Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries

Bullitt · 4th May 2011, 11:57

@ kaustubh: Here's something for you, a Tata Sierra Turbo, most probably a 4x4 since it's an export version (observe front wheel hub in 1st pic).

Pics courtesy, our very own TBHPian ariesonu (posted here http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/super-...ml#post2244927).

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-tata_sierra_turbo_uran.jpg

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-tata_sierra_turbo_uran_2.jpg

This car has been lying at a customs warehouse at Uran, gathering dust. Perhaps you could PM ariesonu for details?

I think the customs guys would be more than happy to get rid of it for dirt cheap, considering that the real estate it occupies is worth more (and more useful) than the car itself.

The only thing is, it's an LHD. A good TASS would be able to convert it to RHD, but that would cost a bomb. So better live with LHD only.

Try your luck. You never know, you might get lucky and become the owner of a rare 4x4 Sierra Turbo!

- Bullitt.

condor · 4th May 2011, 12:01

Wow ! Tata even customised the direction of the wipers on this model ?

And our "imported" models cant change the location of the wiper & head-lamp controls on the steering wheels !

Bullitt · 5th May 2011, 11:24

@ condor:

Consider this in comparison to the Mahindra-Renault Logan, its a brand new RHD car (unlike the Sierra thats a decade old), yet it's wipers have the same orientation as the Sierra in question!

The wierd part is, they don't even care that this creates a major safety risk by leaving a huge un-wiped spot bang in the driver's field of vision. For them, it's fine as long as it suits their balance sheets, customer be damned.

It all boils down to clear and concise framing of rules. Most countries have rules which clearly stipulate these things, we don't, which is why manufacturers get away with blatant cost-cutting measures such as this (and the reversed control stalks). The result is for all to see. But, we will reserve that debate for a separate thread.

- Bullitt.

ch.nathan · 5th May 2011, 11:52

We have been trying to get a wheelcap for Sierra, but couldn't find. Any pointers to where I can one of these?

Bullitt · 5th May 2011, 16:04

@ch.nathan: That pre-2000 7-spoke design has become very rare these days, I doubt you will be able to find it, even at breaker yards. It seems to be in pretty good shape, I suggest you preserve it. Here's a picture of a Sierra and a Sumo with those wheel caps:

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-sierra_wheel_cap.jpg

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-sumo_wheel_cover1.jpg

There was a similar but slightly bulging 5-spoke version of the same design that turned up later and came with most Sierra Turbos, you can see it here:

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-sumo_wheel_cover2.jpg

And this is the most common design, easier to find. You can try for this:

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-sumo_wheel_cover3.jpg

- Bullitt

kaustubh_vaze · 5th May 2011, 16:07

@Bullitt - Thanks for the information. I will ping ariesonu immediately for the 4X4 Sierra information.

@ch.nathan - I have a spare one which covers the spare wheel. I dont need it for now. You can take it if you want to. I will send you the picture, if u like it, I can give it to you.

Regards,
Kaustubh

ch.nathan · 5th May 2011, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt

@ch.nathan: That pre-2000 7-spoke design has become very rare these days, I doubt you will be able to find it, even at breaker yards. It seems to be in pretty good shape, I suggest you preserve it.

And this is the most common design, easier to find. You can try for this:

Thanks Bullitt. We lost one when my friend had to drive with a flat tyre. Other three are in wonderful condition. I have already tried around but couldn't find.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaustubh_vaze

@ch.nathan - I have a spare one which covers the spare wheel. I dont need it for now. You can take it if you want to. I will send you the picture, if u like it, I can give it to you.

Great news Kaustubh. Is it of the same design?
I will be extremely happy and grateful to take it.

Bullitt · 5th May 2011, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaustubh_vaze

@Bullitt - Thanks for the information. I will ping ariesonu immediately for the 4X4 Sierra information.

@ch.nathan - I have a spare one which covers the spare wheel. I dont need it for now. You can take it if you want to. I will send you the picture, if u like it, I can give it to you.

Hey, no problem. Since I saw that pic, I always wished that someone could save him from the hellhole that he's in. I would have done it myself, unfortunately I had already bought my Sierra by then.

Anyway, I hope your dream (and my wish) comes true. All the best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ch.nathan

... Great news Kaustubh. Is it of the same design?
I will be extremely happy and grateful to take it.

Ahh, the wonders of Team-BHP!

- Bullitt

condor · 5th May 2011, 17:40

Last pic in post 380 by Bullitt: have seen quite fresh covers on the cabs. Wonder where they get those from.

OT:
any one knows where I can get 6 or 6.5J rims in R15 / 160 pcd ? I may move up from 215/75 to 225/75 or 235/70 next. current rims are 5.5, which are too skinny.

kaustubh_vaze · 5th May 2011, 17:51

@ch.nathan - I will upload a snap here. You can see it and decide for yourself. Right now I have a general feeling that it is a 7 spoke one as you have posted.

