This is an '85 XR4Ti I was stripping and preparing for the “under $1,000” class at the Grassroots Challenge. We went with a different challenge car, so it's been sitting in my yard for about 8 years. It does not have a sun roof, commonly called the competition shell. I thought I would give GRMers first shot at it before I have my car guy yard sale.
So what do we have here.
-
Stripped for lightness. Gutted hood. A little over 120K miles.
-
Aftermarket springs and KYB shocks
-
3” long wheel studs with Mustang Rims which allows wider tires and wheel spacers.
-
Walbro 255 fuel pump in tank. Installed but gas never added.
-
Battery relocated to trunk area. (The plan was to have 2 battery boxes, one for autocross and one for drags.)
-
Rapido intercooler
-
Hogged out E-6 exhaust manifold
-
150 mph speedo with working gauges. Fairly good condition later dash.
There are 3 parts cars in my back yard that you would be welcome to pick over. Front bumper cover is likely in car.
I think we may be able to assist with towing in the area.
If you buy the car I'd also be willing to sell additional parts at Challenge friendly prices.
-
Aluminum head with roller cam (I bought it after it received minimal damage. Should be workable.)
-
Braided Brake lines, T-9 shifter bushings, and some fancy rear Brakes
-
Gillis Boost Valve.
-
Two 17” Cobra style rims
-
Old version of Rapido Mass Air. I think it could work for a Challenge car.
-
Crank window doors.
You can email me through the board by clicking on my avatar. Long time Challenge Pro driver, Danny Shields, is assisting me with the sale, so talking to him is the same as talking to me.
Thanks, Mark
P.S. Finish the build, add tires and a theme, and win the under $1,000 class ...... in a Merkur.
No responses makes me think the Merkur has pretty much been forgotten. Or they were always a little too ugly to be loved. :(
My plan was to dress it up exactly like Ben Martinez' car that won at nationals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-JS52V-8fU
How much for the Aluminum Head? How about some pictures of the damage.
I really need one of these to make my mustang less slow.
Not knowing Merkurs I'd class that as a steal. 
Team Bastos?
Stephen Finlay was a great Irish driver.
Google "Roush Racing Merkur".
Sorry I don’t have photos of the head. Unfortunately Danny and I are busy organizing my yard sale right now.
Hey Mark... I heard someone bought all the XR stuff. Glad to hear it found a home. And if that head is still around and available, I'd be interested as well. Let me know. I'm still just chillin' down in Sarasota, so I can come pick it up.
Oh, and if whoever bought the stuff is on here, let me know who it was... always like to stay connected with local Merkur people.
This completion shell SOLD to a really nice guy.
We still have the one loaded XR4TI and parts. You’d have to contact Danny about seeing the head and extra parts I have. Since Danny sold 4.5 Merkurs yesterday, I’m ok with selling off the extra.
I was thinking $500 ish for the aluminum head because it has a roller cam, but look and see what you think. Bundling parts is smart to get better prices.
I can answer questions, but Danny does the physical sale.
I just remembered a Challenge competitor was offered first in line to look at the head.
Ok... not sure if I want to do more to the 2.3 or go v8 or ecoboost. Probably best if someone else gets the head and takes away the temptation. I might reach out to Danny to see what's left, but I'm kinda full up with xr stuff.
Btw, the buyer of the shell is a friend of a friend. Apparently he's already got it running.
That’s such good news that he got it running. He was a real nice guy but quiet, so I did not get a lot of feedback about his plans. I hope he has fun with it.
I was tired and forgot to tell him I have shifter bushings, Gillis valve, mass air, and braided brake lines. I was planning to Challenge the car in under $1,000. Now I wonder if he knows about the Challenge.
darkbuddha said:
Ok... not sure if I want to do more to the 2.3 or go v8 or ecoboost. Probably best if someone else gets the head and takes away the temptation. I might reach out to Danny to see what's left, but I'm kinda full up with xr stuff.
Btw, the buyer of the shell is a friend of a friend. Apparently he's already got it running.
That is awesome! That is Grassroots motorsports! Buy a cool car cheap, get it running, keep improving, enjoy the drive.
