I am about to put a xr8 motor and box into xg ute. Is there any one with any helpful hints to make a smooth swap EG, Mount types, tailshafts. cheers

I put a 5.0 + T5 into my XF. used XD clevo mounts and FC ltd tailshaft. You should be able to use ute/panelvan tailshaft that matches your box.
Passenger side toweer will have to be "massaged" to fit A/C pump.

im not sure what ur budget is. but allways keep money on side for this conversion... im only putting a au3 xr8 motor in a ef and im having a hell of a lot of trouble... have you got the loom and everything. because i asked for the loom when i baught my motor and i only got the engine loom none of the attatchments from under the motor that werent attached to the motor... big but basic job... were the xg injected...???
i have had a heap of help from such forum members as xr8ute, ebts50, and xr9 ute. they may be able to help you out. good luck