first and foremost i DIDN'T call ANYONE ignorant i merely commented on the fact that there is a lot of MISINFORMATION regarding the ease or difficulty in working on modern automobiles.
let me give you a definition of ignorance
- lacking knowledge or information as to a particular subject or fact
: ignorant of quantum physics. - uninformed; unaware.
my intention was to inform and assist those who were hesitant to attempt to repair and maintain their vehicles with some confidence
now in answer to Leigh's question allow me to elucidate
The new XY GT rolled off the line in late 1970, and was followed in 1971 with the all-time classic GT HO Phase III. With between 350 and 380bhp (270 - 280 kW) and 380 ft/lbs (513Nm) of torque, it was reputed then to be the world's fastest 4-door production car.
Looking suitably aggressive8 with its air intake protruding through the bonnet and bold side stripes, the XY GT's were affectionately known as "Shakers" to many people, a nickname derived from the shaking action of the bonnet scoop and particularly noticeable while the engine is idling.
It is also the vehicle that most people associate with the term Falcon GT. The XY GT was the model that has most captured the imagination of the masses and it is the one that is most often copied.
Many people have purchased standard XY Falcons or Fairmonts and dressed them up to imitate the most legendary of all Falcon GT's.
There were 1,557 XY GT's made from September 1970 to December 1971. There were 300 XY GTHO Phase III's built between May 1971 and November 1971.
Engine Specifications:
Engine: 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 (5.763 litre)
Bore & Stroke: 102 x 89mm (4.00 x 3.50in)
Power (DIN): 224kW (300bhp) @ 5400rpm. Note: Output was understated as 300bhp to satisfy insurers. Generally accepted as 350-380bhp
Torque (DIN:) 515Nm (380lb-ft) @ 3400rpm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, 90 degree V8
Head Design: Pushrod & rocker OHV with solid lifters. Note: 2 optional lifts available with the same duration
Exhaust System: H&M headers with low restriction twin exhaust
Fuel System: 780cfm Holley 4 barrel carburettor
Ignition System: Twin point distributor
Larger harmonic balancer
6150 rpm rev limiter
Windage tray and baffles in sump
Manual Gearbox :
Type: 4 speed all-synchronised
1st: 2.32:1
2nd: 1.93:1
3rd: 1.36:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.78:1
Manual Gearbox :
Type: 4 speed all-synchronised close ratio
1st: 2.32:1
2nd: 1.69:1
3rd: 1.29:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.78:1
Rear Axle:
Type: 9in LSD Traction Lock is standard with 28 spline axles or 31 spline optional
Ratio: 3.25:1 standard with optional 3.5:1 or 3.91:1 (Optional)
Suspension:
Front: Independent ball joint, HD coil springs, HD shock absorbers, wishbones and HD anti-roll bar
Upper control arm to accept the 3 pin ball joint used, as opposed to the 4 point ball joint used in the normal GTs and earlier GTHOs
Rear: Hotchkiss type with semi-elliptic leaf springs, shock absorbers, live axle and rear anti-roll bar added
Wider front track due to the use of XA type 3 pin upper control arm
Spacers on front when Globes fitted
Brakes:
Front: 286mm (11.25in) Servo assisted Discs with dust shields removed
Rear: 254mm (10in) Servo assisted Drums. Wider & finned plus proportioning valve fitted
Steering:
Type: Re-circulating ball power assistance (Optional)
Ratio: 16:1
Wheels & Tyres:
Wheels: 6.0 x 14 Steel - Steel '5 Slot' with S Steel dress ring & centre cap
7.0 x 15 Alloy - '5 Spoke' Globe Daytona(Optional) from 1972
Tyres: 185 x 14 - E70HR14
Instrumentation:
Speedometer: 140mph
Cleveland Tachometer: 8000rpm
Oil Pressure: Gauge
Water Temperature: Gauge
Fuel: Gauge
Ignition: Warning Light
High Beam: Warning Light
Brakes: Warning Light
Clock: Analogue
Dimensions:
Length: 4689mm (184.6in)
Width: 1869mm (73.6in)
Height: 1397mm (55.0in)
Weelbase: 2819mm (111.0in)
Front Track: 1499mm (59.0in)
Rear Track 1486mm (58.5in)
Weight: 1524kg (3360lb)
Turning Circle: 11.2m (36.6ft)
Fuel Tank: 163.8 litre (36.0gl) standard
Seating: 5
Performance:
Top Speed: 225km/h (142mph) @ 6150rpm with 3.25:1 differentail
0 - 60mph (0 - 100 km/h) - 6.4 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile (400m) - 14.2 seconds