I might stare for hours, and actually I’ve. Simply over 4 hours after I arrived at Michael Scullin’s place, I’m lastly getting the final photographs of his automobile within the bag. Customized builds that push boundaries excite me, and Michael’s Ford Sierra undoubtedly does that.

Certain, it’s an previous Ford with a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve turbo engine and slammed suspension – nothing too out of the odd on this a part of the world – however how its proprietor and builder has gone concerning the modifications make this Sierra a real certainly one of a form machine, and one thing undoubtedly worthy of a more in-depth look.

It was again at Dubshed in early April this 12 months that Michael’s Sierra stopped me in my tracks. I knew I wanted to function it, and it solely appeared proper to do this within the place it was created. This small residence workshop in rural Northern Eire is Michael’s area to play, be it on any certainly one of his present builds or by sharing his love for vehicles by his Restricted Slip Variations podcast.

Beginning life as a humble Ford Sierra with a 2.0L twin cam engine up entrance, the tried and trusted modifying route round these elements would have seen Sierra RS Cosworth wheels fitted and a wholesome dose of rear rake added, earlier than a hunt for unattended cones and slabs of concrete ensued. However Michael had larger concepts.

Wrapped in a shade of Fireplace Pink, the Sierra’s exterior is fairly delicate given the insanity hidden inside. That stated, a Sierra RS Cosworth bumper and Rouse-style splitter toughens up the entrance finish, with RS Cosworth facet skirts and rear spats pulling the entire look collectively.

The inside too has been stored easy, however there are some very nice additions, just like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII-sourced Recaro entrance seats. Michael has had these re-trimmed in suede, whereas the rear bench is straight out of a Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth. The chunky three-spoke wheel is one other RS Cosworth piece, and right here it’s assisted by a flexible GM energy steering pump salvaged from an Opel Astra.

A pair of A-pillar gauges monitor the air/gasoline ratio and increase, whereas one other pair of gauges within the centre console feed data on engine oil temperature and stress. Add a cheeky hydraulic handbrake into the combo and it’s clear this construct has objective. Which brings us to the engine bay…

Whereas a Ford Cosworth YB engine may very well be anticipated, Michael has taken a special route by becoming a Saab B204. This 2.0-litre, 16-valve turbocharged unit – discovered initially in among the now sadly-defunct automaker’s 900, 9000 and 9-3 fashions – has grow to be an underground hit for these on the lookout for energy potential, however for much less cash than a Nissan SR20DET or Cosworth YB. Anybody who’s listened to Michael’s podcast will pay attention to the struggles he had with the engine, however an actual candy spot has now been discovered.

Having an skilled deal with the construct – on this case Ali McClelland of Ali’s Storage – actually has paid dividends, and as soon as ECU mapping is full 480hp ought to be realised.

On the coronary heart of the enhancements is a Pulsar 5449G (G25-660) turbocharger mated to a Precision Turbo PW46 exterior wastegate, which Michael says has actually altered the means the automobile drives and improved its reliability. Chilled air from an FMIC Efficiency front-mount intercooler is fed by a Honda throttle physique, whereas an uprated pump and 875cc injectors guarantee a gasoline provide that’s as much as spec. A Lee Sensible Racing customized aluminium radiator retains the engine cool when Michael’s leaning on it.

For those who pondering the driveline goes to be simply as surprising because the engine, you’d be proper. The Sierra’s now working a BMW E30 M3 5-speed gearbox, with a Saab 9-5 Aero flywheel and Sachs stress plate and customized six-paddle clutch transferring the facility. A customized prop shaft runs out to a Sierra RS Cosworth rear finish with a Gripper Differentials LSD.

For all of the insanity of the mechanicals, it’s the suspension that’s the icing on this quick Ford-shaped cake. See, it’s not air or a completely wound down set of coilovers that makes Michael’s Sierra look so particular, however a customized hydraulic setup. Sure, hydraulics like a low rider, although this setup isn’t designed to make the Ford bounce.

Each nook is managed by its personal swap, with a customized transformed B7 VW Passat pump on the coronary heart of the system. However why, you ask? Purely kind over perform, and the sensible indisputable fact that the hydraulic uprights are narrower than coilover or air bag struts, which opened up the additional millimetres required to get the wheels to suit.

These wheels are a set of timeless Buddy Membership P1s in white, which add a Japanese aspect to this UK, Swedish, and German mash-up. With the suspension dropped, Michael has actually nailed his intention to construct one thing that resembles an early-’90s touring automobile. And the brakes? A Porsche 911-sourced setup on tailored Ford Granada hubs.

As I wrapped issues up at Michael’s, I discovered myself grabbing one final cheeky take a look at the Sierra. Whether or not it’s sitting on the present ground at Dubshed, throwing rings at an area slab, or cruising down the promenade in Portstewart, this Ford Sierra can do it all. It’s brilliantly bonkers.

Cian Donnellan
Instagram: Ciandon
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