What'll We Do With The AU? Deciding the fate of my semi-YouTube-famous Ford

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MotoringBox is an Australian based KZbin channel run independently by Sean McKellar since 2019. It focuses on quality content about Australian car culture and some of the incredibly unique vehicles we manufactured here. I work a day job and publish videos in my spare time, so thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoy my videos.
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Please note: I enjoy working on cars but I can't promise that what I do will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car, or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and if you're not sure what you're doing, get a qualified mechanic to help you out.

[@davidorama6690]

The AU is a keeper. Respray. Keep it forever.

[@klasseact6663]

...but remove the chrome arches🤷‍♂️

[@jeffreywhitehead9386]

Yes those chrome eyebrows seriously have to go.

[@jacksonkalisch2943]

Agreed keep it forever

[@bysvl]

"it just looks a bit drab, a bit run down" compared to every single other AU i think you're doing alright lol and oh boy this thing is gonna scoot when its done

[@dazzamac70]

Totally love the idea of the OEM+ project - an AU Fairmont Ghia Turbo could have been the prequel to the phenomenal G6E Turbo!!

[@benbowles1014]

Like your plans for the AU, mate. But please, for the love of God, get rid of those chrome wheel arch moulds!

[@jamesaustralian9829]

Or put the other Ghia chrome trims on it so it suits

[@HazeyAuto]

AU Series IV. We are back, baby.

[@dalechenoweth915]

Don't sell it. It may take a few years, but you will want it back and there won't be anything like it anymore.

[@davidvincent2838]

You know who does know all about turboing intechs? Nathan Camilleri from Hack Shop garage. Probably a bit extreme for what you want to do BUT, he knows the basics too which you'll need like oil and water line modifications etc. His Fairlane is an absolute rocket.

[@stevenloynds3691]

That's the man I remember, before the magna drama...good to see your getting excited again.

[@troycreely9344]

Love your plan for the Au.

[@nowhere529]

Its already perfect the way ot is , a Car that vintage is allowed a little faded paint.

[@richarddeane5389]

The au /vt videos kept you views at your highest and kept your channel running glad your doing more on the au.

[@vincekara9446]

The AU looks pretty good as it is TBH! I haven't seen many in this condition. Looking forward to the build. Cheers

[@shannonireland9057]

Hi Shawn.Sounds like a good plan to breathe some new life into the AU!

[@SteveMack]

👍PS, in a rare trip through Ipswich yesterday, I was behind a car with a motoringbox sticker on the rear windscreen! Not one that is on this channel, and I couldn't see who was driving

[@EnviXR81]

DO IT MATE!! Absolutely!

[@munckintattoolover24]

Great plan and glad you are not selling it, I've actually been re watching some of your old AU vids!

[@AlbanyHermes]

I’d love a turbo intech build series

[@ngodongbach473]

I'm thrilled the mighty AU is staying with us! a new paint job will make it look amazing!

[@browie316]

The VCT really likes boost, seen a few impressive ones getting around. Gonna make a nice sleeper :) Oh and I'd get it dynoed before and after, will make for great content.

[@tturi2]

100%

[@MrButtonpresser]

The AU is a keeper. Your plans are awesome and I look forward to future adventures.

[@joggieroets]

As a big AU fan (and owner) I applauded loudly when you said you are keeping it... Then announcing the turbo... good on ya mate!!! Cannot wait to see you get on with it! Also going to be taking notes on giving mine some boost

[@Wolf1ekun]

Love this idea - I'm excited to see it happen. I also know you'll do it the right way - I feel like this car deserves the effort!

[@leoncarlier]

Great plan, I would only add the suggestion to make sure you ceramic heat coat the turbo manifold, the dump pipe and rear housing of the turbo. Heat management will make a big difference to reliability and fitment.

[@richardtravers2436]

Like your plans for the au ,glad you decided to keep her .👍

[@markr3457]

Tidying up the paint, and turbo-ing the AYYEWW is a fantastic plan!

[@jamesforge8107]

Yesss. Who doesn’t love a well done phantom build.

[@mikevanderhoek5252]

I’m really looking forward to seeing the turbo build. It’s going to be a very interesting and exciting project to follow. You are back on top of your game!

[@jamesfrench7299]

Typical Aussies who think more power is the be all and end all.

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

Havent watched your channel for ages because wasnt a fan of the magna. But now you've bought the AU back out im here for every AU video.

