AU XR8 motor in EB - whats involved? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

blueoval · 09-08-2003, 20:00

Expressions of intent on this type of modification.

Has anybody done it? If so, what was involved to make it work? Was it worth it?

The reason I am asking is when my current donk decides to go, I want to know if my options are restricted to just another EB-EL motor or can I fit an AU2 long motor. Is it way too expensive? Would I be better off rebuilding my current engine?

I need pro's and con's please.

Thanks in advance.

BlownV8 · 09-08-2003, 22:23

This should be just a bolt in exercise. I can not see any reason why the au 302 will not fit into an EB. You will need to get an engine harness with the engine and the au ECU, but apart from that, all else in this sense is the same.
As for cost, i have no idea what one is worth. You could probably easy spend $5k on your current engine to get it up to the specs on an au xr motor, and i would doubt that it would cost that much for one. But if you wanting to go furthur with the engine, ie heads, stroker, cam, ........ You would have to rebuild the xr motor anyways, so you might as well keep your current engine.

blueoval · 09-08-2003, 22:32

I would like nothing better than to get the engine stroked but in all fairness my mrs wouldnt allow it.

I am definitely thinking the way of AU transplant for the reason that a little extra power from a late model motor is better than rebuilding the shameful E-series v8 and spending a similar ammount to do so.

Will the EB auto box still bolt up to the later model AU motor ok?

BlownV8 · 09-08-2003, 23:42

should do, same bottom end, so same bellhousing config. You may have to swap wiring loom to suit engine harness for newer ECU, but thats about it.

damage181 · 09-09-2003, 01:44

One thing to think about is your EB is a series one, no smartlock, AU has smart lock etc, this may be a problem with swapping ECU and harness as you may have to purchase a smartlock eliminator for the ecu.

While you are at it, if you haven�t converted to thermos this will be the time to do it, get the wiring harness and fans off the Au as well.

XRQTOR · 09-09-2003, 05:46

ok fellas i know ive been on this subject for a while but i saw a add for an au motoe with wiring loom they want 4400 for it now i know a wreckers would be half that, as they had an au 6 for 3k and my mate got a price for 1600. IF i put an au III xr8 motor in my ef xr8 i plan to transfer the loom ecu and the rest of it what would it cost to change and the ecu's or would i be better off using a map system, and as for the gearbox it should bolt up to my 5spd shouldnt it as all 3o2's w are the same.

XRQTOR · 09-09-2003, 05:49

oh and with the map how hard and long is it to tune to get it running and wat sorta dollars will it cost to nuy and tune and do they need to be retuned every so often or not

ebxr8240 · 09-10-2003, 06:19

Mate be carefull you could easily spend more than trading your car in and buying a latter model..Oh by the way latter models are not nessessary any stronger..Just hopefully less miles and better induction..
Carefull you don't get a chill, not waring any pants !!! lol

blueoval · 09-11-2003, 18:43

The thought of better induction appeals to me. I just hope the cost of such a conversion wont break the bank!

09-11-2003, 22:12

You could use the EB electronics on it. Just transfer the distributor into the AU engine and use your stock harness.
Is it worth it? Depends how much you pay for the engine really.You'd get 40P heads(requiring different header$),if a long motor there would be no Explorer intake, these heads and intake still need work to perform like the aftermarket stuff does out of the box.
I would probably just rebuild the engine you have but add ally heads,aftermarket intake etc
Your auto will bolt up the same.

Pete.