New Here- Planning on buying an XR4Ti soon!

[SuperFrankieOSX]

For a couple years, I have been interested in the XR4Ti and as of recent, I am saving up to buy a decent example. Has to be a manual, preferably with the monochromatic paint but it isn't exaclty a dealbreaker for me. If I find anything and eventually get one, I will certainly turn to the forums for answers and such. I do have one important question, is it hard to find parts for them? Specifically the 2.3 turbo, I know it was featured in the SVO Mustang and T-Bird Turbo coupe. Also I was wondering how hard they are to work on, I have relatively average experience from working on my 1968 Mustang. Thank you!

[merkurdriver]

Parts for an XR4Ti are easier to find now than they were 10 years ago - its true!
Vendors have been reproducing parts that were previously unavailable. Some are also rebuilding parts to "better than new spec" once supplies of in-demand parts started to thin out.

[DAReese]

What Mike said is true, but there are parts that are hard to or impossible to find at this point. But I had one new in 86 and getting parts for them even then was hard. After Ford abandoned the brand it became far more difficult, but now with the internet and vendors reproducing parts, it is easier.

[SuperFrankieOSX]

Thank you all for the information! I did do a little research and I found a few different websites that stock factory and reproduction parts. I was pleased to find things like the water pump and alternator can be bought at most auto parts stores. Is it true that the 2.3 turbo is a non interference engine?

[John Brennan]

Yes, it is a non-interference engine.

[SuperFrankieOSX]

That's great, I can't wait to finally get some cash put away, I think its gonna be a lot of fun to work on and drive. However I haven't drove stick in a while so I guess I better freshen up on my buddy's S10

[Bob Weir]

Hi Frankie,
A few suggestions to buy parts from:

Our MCA members
Long time MCA sponsors with impeccable reputations for parts & service:

MC2 Racing
Chris Grayson
(513) 253-9133
http://mc2racing.com
West Chester OH

Merkur Depot
Mike Oyler
(330) 687-6498
http://merkurdepot.com
Barberton OH

Merkur Midwest
Jeff Herson
(847) 688-1234
http://merkurmidwest.com
North Chicago IL

Rapido
Russ Harness
(541) 544-3333
http://rapidogroup.com
Tygh Valley OR

Stinger Performance
Shannon Gustafson
http://stinger-performance.com
Shawnee KS

A few cautionary notes:
Ford / Motorcraft parts are usually a best choice.
Traditional auto parts chains often have "replacement" parts, but sometimes their databases are inaccurate.
Members' comments / suggestions are "usually" reliable, however you will see challenges. The MCA management does not review content for accuracy. We depend on our members for corrections, With that said, you can find alternative information sources, but most likely this website will be the most accurate. Facebook; you will find comments from very knowledgable people, you will also find other people making completely incorrect comments.
Review our members' comments regarding non Ford / Motorcraft parts for "performance".

Suggestions:
Fill in your city and state in your profile. You might get lucky and have a helpful MCA member living close to you. It also helps when considering purchasing parts from another member to consider shipping cost.
In this website you can "Search" a "Search" result to be more specific.

Bob

PS Once you buy your first Merkur, you'll be infected with "Merkuritis"!

[espacef1fan]

If you are near southern Alabama I would be more than happy to help with anything issues etc you have with the car

[R Code]

Welcome to the forum, good luck in your search. Echoing what the others have said. They are not difficult cars to work on, and parts avail. seems better than when I started messing with these things in '85.