ok guys i need to draw on peoples experience here.

i have a 1997 EL XR8 series one with 166,000 on the clock (even 135psi).

the car runs really well with a full twin systema nd extractors.

i would like to get a little more power and was thinking of slowly collecting parts for a top end rebuild.

ie. GT40Ps, explorer manifold, 65mm TB and AU MAF

these are my questions

-what would it cost to freshen up a set of GT40Ps (or is this a waste if i get low millage AU ones)
- what would it cost to have all these parts fit? (weighing it up against doing it myself)
- can i use the standard rockers on the GT40Ps or should i get a set of roller rockers and if so what ones?
- would i need to get the car retuned or would the computer adjust for these basic mods?
- what sort of gains would i expect to get if i go through with this with the original cam?

many many thanks in advance, would be nice to hear from people who have done the same

also,
would i need the 24LB injectors for this and am i correct in saying that my EL GT extractors would fit up to the AU heads?

thanks again

any thoughts/experiences guys?

* By freshening up a pair of GT40P heads, I suspect you mean porting? If so then yes, it will help but don't expect huge gains like you would get with aftermarket alloys. But it will definitely be a great improvement over the original E7's.

* For roller rockers, it's worth putting in aftermarket ones and will free up extra kw by improving lift, less friction etc etc. Estimate maybe $500+ for the RR's themselves.

* Putting in 24lb injectors would require you to perform a tune.

* Original cam is good for the bin. Choose a better aftermarket cam.

any other thoughts guys? still weighing this up against changing to an AU engine as this motor is so strong and only has 165 on the clock, seems a waste to remove it

the next question, if i was to use a set of gt40ps, explorer and au throttle body and maf (with e series electronics) what sort of performance gain could i expect and would it all run ok on the standard tune?

thanks
Jason

Perhaps on a standard ECU and running your HO cam, perhaps about 140-150 kWs.

I understand the want for cheap performance but simply put, there is no cheap way of extracting grunt. Perhaps a $5000 Raptor supercharger kit would do the trick or do what most people do and gather the bits and pieces over time. Buy smart, there are plenty of bargains out there. I got my Explorer manifold and AU throttle body back in 2006 for $350 delivered when everyone else was paying $600+ for both and I've got myself some EV6 24lb injectors for $20 delivered to my doorstep where others are asking $150+ for them. If you are handy with spanners etc you can save plenty as well.

Have a look at Timmeh's thread and see what is possible by using left over AU XR8 stuff: the-garage-f53/timmeh-s-el-xr8-185kw-improvement-build-t62201.html