[@geoffreybanditt4355]

I like the idea of the AU project idea, the AU dopes deserve so love. I have always wondered about that what if scenario as well about what if the AU would had been the first model to get a turbo model with the Intech or Barra engine. That car was how I originally how I found your KZbin channel after the videos called "Ford's Unloved Child: The AU Falcon. One of Australia's Toughest, Ugliest and Most Infamous Cars." and the "can you polish a turd" AU falcon video after they continuously showing up in my KZbin recommends after watching the "Yorak Hunt" channel who is also another great Australian youtuber. And from his teachings you will find out that the AU Falcon is the best car in the world.

[@Heysey45]

Oh glad you’re not gonna let it go. Looking forward to your build and you sharing the progress.

[@rogermouton2273]

At the start, I was thinking, nah don't sell it, do it up, so I was pleased to see you agree with me 🙂. Australian-made cars like this are going to become very collectible in years to come, I'm sure. I always think 'it's your car, do what you like' - but on this occasion, I want to vote for a change of colour. Sorry, but silver is so boring. I'm thinking bright yellow, or a bright metallic green, or something - just make it stand out a bit. But I know changing the colour is going to be more expensive. And, I just wanted to say, love your work Sean. Always look forward to your updates.

[@gavinjames4339]

Well done sounds awesome. Looking forward to seeing you again soon 😀

[@commodorenut]

Awesome Sean, love the idea, and the fact the mods will all be hidden under the skin. As much as I’d like to see you do a supercharged VS Caprice, I think the AU is going to be a better option. I agree with the other suggestions that you could learn to DIY paint, or have a go at DIY wrapping. The most important thing is you make it what you want it to be. Don’t stress about resale value - it’s not like you’re planning to sell it anytime soon, so you’ll get your money’s worth in fun out of it. Keeping it looking factory is harder than just doing mods, and I like the challenge you’ve given yourself with using as many factory bits as possible. Doesn’t matter what the brand, if it’s Aussie, and it’s on your channel, I’ll watch it :)

[@Jay-uw2eb]

awesome plan, looking forward to seeing this old girl take shape again 😎

[@johnblood3367]

Glad you keeping it

[@gunfumaster3507]

Did I hear VS Statesman?!😍😆 on ya Sean

[@barraswap3478]

Brilliant plan mate love it can’t wait for the new videos on the mighty au falcon

[@ricknel76nelson54]

I take my previous comment back. I panicked when you said it's on the chopping block. A turbo AU. MMmmmm.😍

[@mahcooharper9577]

Very glad to see you're sorting the old girl out Sean, not enough people take care of AUs. Looking forward to seeing the results. :)

[@Michka1001]

Love you plans for it, Sean! Can't wait to follow the project as it happens 😍

[@Lou_Chandler]

Yes! Great news on the AU. I have a Series III Fairmont in silver too and have been tinkering with the idea of dropping a turbo in it

[@cootason]

You know what, I'm excited to see this car making a comeback with new changes and fresh coat of paint. inspiring me once again to shell out on my Ghia as well ;) recently my window controls started really playing up bad on it after recent rain. and now i have to get that fixed up. apart from that I cant get rid of it Its the most reliable and enjoyable car in my fleet. and the AU falcon ute I have now as well is a close second. even with its Quirks. cant get rid of them aye. keep us posted mate. love the content

[@351xb1973]

Dick Johnson did it with the XE crossflow 6 so maybe do a bit of research on those cars to see if anything else was covered so you can compare.

[@puntomk1uk64]

Sounds a fun project for sure, and a great sleeper!

[@atnit86]

Can’t wait! Leave the chrome wheel arch mouldings OFF please. Keep it a sleeper, nice exhaust tip the only giveaway. Mild boost and tune.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

The chrome wheel arch mouldings is what makes it a sleeper 🙄

[@Troy-l7p]

you should show us what the baby barra can do with a turbo , the true potential of the 1st real vct barra EDIT you did exactly like i was thinking i love this this will make 400kw with ease, fuel pressrue reg , sonic 1250cc injectors and a sniper 460 walbro pump

[@danielhanna160]

Love the plan mate! I miss my AU Fairlane so much. It had the same VCT i6 and they are super smooth. If you're going turbo, it would be an awesome complimentary mod to install Tickford XR6 Suspension and a nice short LSD in it. They were two mods that changed my Fairlane for the better. Keep the vids coming. Love your work!

[@fordaustralia1814]

Your idea sounds great! My dream project car is what if Ford made an XF XR6 turbo. Basically the XG XR6 ute running gear into an XF Spack sedan with a turbo all done OEM style. Definitely will be following your project build. Awesome.

