasses.

If memory serves me right and history bears witness, GTR/s were modified to serve as prototypes as a forebear to the theoretical XU-2 not the 'S' model. If one is to do it 'Right' then a GTR of either model, LJ preferably would be deemed suitable as the representative sample. Forecasted production of the XU-2 appears in publications as favoured for the LJ model series prior to final development cancellation. Hence my reasoning, need I say more??

[Peterpilot]

GTR XU-2

Using the above link as a starting point.

The webpage that you are using as a basis for your project isn't 100% on the facts and has been briefly discussed in this thread:
http://www.gmh-toran...?showtopic=9195

[RIM-010]

I can offer you a straight, rust free LJ 2 Door 'S' in about 18 months, I will accept a direct swap for your GTR.

Seriously, starting with a GTR or XU-1 to build a quite modified example completely defies me. You can start with an 'S', and get EXACTLY the same end result as you would with a GTR, but without the fact that you've just hacked up a rarer car.

Please name me something on a GTR or XU-1 that can't be bolted straight onto an 'S'... Why is an 'S' shell not suitable for what you want?

RIM

[GTRXU1]

I have pondered and appreciated your written thoughts. To give myself a little perceived credibility. I already own a 73 XU-1, 72 GTR and 70 GTR with a 71 XU-1 and 69 HB Brabham in the pipeline for complete restoration. It�s taken 12 years of my life to get to this point. None of these have been butchered but brought back to original condition. My sole desire has been to own a cornerstone of motoring heritage and preserve it being the 67-74 Torana/s.

XU-2 a Myth, archetype, classic, prototype or example, many words typify to equal scrap value to some, nothing but a moot point to others and some a �What If�. A piece of historical �could be� or �might have been� but repealed by political intervention.. A figment of imagination from a team of people striving with determination, led to GTRs and XU-1s in defining a small moment of reality from 1971 -1973 in Australian Motoring History. This has left a mark ingrained into my psyche. This was kept in check by politics, GMH profits and peoples pay packets.

I want to you sit back, re-read my above posts, and the above paragraph and think to yourself, �WHAT IF�, the giant of politics had not changed the course of history as we know it, �WHAT IF�, the XU-2 project had got off the ground along with the Phase four etc. For me, it�s a passion to think and imagine, what would it have been like???

Since I was 18, I have had a burning determination to create an XU-2 but quite simply, it must be done with a GTR as this I believe would have been the basis for the production model. Therefore it�s a long shot but could a combination of ideas that led to the LH SLR 5000 interior and driveline, concept models of the Hurricane and Torana GTR-X interiors and driveline. Ideas and trialed examples from the LC GTR V8s along with ADR rules of the time and changes on pollution approaching 1974 lead to an agreeable and feasible example of an XU-2.

AS previously stated this goal is clear, compromise on driveline I am happy to do. The showroom floor from a 2006 perspective was as idea as a start point in terms of driveline but completely stock 73 LJ GTR interior is the intention.

The vehicle in question is a Tangerine 8/1973 LJ GTR, complete but nothing more than a rolling shell in primer at this point in time and acquired as such, hence a perfect starting point for my project. The driveline and interior are all out of the car.

Your suggestions on using the Holden 308 I have pondered and like the idea. My idea on the alloy COME racing engine is also based on weight. I wanted to try and keep the weight of the front end similar to that of the 1973 XU-1 at around 1100-1150kg. Obviously structurally the car requires strengthening in all the right places to cope with the stress of the increased torque etc etc etc�..

Avid readers and forum members, I respectfully ask that you take on board my vision and if you could I would gladly take on board any suggestion and advice that you can give me in reaching this goal. I stress though I will not change my mind on using an �S� it has to be a GTR. Some will say why and most will shake their heads in dis-belief and ask, �how and why??� but in mind I want people to see this car at a car show and say that it is an example of, �What could have been�, as an LJ Torana GTR XU-2.

Thank you for your time in reading this post

[dattoman]

Its yours........ do what you want

However...... concourse ???
You can't build a concourse car with modifications I'm afraid...... so you'd have to rethink your direction or call it something else

[TerrA LX]

It wouldn't make any difference to me how i percieved the car as all two door LC-LJ toranas started out with the same shell and are what they are due to what was bolted and rivited to them during assembly unlike say a A9X.
In saying that tho i would be shelling out for a S before stripping a perfect GTR for the build.
as suggested before, but rorym's one, it's a V8 XU1 replica, and just mock it up with XU2 war paint.