Automotive News & VideosWheelCircuit

Reviving the Merkur XR4Ti: A Modern Hot Rod Transformation by Larry Chen

Reviving the Merkur XR4Ti: A Modern Hot Rod Transformation by Larry Chen
Image copyright Youtube
Authors
    Published on
    Published on
  • Name
    By Dushyant
    Twitter
    (@dishs)

In this video, Larry Chen takes us on a journey with a car that has a story as long as the Great Wall of China. It all starts with a Merkur XR4Ti, a car that Larry has known since his teenage years. He and his friend used to tinker with it, debating the eternal question of tuner versus muscle car. Fast forward to the present day, and Larry has brought this car back into his possession.

But this is no ordinary restoration project. Larry and his team at JH Restorations have decided to turn this Merkur into a modern hot rod. They started by widening the body with fiberglass flares, giving it a more aggressive stance. The suspension has been upgraded with sn95 Mustang components, and Corvette C6 hubs have been added to accommodate larger brakes. The result is a car that looks like it means business.

Under the hood, the team has shoehorned in a Ford EcoBoost motor. They had to modify the engine bay to fit this beast of an engine, pushing the HVAC and firewall back. The engine cover is a mix of original Ford and custom-made parts, giving it a unique look. And let's not forget about the electric power steering from a 2018 Mustang, ensuring that this car handles as well as it looks.

Inside, the Merkur has been given a makeover too. The dash has been wrapped in leather, and a Dakota Digital gauge cluster has been installed. The interior trim has been painted, and missing parts were sourced from Merkur Midwest. The seats are Recaro seats from an RS Focus, and they even managed to find the original material on eBay.

Overall, this Merkur XR4Ti is a labor of love, a testament to the passion and dedication of Larry and his team. It's a modern-day hot rod that pays homage to its 80s roots. With its widened body, upgraded suspension, and powerful EcoBoost engine, this Merkur is ready to take on the world. It's a car that proves that sometimes, the best way to honor the past is to build something completely new and exciting.

reviving-the-merkur-xr4ti-a-modern-hot-rod-transformation-by-larry-chen

Image copyright Youtube

reviving-the-merkur-xr4ti-a-modern-hot-rod-transformation-by-larry-chen

Image copyright Youtube

reviving-the-merkur-xr4ti-a-modern-hot-rod-transformation-by-larry-chen

Image copyright Youtube

reviving-the-merkur-xr4ti-a-modern-hot-rod-transformation-by-larry-chen

Image copyright Youtube

Watch Modernized "Ford Sierra Cosworth" with a 2.3L Ford Ecoboost Crate Motor on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for Modernized "Ford Sierra Cosworth" with a 2.3L Ford Ecoboost Crate Motor

Commenters love the design and build of the car, praising its beauty and attention to detail.

Many commenters appreciate the blend of European and American styles in the car.

Some commenters express their love for the Sierra Cosworth and the Merkur XR4Ti.

There is a desire to see more builds from the creator, including suggestions for other cars to modify.

Commenters appreciate the interior design and color choices of the car.

Some commenters express nostalgia for the Merkur XR4Ti and regret not buying one in the past.

There is praise for the quality of the work and creativity put into the build.

Some commenters express a desire for Ford to make cars like this today.

A few commenters offer minor suggestions for improvements to the build.

Some commenters ask for information on where to follow the progress of the car.

racing-at-daytona-inside-the-rapsgallion-motorsports-nc-miata
Larry Chen

Racing at Daytona: Inside the Rapsgallion Motorsports NC Miata

Join Larry Chen at Daytona International Raceway as he races a Rapsgallion Motorsports-built NC Miata. Discover the unique BMW transmission, Mazda engine upgrades, and performance enhancements for endurance racing in this detailed exploration of a racing machine.

discover-malaysias-automotive-oasis-abandoned-petrol-station-turned-car-meet-haven
Larry Chen

Discover Malaysia's Automotive Oasis: Abandoned Petrol Station Turned Car Meet Haven

Explore an abandoned petrol station transformed into a vibrant car meet spot with a full-size Initial D replica facade. Discover the passion and attention to detail behind this unique automotive oasis in Malaysia.

racing-thrills-larry-chens-podium-finish-at-willow-springs
Larry Chen

Racing Thrills: Larry Chen's Podium Finish at Willow Springs

Join Larry Chen at Willow Springs for a thrilling race in the 7-Eleven livery. Experience the highs and lows as he battles track conditions, near spins, and fierce competition to secure a well-deserved podium finish. Follow Larry's journey from photographer to racing driver in this exhilarating spec racing adventure.

exclusive-inside-a-4-million-euro-track-car-in-malaysia
Larry Chen

Exclusive: Inside a 4 Million Euro Track Car in Malaysia

Car enthusiast showcases his 4 million euro track purpose car in Malaysia, detailing its performance, challenges, and unique customizations like red rims matching the Malaysian flag colors. Experience the power and luxury of this exclusive machine.