[@EthanBriggs-ju5sj]

I love the plan mate, looking forward to seeing how it all goes

[@jamesvozar1]

Great idea mate!! i drive an AU daily, living the dream :)

[@LukeLappage95]

Oh yea cant wait to see how slapping a turbo on the Au, and the idea to do it how ford might of done it is great too i think. Ive only just started messing with barra turbo stuff this year with buying a turbo territory and ba xr6t parts car to hopefully repower my n/a Mercury silver Ba xr6

[@bt50li]

Flex fuel while you’re at it, loved the option of e85 on a previous vehicle of mine but not having to be dedicated. Plus an easy upgrade with haltech and while you’re doing a fuel system upgrade

[@GForceVRX]

This sound be great, looking forward to seeing the progress. Once turboed it should give the Magna a good run

[@palerider7708]

You have a nice example of the breed and your plan gets a ✅ from me (FWIW) I especially like the idea to keep it as a stock(ish) “what if”.

[@popzom4440]

Keep it I have an au xr6 and I watch your videos to keep mine running smooth

[@MegaQLDER]

Great idea. Grandpa turbo barra. I remember when Ford did a crossbow turbo back in the day. Should be 😎

[@deanjohnson712]

Looking forward to this! I’d love to do something similar to my 2005 BAII Fairlane Ghia down the track so am keen to see your build come together.

[@dillpickle7468]

Great build idea. Looking forward to the content

[@Falcon_mk2]

love the plan! just some info xr6 turbos and n/a barras run the same injectors. the the fuel pressure reg is the same aswell i have very certain. just the psi is bumped up. and the flaps on the intake manifold are absent on the turbos as they are not needed nice to see new life breathed into the old au 😁

[@blunt3777]

Sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing the Ole Fairmont.

[@mangomcpoo475]

Thank goodness!!!! and I love those wheels :D

[@marktaylor1498]

Love the plan .... Can't wait to see the Dyno results bets hedge it would make factory b series turbo power

[@jaydenhalcro4296]

Those wheels! Saw them on an AU once, googled the heck out of them, couldnt find anything about them! These are the second set ive seen!

[@MotoringBoxTV]

They're not bad hey? Only available on Series 3 AU Fairmont Ghia's so they are pretty unique.

[@jaydenhalcro4296]

Yeah they look great, i added the first comment about a minute into the video, just watched the rest. Love the SOHC turbo idea, I have an SOHC in a 69 f100, and it nees a turbo. Will definately be following!

[@MattCoates-ml5vl]

Excellent Choice for the Fairmont! Look forward to watching the build.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

The AU project does sound very interesting. I'm guessing you are correct & won't get a lot of extra power on the factory fuel system - but that's easily fixed once it becomes a problem.

[@jamesrichardson645]

The silver tops run out of puff as they don't breathe very well, but the VCT on the AU's are great. (And all later models too)

[@micko1404]

I've had my AU wagon since '05, and I'd love to turbo it, but I do like to keep it looking clean under the bonnet, although the head has been cleaned up, XR6 valves and all new top end. I'll be watching the progress as you will be giving me tips. Cheers

[@jacksonkalisch2943]

Everyone say goodbye to what was one of the last clean stock au Fairmont Ghia

[@Rollin8.0]

I've built several turbo kits for sohc over many years and driven them hard. I'm local to you too, more than happy to give you some specific advice and recommendations on how to run oil and coolant lines etc, what's worked well, what has sucked and so on.

[@RoadsOfOz]

This will be an interesting build series coming up. Looking forward to it.

[@brandonroberts73]

Yes restore and turbo the AU! Ps I loved that NC soooooo much

[@ashfrye8312]

You should put a tickford body kit on it like what some Fairmonts were optioned with

[@aussieausdeutschland4245]

Definitely following this one, I want to do something similar with my EL XR6... Even considering doing the VCT swap from a AU... But I like my Ticky motor.

[@MatthewBailey-x9w]

Fuel pump, just use a walbro 255 in original AU housing. Install the right injectors and you should be able to run both ULP and E85.

[@kychambers756]

very keen on seeing the up and coming videos and glad you are wanting to keep it

[@bobbavet]

Been following the Au vid series since the start. Despite my disparaging comments on the first video re the AU, I am now in love. I have been wanting to get back into a Falcon ute. I wanted a silver FGX, but the Missus said we were strapped atm. The search was on for a low k Falcon ute. Possibly BA like my old XR6 ute. Then next day it appeared on FB marketplace. A silver AU S3 SE ute. 150k on the clock. Bought it next day lols. Brilliant condition other than driver seat shot. Pensioner car. Thanks for all your vids. Will help me out in the future. Anyone want a low K Navara?

