Best source for engines

[byroncobra]

Thanks for all that.

You're a wealth of info Craig......... Peter at DRB suggested a ute (at the time he was talking a Boss XR8 which now won't fit in the Harrison) as the loom is about the right length for a Cob As the chassis is the same length in a ute or sedan I can't really follow this however I guess he should know.

On what years did the AU series change from 1, 11 then 111?

For a comparo, what did the Tickford cost that your brother bought?

[400TT]

$2800 for 2002 tickford with all the required parts, inc. ECU, maf, loom, O2 sensors etc. We saw the vehicle it came from and had minimal front end damage. Came from a local wrecker, so you get a warranty of sorts.

The engines ranged from $2000 - $3000 depending on year, k's and features. Gearboxes were extra.

The only date you need to remember is 2002. The Ford's changed from AUII to AUIII in 2002. Just do a google to get the specifics of the model change.

The ute's are longer than he sedans.

Also remember the ECU's are different depending on transmission, so auto ecu is different from a manual ecu.

As a comparison I can source complete EFI 90 model Mustang HO engines full reconditioned for around US$2k + delivery. But delivery for me from the USA is no problem these days. That's without T5, but keeping the original T5 in the package is not expensive anyway.

[byroncobra]

Thanks for all that Craig

Sounds for similar money to buying a wreck that an engine/trans setup may be less hassle than buying/transporting/breaking down a wreck. I'm wondering also l how much else is really usable.

Considering that I live outside a metro area, shifting leftover parts may be a challenge as well.

[400TT]

Not sure about how much you could use. There would certainly be some money in selling off the unused parts.

On the Harrison we built, we bought an import front-cut to source the Lexus engine. We also used the radiator from the front-cut and a lot of other smaller parts.

The amazing thing was that by the time we sold the power steering pump, AC compressor, air bag suspension and the other big items, we ended up recouping a fair bit of the purchase price. But that sort of stuff was in demand for the Lexus engines as it was hard to get. Not sure if it would be the same for Ford/Holden.

It's a tough choice, there are pros/cons to both approaches.

[cameron02]

If you wish to use the computer from the AUII XR8 or the AUIII then you will need the "body control module" BCM as well as the main computer otherwise smart shield will never let you start the car. Try and get the ignition barrel and original keys as this will save you a lot of hassel.

Hi 400TT, when you say the Tickfords did not have any more power (on paper) than the standard XR8. As far as I am aware all the 220kw motors were Tickfords, thats how they got to 220kw from 200kw and 185kw on earlier ones. Compared to the 200kw engines the 220kw engines had the same heads but with bigger valves plus Tickford did CNC porting and matching. The lower intake manifold was port matched and they also ran a 70mm throttle body (65mm on the 200kw). Fuel pressure was increased from 2.8bar to 3.5bar

[400TT]

Thanks Cameron, I'm certainly no expert on the AU Falcons, but have been around long enough to see quite a few in Cobras & GT40s.

When looking at engines we only looked at 1 x AUIII and it had Tickford badges all over it and the 220kw sticker on the back. It's also the one we got the engine from. So I don't doubt it. Interesting to know.

Cameron did yours also have a factory oil cooler?