This.
Also, it depends on the nature of the model. A high poly clone wouldn't be as hard as say a high poly spartan IV (Halo armor), due to the flat surfaces a clone has.
You'll understand your limitations better when you start unfolding your model.
You could try and retopologise it, or decimate the mesh (poly reduction) using Blender if it's in a compatible format and you have the modelling know-how. There'd be some clean up to do with the second option though.
I don't do pep so can't comment on whether any of this might possible just using your pep program.