[@bobbavet]

BTW looking forward to the Turbo make over. It's exactly what I'd like. Something factory.

[@lukeclarke1068]

I would love to see how this build goes. And the reliability and drive ability down the road once it’s all done. And the cost. I have a s3 Fairmount ghia that was my pops that I’m about to be doing a major freshen up on in the near future. Just like you spending way more than the car is worth and being okay with that.

[@denc6505]

🤯that's epic. Im looking forward to it. I have a vct in my eb.

[@stephentaege6255]

Definitely worth keeping if a great example my mate still has his au111. 2002 model still Mint paint and interior love the chrome wheel arches had them on my Lexus i have the chrome wheel arches even on my Toyota Camry panel Van mortuary vehicle 👍👍,🤠

[@michaelrobinson1134]

I cant wait for this. So glad you're not getting rid of her ❤

[@sebastianlaherty8095]

love to see it again

[@jamespavier1624]

Sounds like a great sleeper.

[@scrubasdetailing]

Watching this one with great interest

[@gmholden63]

I'm glad the fairmont is getting some more screen time, love them and the SOHC motors way more then the B series falcons, but thats just my thoughts though. Keep up the good work mate 👍

[@georgewashington6171]

I am the singular guy cheering on the intech, it really doesnt get enough love these days. Intech for the win!

[@jeffreywhitehead9386]

You inspired me and I'm keeping my mint low km Series 3 AU Fairmont Ghia along with my EH Premier as the best of Ford and Holden in IMOA. Love them both and that double wishbone IRS is probably the best Aussie IRS ever. Your service vids on your AU have been a great help in getting mine running beautifully.

[@jamesfrench7299]

It's an imported component from the USA.

[@gerrym75]

That's an awesome plan Shaun. Tunnel Vision in Melbourne have built some very tough VCTs so they would have lots of knowledge on fueling for a turbo upgrade.

[@johnconroy9555]

You can't go wrong ..can't wait John..willaura 😊

[@josephbarker4436]

Please do a dyno before ecu, after ecu, and again after turbo

[@RypienGT]

I like your thinking mate. Its sorta like a AU G6ET. 👍

[@michaelm2950]

Looking forward to your AUs evolution. Might give me ideas for my AU XR6 ute. Keep up the great work.

[@Bigcountry_littlelegs]

Nice plan, if you stay with the stock 6psi of a xr6t will be fine on injectors and fuel pump

[@rebelliousreptile7336]

Awesome. I'm not sure but I've heard those e3 chips can modify the ECU for turbo stuff.

[@jeffreywhitehead9386]

Awesome. I just fitted IRS camber bolts to my low km mint liquid silver AUIII Ghia and aligned. Also added spacers to get the correct front caster which was under. Perfection now resulting in sublime handling and ride. A massive improvement and difference that blew me away. It is the only Aussie car to have double wishbone on all wheels. I did put on a 2mm thicker front sway bar and Redback cat back and standard new shocks and no way do I need to stiffen anything up or change anything else. BTW, Apparently it's a Mustang IRS. My next task is a reco short block for my ED XR6 wagon. Great to hear what you're doing to your AU. The boys in Geelong did set up an electric blower back in the day to see what the Intec could do pre Barra with great results. Looking forward to seeing those vids. Cheers PS: Please chuck the 4 chrome eyebrows out

[@garyhowton4795]

Excellent plan for the AU.

[@AUXRRoadstoration]

I am so glad you decided to do a little turbo, I will be watching intently as it’s something I want to do as well.

[@jimbo3207]

Make sure to change the diff to lsd and change the front rotors to bf turbo, there's a bracket you can buy to reuse the standard callipers.

[@tturi2]

just upgrade calipers tbh, ba fpv would be good

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

20" Dodge Nitro chaser rims (silver with Ford centre caps) Lower it Vortech blower & few other bits Enjoy

[@MrFordpower]

Exciting, cant wait 👍👍

[@RatSlayer-qu2pl]

will be awesome content,i have a series3 2002 Au Sr,paint is liquid silver and the colour really pops,i just fitted fg xr6 alloy wheels and it looks very nice,car is in amazing condition

[@deanwharepapa8561]

Great car mate xx