Advice wanted - AU XR8 Gurus - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Rob E · 07-30-2003, 15:51

G'day All,

Im looking at picking up an AU XR8 in the next few months. I am in two minds whether to get

A/ Series I , and get Full Herrod / Difilippo system, Cam , Valve springs, Unichip

or

B/ Series III 220kw and get the full system and Unichip for retune.

My power requirement is 240-245kw at the flywheel.

I also intend to Improve handling / Braking for occasional
track day use - i understand the Premium brakes were available
on the Series II and III AU XR8

I'd appreciate anyones thoughts / advice on this!

Cheers

AU1XR8 · 07-30-2003, 16:30

The only comment I can make is definately get the brakes done - personally I would not get the premium brakes I would go after market and get DBA rotors.

My AUIXR8 only has standard rotors and at about 30,000 it started showing heat stress cracks in the front rotors - and that is just day to day driving.

Unfortunately, I couldn't afford aftermarket rotors so had get originals again, hopefully these will hang in there.

XLR8 · 07-30-2003, 16:47

had both series 1 and 2, i would go for series 2 for interior and better looks with the front end IMO

Aussie Pete · 07-30-2003, 16:59

Don't touch a series 1. They're okay but Series 2/3 look way better and get many many fixes such as the better firewall, interior etc etc.

AU Series 1 - AP shudders.....

Rob E · 07-30-2003, 17:17

Thanks for the feedback Guys.

I am considering the Herrod 2 Piston Caliper set up - or just Slotted rotors and semi race compound pads. In my experience the
right pad compound can make all the difference.

Suspension wise i am looking towards Adjustable Konis with some firmer
springs and uprated sways, i'll also get a camber / castor kit.

I dont have any experience with setting up large sedans for track work, but have experience with light weight sports cars, and the basic
principles always apply.

Really im after thoughts on the whether its best to buy the
220kw engine or just build up a 185 or 200kw engine to the 245kw im after. I love the sound of the 302C (must be the firing order) and this is why im steering clear of GEN III , 304 Strokers etc.....its fun being the underdog!

BLACK XR6-VCT · 07-30-2003, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie Pete

Don't touch a series 1.

AU Series 1 - AP shudders.....

GRRRRRRR.....

There is nothing wrong with series one!

But if I was buying the XR8, I would try to find the 220kW.

GTP07S · 07-30-2003, 17:41

Series 2 mate definitely, looks better handles better and you already have extra Kw there so getting it up to what you want is easier, cheaper.

I have a AUII XR8 220, chipped and ehaust done, now getting 255KW at the flywheel, looking at supercharging next.

Rob E · 07-30-2003, 20:52

Thanks Terry. A couple of quick questions if you dont mind.

At what stage did the Series II come with 220kw? (wHICH MONTH/YEAR?

What is the consensus with headers on an AU - 4-1 or 4-2-1? Cross Pipe? Diameter?

Was the Chip programmed in your car?

TThanks for the help

FALCON COUNTRY · 07-30-2003, 22:23

go the series 2/3 they look wicked with the rebel kit

galaxy xr8 · 07-31-2003, 04:11

The AU II had the 220's from mid May 2001.I know because I had only just bought a 200kw in April and I asked the salesman if there was going to be any Kw change's in the near future, he said NO,quess what not even a month later,220, man was I pissed,oh well,
go for series II/III then you allready have the power just need more.