Guys,

Quick question, EL XR8... When did they start the series 2 in that model?... Was it Jan 1997?

I am assuming the only identification is the different intake manfold (explorer).. was that it? Is there an engine code etc?

Kind regards,

Woody

No such thing as a 'series II', it was just a running update. October '97 was when the 185kw engine was introduced in the XR8.
'Explorer' intake manifold, and EL GT exhaust headers are the easiest way to identify. Also they got the 3.45 diff. (prior to that only the XR6 got it)

as said above,

It will have an explorer manifold. A genuine explorer on an el xr8 will have no EGR spacer, the EGR lines will run through the manifold its self unlike the AU explorer manifolds. Also has el gt extractors, which are easy to pick.....there a 4 into 1 design extractor.

EDITED by Mod

They have a 60mm EGR spacer, just like all other E-series V8's.

The "unique" parts combination about the EL2 XR8 induction was the "Explorer" (not Cobra) style manifolds, IAT sensor boss located in the lower intake #5 runner, EGR passages were present in upper & lower intake & the earlier E-series 60mm EGR spacer & TB was used. The IAT boss location is the give-away.