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

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- By Dushyant
- (@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.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

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.
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