What to do?....

[commandojones]

Hi guys,

I guess I'm new here on ford forums, I trawl the threads a lot but I don't post much. Anyway, I have a dilemma and I was hoping to get some constructive feed back from some fellow ford owners.

Some background, I have just finished uni last year, I am working now (mech. engineer). I own a near stock AU2 xr8 220 factory manual with a cat back exhaust (changed it because the other one was rusted out). I am pretty happy with it but I thinking of modifying it to my tastes. The t5 is a little noisey and the clutch makes some strange clunking noise etc. Also clutch cable are now obsolete from FORD. I think it would be good insurance to change it out (t56 sounds good with hyd. comnversion).

So I have a list of mods (below) bought I don't know whether I should bother or sell it and get a FG GS (5.4 ltr manual which I personally like as is) which I have my eye on, for about 30k, the 5.0 S/C too expensive. (20k would be financed too for the purchase of the GS which I am not keen on doing).I don't race or go to the drags much but I do like to give my car a tickle every now and again.

For the xr8 I was hoping for around 220kw to 250kw atw. I would like to stay with the 302 capacity though a 347 is looking viable too.

List of mods:
Pacemaker headers Tri-y $662.40
Catalytic converters 2.5" x2 $350.00
AFR 165cc 80cc Heads $1,459.85
ARP bolt kit $38.39
Hardened Push rods $60.00
Prop Comp Gasket set $50.99
BBK intake 5.0 manifold $711.00
Xr6 turbo sec. intake $81.50
Phenolic spacer $39.51
Valve covers $320.00
T56 Transmission $2,500.00
Malwood hydraulic pedal $790.00
Delwood Conversion kit (800hp clutch) $2,970.00
Coil overs $1,695.00
Bonnet with hump $440.00
Head lights $150.00
bumper bar $280.00
Wheels $995.00
Tyres $700.00

Estimated Cost: (with out tuning and consumables) $15-16k

I am not saying this combo with make my 220rwkw but I will continue to mod until I get there.

What do you think I should do? What is the quicker and more reliable option? Better to live with everyday?
Any thoughts or feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Clint.

(I apologise now if I have posted in the incorrect section)