Mr_GT

hey guys,
in about 2 months i will b buying a EL Xr8...preferably the EL2 xr8 185kW model...
just a few questions about these cars.....wat problems should i look for when buying one...wat things to look for like problem areas and stuff like that....
and how can u tell if it is an EL xr8 and EL2 xr8 ?
any information on things to look out for when buyin the xr8 would b apreciated
thanx alot.

EDXR8

The winsor 5.0L is quite bulletproof, but look for any oil leaks from the rear of the engine. Main problems, if any, will be with the trans or diff. Auto's an be a bit sloppy if driven hard as well as the diff developing clunks.

Check the build date, from Oct 97 they were 185kw. Other things to confirm is the intake manifold. The 175's have the standard HO manifold as found in the EB-EL1's with all the ports on the lower inline. The 185's have the explorer intake which has staggered ports on the lower. Also look at the tag on the diff, the 185kw's have 3.45 ratio and the 175's have 3.27.

Make sure you get the 185kw version. It is a much better unit than the 10kw difference makes it look. The extra torque and power throughout the entire rev range makes the 175's look ordinary.

bossxr

I just picked up a clean 98 185kw XR8. Look for wear on the disc rotors as they're quite soft. I'm actually putting some new DBA slotted rotors on the front of mine as they're not acceptable for my standards (my EF2 GLi pulls up quicker) and the pedal is long (probably due to excessive wear on rotors). Look for loose rear extractor bolts on rear cylinders. Make sure its got good history - they tend to do head gaskets if skimp on coolant changes.

Mine had worn lower control arm bushes on both sides causing both front tyres to run massive negative camber scrubbing out both new tyres. The bushes are XR spec red polyurethane and look distorted in the control arms.

I'm also having muffler fibregalss packing appear in my tail pipe which ends up holding moisture and rusting out the chrome extenders. It also indicates one or more of my mufflers is disintergrating on the inside. My EL has 90,000 kms and had done mostly short city driving trips.

Hope this helps.

EL2 XR8

My 87000km EL2 XR8 had the exhaust replaced at 75000 due to rust and holes and the "Rack ends" replaced 10000km ago due to excessive play. Great cars though. There seems to be an increasing number of EL2's appearing on the Forum.

Mr_GT

thanx alot ppl
u r all a gr8 help ......any other info or anything at all about the xr8 u know....let us know plz!
thanx again.....
just another thing....wat sorta price should i pay in about 2-3 months...with how many k's on the clock etc...

EL2 XR8

Depends on where you are. Perth I paid $25000 14 months ago with 60000 on the clock. Now they are about 20000 to 22000 with less than 80000kms. There is one for sale in Perth for $27000 with only 25000kms. You'll pay abit less in the Eastern states due to the higher numbers available.
Steve

PS: these are the approx prices for a series 2.

RED BOOK prices are as follows:
1998 FORD FALCON
EL Sedan XR8 4dr Auto 4sp 5.0i


average kms 90,000 - 110,000
trade in price guide* $15,200 - $18,100
national average price - private sale* $17,400 - $20,500
price when new (RRP) $41,755

1998 FORD FALCON
EL Sedan XR8 4dr Man 5sp 5.0i


average kms 90,000 - 110,000
trade in price guide* $14,900 - $17,700
national average price - private sale* $17,000 - $20,200
price when new (RRP) $41,031

Mr_GT

cheers
thanx for the info el2xr8

EL2 XR8

Got the car back from Ford today. Air filter blocked 80%, K&N goes in Monday (Still ran a 15.351, can't wait to see what she'll do now) and front disc's are shagged. Let me know how you go with the DBA's Mr_GT as I am thinking of fitting the same.

Mr_GT

DBA's ?
mate i havent even got a xr8 yet!.........wont b for at least 2-3 months now......