Throttle return spring keeps coming off because I am using the wrong type.
Radiator sometimes leaks water due to hairline crack.
The worked 4.1 with the 5 speed behind it gets up and moves along pretty well. It is enough to beat 253 V8 Commodores and Nissan Pulsar SSS's. It handles pretty well due to lowered suspension, but I think the afore mentioned Nissan Pulsar would out handle it. I am very happy with my car as a first car.
I would like to say I have owned a vb commordore with a 253 and own a 87 xf with limited slip diff and a five speed box and has had done up a bit and the commordore would leave the falcon for dead just because the engine numbers a simmilar doesn't mean that there have similar potential the 253 is a lot better balanced, a 250 engine is not as well desinged, but is reliable. by the way I also own a sigma that has more top end speed then the falcon, but no where nere in pick up.
I have to agree with the above comment, for a 250 ford 6 to be described a "quick", would be a first. My experience has found these to be work horses and very reliable even when things go wrong. The manual transmission would allow you to hold out the engine for longer, but I can't see the XF being able beat a 253 commodore which is lighter car with a larger engine.
You have however picked a good first car which will go "forever" with the right care and attention. Be careful to always have good radiator inhibitor and coolant in the cooling system.
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