To swap in a V8 that is...

I'm afraid a combination of low resale values and high repair costs are going to push some people in this direction in a few years. But that's what drove those Jaguar/Chevy swaps years ago. It still makes a lot of sense. Sexy, light, good handling euro body/chassis gets massive injection of cheap reliable DeeeTroit Horsepower/Torque !

Rebuilt 3.2 M-B longblocks are around $7,000.

That kind of change will sure buy a lot of crate motor power.

Wonder what would be the best fit into a Crossfire engine bay?

I'm guessing a small block Ford since they have a front sump and distributor and are narrow compared to Mopar or Chevy V-8s.

Mustang donor clutches and manual trannys are real easy to find. The stock M-B rear-end will probably be OK unless you go dragracing.

Hey, here's an Idea !

The Factory Five guys use Thunderbird/Cougar MN12 I.R.S. pumpkins in their Cobra replicas. Last I checked Ford Racing Parts will sell you a brand new one with posi and 3.73 gears for about $600 ! Heck rebuild/replace the M-B rear is twice that much.

Think I'm on to something here ?

Yea, I know, wait a few years and buy a used SRT6.

What happens when THAT breaks ?

M-B AMG SRT-6 shortblocks are about $12,000 !

I'm thinking 350 Hp/375 Ft.Lbs in a 94.5 inch wheelbase, 3,100 Lbs car could get pretty interesting real quick...

Cincinnati Slim