For around 8k and a vacation, we can pump up our XFIREX towards 330 HP with Kleemann - which is a few dollars less than the SRT6

Is this the same mods that DC made for the SRT6 since the output is the same at 330 HP?

 

I think the M.B. AMG engine has been made for a few years.

 

the price quotes I have received from Kleemann is more that what you show.

It's not exactly the same setup. They have thier own cooling system. I also read something in their reply to me that makes it sound like this is a bolt on kit - they said that although it was a bolt on kit that they had to install it. they also said they had to do it. They said the boost is 7 pounds but when HDDP looked into the SLK32 supercharger that used 15 pounds of boost... I know from renntech that the AMG mod requires a new crank and new pistons...

I would email kleemann and confirm. Either way I am sure their setup work well.

let us know how they reply.

-marc

 

Kleemann emailed me back that the supercharger can raise the HP to 330 ( $9000) and for the camshaft ($4000) an additional 17 HP can be made. Total HP gained will be 347HP....wow that's better than the SRT-6

 

What I've read the SRT-6 has alot more upgrades Brakes,Tires ,wheels lightwt.,and tranny,springs,shocks.All for $45k,700msrp .And the hp rating is under the real # s that is in the SLK.Maybe just to make the SLK look better .

 

I believe the way Kleemann makes the mods includes the whole enchilada ( brakes, springs, tranny, shocks, etc.). it's a total Kleemann engine takeover.

 

what about startech? anyone know how much their 3.8 liter upgrade is?

 

Startech ranges at $13 gran with interior and exterior mods but the 3.8 gain is only 300 HP. the looks are great but if you want power and speed for the same price...I guess Kleemann is better.

 

How about a NoS Kit upgrade for the XFire? Any thoughts?

 

I talked to a mechanic that does NOS. cost around 1000-1500.I was told this works only at full throttle.Therefore you better be pointed straight !

 

- Really though same for SuperChargers! I know Saleen is now selling a street legal NOS Ford Focus. May be the 100HP Gain that many of the XFire forum members are looking for.

 

No superchargers come in at a certain engine RPM ! Not full throttle.

I've driven the SRT6 and you can feel the hp as soon as you touch the pedal.

Have you driven one ?

 

I own a 2004 SVT Cobra and the SuperCharger is negliable unless you're at WOT when it hits the 8Lb mark. In fact otherwise it actually adds weights and robs engine power. When not driving hard the SC never engages at all, per the SC gauge on the dash. So I will disagree with you.

 

May be that way on Mustangs ,but not on the SRT6 .And if it only worked on floored pedal I'd never buy one .I guess that you cannot talk generally comparing mustang to Benz or JagXKR .Those that I've driven SRT,JagXKR,don't work only at full throttle.

 

True the mustang is an eaton supercharger. I've also had a Camaro SS with a Vortech, that was a mess. Does anyone have N2O experience? The Honda's seem to handle it okay..

 

The Kleemans Supercharger seems to be a good answer but before you change cams, Kleemans offers a ECU chip which will give you another 20 hp on thier superchargers for $1,000. Unless you need another 17 hp on top of that, you may just consider the chip. PS: 15lbs. boost seems like a lot for the 3.2 especially when Kleemans said thiers is without any internal mods and gives 330 hp.
The only issue that I haven't checked with Kleemans is a new one I recently saw on the forum. Apparently, when you order a supercharger from Mercedes, which should be the same as the SRT6, you have to put in a new wiring harness. Does this mean that you need one for the Kleemans super charger too? Kleemans have done many superchargers for the SLK but I don't think that they have done an Xfire yet. I'll e-mail Cory Umemoto, thier technical manger and see what I can find out.

 

I honestly don't think that any of the German tuners, perforamance-wise, will beat the SRT-6. Yes, the tuners say their Crossfires can make more horsepower than the SRT-6, but the horsepower alone is not going to make the car faster than the SRT-6. It's the same as those tuner cars. The ricers say that their cars, with their 350 horsepower Civics, would blow the doors off of much more expensive rivals, but like Car and Driver proved in their Super Tuner test about a year ago, the expensive extras on each car, (the winner was a comptech S2000 worth around $65,000), was not able to beat a stock, less expensive Z06 on the racetrack. This proves that most heavily modified cars coming out of tuner shops are not as fast as their horsepower figures claim them to be. Furthermore, more power from the Crossfire engine must be combined with better brakes, better suspension, and most importantly, a better transmission in order to beat the SRT-6. By the time this is acheived, you would of exceeded the sticker price of the SRT-6. Ohh, did I mention the loss of the warranty?

 

How about www.startech.de or Brabus? Looks like they have a 426HP V8 Crossfire coupe and are solely Mercedes and Chrysler tuners. Almost look factory sponsored like AMG. Anyone have any experience or insight with these guys?

I agree too that it takes more than HP to go fast around a road course, but the std. crossfire should be apgradeable in Key areas to achieve + SRT performance for less. Especially if you start out with a base coupe and 6 speed for under $30K. If you have a $40+K limited convertible with an Auto then your analogy probably rings very true. However I have the forementioned base coupe and have already upgraded the suspension (H&R, Koni Adjustable, and EBC Rotors and Pads) and brakes for about $1200. I Bought all the components at Tirerack.com. Now even if I go with a $10K Kleeman SC kit I'm still at only about $38K investment and I don't think you can get an SRT for that much.

I'm interested in checking out NoS which is only about $2K installed andgives the 100 extra HP too, or even one of the Brabus or Startech engine upgrades (not sure on pricing here yet) but would be interested in any experience with this company.

 

The 426HP V8 Crossfire coupe costs about $170,000.