Hi all I am new to the forum. I have a 77 xc falcon 500 gs front gxl trim 351 auto etc etc etc but the topic of this post is my recently purchased au xr6 tickford Ute it is the vct inline 6 5speed it has extractors and a 2.5 inch system 100cell cat and an ss intake however it seems to be underpowered. It blows no smoke and has 168,000 ks a quick strap on on the rollers has confirmed my theory. It made 96 kw at the wheels and 140nm of torque one thing I will say is it smells very fuelly but fuel economy is great. Where do I start? Anyone had similar issue? Any help greatly appreciated

I don't have vct but my current au and previous eb both run rich, its a falcon thing. Maybe start by checking compression. When was the last time it had a service? Plugs, air filter, oil.

And welcome to the forum. There are really knowledgeable people on here.

I have retrofitted AU2 VCT wiring and motor to my ED (it is all AU in an ED shell)... I made 133 on the dyno... That's with PH4499 headers, 200CPI metallic cat, 2.5" zorst, and SS inductions big mouth and BA intake piping... My ED motor made 110... Still doesn't quite blow my hair back enough but this is substantially more than you have... Mine runs rich too... The mechanic here with the dyno said it was common for a factory tune as they do it to keep valves cool under high rpm...

Best place to start is find someone with a scan tool and check the PCM... See if there is a logged code for a faulty sensor or similar on the motor... Might help point you in a general direction...

One thing the scan tool can't pick up is fuel rail pressure... By now most AU fuel regs would be worn out... I replaced mine recently... About $100 off ebay for a genuine Bosch unit... Make sure you get a 350kpa because that's what the VCT's run...

Maybe a fuel system service is in order? New filter, have the injectors cleaned and kits put through them... One of them might be dribbling and causing the fuel to not burn properly...

If it has 168, were the iridium plugs changed at 120?

Hopefully something there gets you off on the right foot...

Cheers,
Tim

Cheers for the help guys a fuel rail new injectors and 02 sensor has made the car feel great it has been flash tuned and has made 140.8 kw and 208 nm

dude you got like a 40% increase in power! for some basic stuff!

the o2 sensor and injectors must have been f**k!

Yea I know. It's 0-100 time feels like it has just about halved I plan to chase 180 at the wheels n/a but until I get my hands on a new work truck it has gone to work. Thanks to everyone for the help and advice