Regards,
Kaustubh

Bullitt · 5th May 2011, 18:17

@ condor: I suggest you to go for the 16 inch Tata Safari rims and shod them with 235/65 R16 tyres (the Safari uses 235/70). This gives a difference in circumference of only 1.19%.

The Safari comes with these steel rims that look like alloys, with a cone in the center. Looks good, and should be reasonably priced. If you're lucky, you might even get a barely used set at the tyre dealer's for cheap.

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-safari-wheel-rim.jpg

I have seen a few Sierras and Sumos shod with these rims, though I am unaware of what tyre size they were using.

Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries-sierra_wheel_rim.jpg

As for those wheel caps I posted, I think Tata used to sell them till quite recently, or might be selling them even now. The only difference is the logo, I can see these very wheel caps with the oval logo these days, mostly on the Spacio variants.

- Bullitt

condor · 5th May 2011, 22:25

@Bullitt: yes, Safari rims are a good option. I was thinking of the old Safari rims (which are in R15)

But I dont think 235/65 is available

closest match is 235/70 R15 (0.92% diff)
or 225/70 R16 (2.54% diff)

But the tyre/wheel dealers dont sell them cheap. They do buy it for minimal rates, though.

Bullitt · 6th May 2011, 12:44

@ condor: You are right, 235/65 R16 is not available.

Are you going for alloys? If not, I think the existing 15" rims can take 235/70 without much fuss.

I remember when we went looking for new shoes for Saptarshi's ride. The dealer offered 235/70 tyres, saying they could be mounted onto the existing rims.

Try asking around, it might save you a few bucks.

- Bullitt

condor · 6th May 2011, 13:08

@Bullitt, while we can fit 235's on the existing rims, it is not recommended. The rim width will be too narrow for that. 5.5J rims are on the smaller side even for the 215's I have.

If you look at the specs for tyres (eg, on Yoko's product page), you can see that the recommended rim size for 235 is between 6 & 8J. Most alloys are also 7j. Using the 325's on 5.5J would not be good. I will not trust the dealers that much. Prefer to do my reading, and decide with the information I find, or what I get from friends. The dealer has a commercial intrest, remember ?

I have asked friends for the Safari or Scorp rims. Let's see how it goes.

No, no plans for alloys. I did try for it when I got the Sumo 5.5 yrs back, but now dont feel like it. May be I am superstitious, but have seen with a few cars on TBHP that when they upgraded to alloys on an old car, they soon sold it !

Bullitt · 6th May 2011, 13:36

@ condor: Absolutely agree, minimum 6J rims are recommended for 235's.

If you are comfortable, you can also try the "new Safari" 16" rims posted previously with 235/60 tyres, the difference is an acceptable -2.15%, provided you are willing to go slightly shorter on the circumference. And Yokos are available in that size.

Regarding the alloys, now THATS what I call Automotive superstition!

4th May 2011, 11:57	#376
Bullitt BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 194 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @ kaustubh: Here's something for you, a Tata Sierra Turbo, most probably a 4x4 since it's an export version (observe front wheel hub in 1st pic). Pics courtesy, our very own TBHPian ariesonu (posted here http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/super-...ml#post2244927). This car has been lying at a customs warehouse at Uran, gathering dust. Perhaps you could PM ariesonu for details? I think the customs guys would be more than happy to get rid of it for dirt cheap, considering that the real estate it occupies is worth more (and more useful) than the car itself. The only thing is, it's an LHD. A good TASS would be able to convert it to RHD, but that would cost a bomb. So better live with LHD only. Try your luck. You never know, you might get lucky and become the owner of a rare 4x4 Sierra Turbo! - Bullitt.
	(1) Thanks

