Quick Car Feature No.1-------'Minker' Turbo Technics XR4x4 Sierra----This Is Fast.....Really,Fast.

07 Sep 2016

So, while still recovering from the shock of my recent article on the Sierra Cossie being a shocking, yet resounding success, I’ve decided that I’ll feature just one more Sierra, one that not many know about, before starting on my article relating to the S12. Now, the Minker is conceived around the Sierra XR4x4, and there are two distinct models. I’m not prepared to go through them in detail as this is ‘Quick Car Feature’, so I’ll just sum them up for you.

Now, there are two distinct models: The K1 and the 323(Not to be confused with the Mazda 323). They both have a Twin-Turbocharged 2.9 V6, producing around 320bhp,and 330 lb-ft of Torque.Both featured forged pistons, a revised lubrication system, uprated fuel injection system, reworked heads, twin Garrett T2 turbochargers and stainless steel free flow twin exhaust system. A completely reworked suspension based around koni struts and uprated springs was also fitted,so it could, in theory, tackle the bends just as well as it speeds up. It had a maximum speed of about 165mph which was electronically limited to 150mph on the production version. 0-60 was achieved in about 4.8 seconds. It also featured leather trim, a CD player and air conditioning. Now, for comparison, the Sierra Cossie accelerates to 60 in 6.5 seconds, so, this Minker is FASTER than a Cossie…Jeez, that’s fast.Also, while the Cossie tops out at 150 mph, the Minker has a maximum top speed of 165 mph…Seriously.Fast.Maximum boost is apparently 14 lbs.

For the gearbox,a Ford MT-75 transmission is employed (although fifth gear is replaced by a taller gear than the standard ratio), and an AP uprated clutch is used. An oil cooler is used on the gearbox to control temperatures.The front suspension system was totally redesigned from that of the original XR4x4 and now features wishbones and concentric coils with gas filled dampers. At the rear the standard Ford arrangement of semi-trailing arms has been retained, but uprated by changing the springs and dampers, and uprating the bushes. Four pot calipers with ventilated front discs and solid rears are used to stop the car. ABS is a standard feature, by the way. Well, you’d need it if you’re braking from somewhere close to 165mph….

The bodywork is still identifiable as Sierra, but has become far more purposeful thanks to the more aggressive styling, designed by former Ford stylist Neil Birtley. Downforce was rated at 350 lb at 110 mph and ‘exceptional stability’ was claimed. The appearance of the car is neatly finished off by a set of polished alloy rims with 205/50 VR15 tyres. I’m going to go straight past the amenities, as well, who cares about amenities if you love cars?

Okay, the 323, was basically the same car as the K1, but this time based around the Mk2 Sierra body. Performance was apparently…No different.The Minker was to all intents and purposes the ultimate 4x4 Sierra that you could buy. It was quicker than a standard Cosworth achieving 60 a full 1.8 seconds quicker, and by 100, it would be 4.9 seconds ahead. In fact at the time of its release, most road-going supercars would struggle to keep up with it, and the beauty of it?…..Was that it looked like a normal Sierra bar a few discreet Minker badges here and there…

So, to conclude, I just covered a Sierra that would outrun a Cosworth, a car not many know about(Minker, not Cossie), and a car that looked like a normal, old, Sierra, but has the pace to shock any unsuspecting Golf R Drivers.And no, I’m serious, this Minker can actually outrun Golf R’s…Shocking car….

Hope you had some good times reading this, and stay tuned for my S12-related article, which will be in full length. Feel free to give me suggestions, be it for this new ‘Quick Car Features’, or my usual Full-Length articles.

And on THAT Bombshell, you’ve just finished reading the article on a Sierra fast enough to decimate Golf R’s in a straight line.

Comments

Great article!
I think the spoiler of the minker looks really funny, like you could eat your sausage on it xD

It reminds me quite a lot of the kind of ‘Wrap-Around’ Wings you can find on some modified RX-7’s, honestly. Not sure whether you can eat on it or play Ping-Pong on it though. And apparently, you can still get your Sierra converted to this Minker spec, as the company who thought of it is still in Business.

I love Sierras, but I have never seen this one before, how rare are they? Imagine this with a sierra XR8 engine with those turbos attached.

No one actually knows, from the sources I’ve come across, there are only three K1’s, or thereabout, and a so-far-unknown number of 323’s. There’s one White, One Red, and One Moonstone Blue K1’s in existence, apparently. But a XR8 engine with the Garrett T2’s would make for an insane powerplant, wouldn’t it?

Actually, the engine itself is based on the 2.9i Cologne V6 engine, then what Turbo Technics did is strap on two Garrett T2’s, give it a new exhaust and some other performance upgrades, and that was basically the powerplant of these Minkers.