4th May 2011, 12:01	#377
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 16,104 Thanked: 16,492 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries Wow ! Tata even customised the direction of the wipers on this model ? And our "imported" models cant change the location of the wiper & head-lamp controls on the steering wheels ! Last edited by condor : 4th May 2011 at 12:03.
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 11:24	#378
Bullitt BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 194 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @ condor: Consider this in comparison to the Mahindra-Renault Logan, its a brand new RHD car (unlike the Sierra thats a decade old), yet it's wipers have the same orientation as the Sierra in question! The wierd part is, they don't even care that this creates a major safety risk by leaving a huge un-wiped spot bang in the driver's field of vision. For them, it's fine as long as it suits their balance sheets, customer be damned. It all boils down to clear and concise framing of rules. Most countries have rules which clearly stipulate these things, we don't, which is why manufacturers get away with blatant cost-cutting measures such as this (and the reversed control stalks). The result is for all to see. But, we will reserve that debate for a separate thread. - Bullitt.
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 11:52	#379
ch.nathan BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 516 Thanked: 70 Times	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries We have been trying to get a wheelcap for Sierra, but couldn't find. Any pointers to where I can one of these? Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 16:04	#380
Bullitt BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 194 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @ch.nathan: That pre-2000 7-spoke design has become very rare these days, I doubt you will be able to find it, even at breaker yards. It seems to be in pretty good shape, I suggest you preserve it. Here's a picture of a Sierra and a Sumo with those wheel caps: There was a similar but slightly bulging 5-spoke version of the same design that turned up later and came with most Sierra Turbos, you can see it here: And this is the most common design, easier to find. You can try for this: - Bullitt
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 16:07	#381
kaustubh_vaze BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 224 Thanked: 53 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @Bullitt - Thanks for the information. I will ping ariesonu immediately for the 4X4 Sierra information. @ch.nathan - I have a spare one which covers the spare wheel. I dont need it for now. You can take it if you want to. I will send you the picture, if u like it, I can give it to you. Regards, Kaustubh
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 17:40	#384
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 16,104 Thanked: 16,492 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries Last pic in post 380 by Bullitt: have seen quite fresh covers on the cabs. Wonder where they get those from. OT: any one knows where I can get 6 or 6.5J rims in R15 / 160 pcd ? I may move up from 215/75 to 225/75 or 235/70 next. current rims are 5.5, which are too skinny.
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 17:51	#385
kaustubh_vaze BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 224 Thanked: 53 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @ch.nathan - I will upload a snap here. You can see it and decide for yourself. Right now I have a general feeling that it is a 7 spoke one as you have posted. Regards, Kaustubh
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 18:17	#386
Bullitt BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 194 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @ condor: I suggest you to go for the 16 inch Tata Safari rims and shod them with 235/65 R16 tyres (the Safari uses 235/70). This gives a difference in circumference of only 1.19%. The Safari comes with these steel rims that look like alloys, with a cone in the center. Looks good, and should be reasonably priced. If you're lucky, you might even get a barely used set at the tyre dealer's for cheap. I have seen a few Sierras and Sumos shod with these rims, though I am unaware of what tyre size they were using. As for those wheel caps I posted, I think Tata used to sell them till quite recently, or might be selling them even now. The only difference is the logo, I can see these very wheel caps with the oval logo these days, mostly on the Spacio variants. - Bullitt Last edited by Bullitt : 5th May 2011 at 18:19.
	() Thanks

5th May 2011, 22:25	#387
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 16,104 Thanked: 16,492 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @Bullitt: yes, Safari rims are a good option. I was thinking of the old Safari rims (which are in R15) But I dont think 235/65 is available closest match is 235/70 R15 (0.92% diff) or 225/70 R16 (2.54% diff) But the tyre/wheel dealers dont sell them cheap. They do buy it for minimal rates, though. Last edited by condor : 5th May 2011 at 22:26.
	() Thanks

6th May 2011, 12:44	#388
Bullitt BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 194 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @ condor: You are right, 235/65 R16 is not available. Are you going for alloys? If not, I think the existing 15" rims can take 235/70 without much fuss. I remember when we went looking for new shoes for Saptarshi's ride. The dealer offered 235/70 tyres, saying they could be mounted onto the existing rims. Try asking around, it might save you a few bucks. - Bullitt
	() Thanks

6th May 2011, 13:08	#389
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 16,104 Thanked: 16,492 Times View My Garage	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @Bullitt, while we can fit 235's on the existing rims, it is not recommended. The rim width will be too narrow for that. 5.5J rims are on the smaller side even for the 215's I have. If you look at the specs for tyres (eg, on Yoko's product page), you can see that the recommended rim size for 235 is between 6 & 8J. Most alloys are also 7j. Using the 325's on 5.5J would not be good. I will not trust the dealers that much. Prefer to do my reading, and decide with the information I find, or what I get from friends. The dealer has a commercial intrest, remember ? I have asked friends for the Safari or Scorp rims. Let's see how it goes. No, no plans for alloys. I did try for it when I got the Sumo 5.5 yrs back, but now dont feel like it. May be I am superstitious, but have seen with a few cars on TBHP that when they upgraded to alloys on an old car, they soon sold it !
	() Thanks

6th May 2011, 13:36	#390
Bullitt BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 194 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: Tata Sierra Turbo: Queries @ condor: Absolutely agree, minimum 6J rims are recommended for 235's. If you are comfortable, you can also try the "new Safari" 16" rims posted previously with 235/60 tyres, the difference is an acceptable -2.15%, provided you are willing to go slightly shorter on the circumference. And Yokos are available in that size. Regarding the alloys, now THATS what I call Automotive superstition! Last edited by Bullitt : 6th May 2011 at 13:38.
	() Thanks