Originally Posted by
bri3d
I know you said money isn't really an object, but I think by the time you get out you'll have spent at least 5 times that.
55K engines are usually more expensive even as junkyard pulls - I'd be suspicious of that engine at that price. Factor in probably at least $1k if not more for the supporting parts that are broken or missing if you're buying a pulled engine, too. Hoses, belts should be replaced, you'll need full fluids, something will probably be bent from rough treatment depending on where you get the engine, wiring harness and sensors are often cracked, etc.
Then you get to do the swap, and then you get to the actually hard part: making the car start, especially with the key. You need to teach all of the car's control modules that they're in the same vehicle, make them accept your Chrysler VIN, and make the security system recognize your keys. You'll need access to some smart tuners, probably a Star DAS developer system (turn-key Chinese clones start at $600-$1000), and possibly a Chrysler DRB-III tool as well.
If you're going for pure power I'm not sure Lantana's engine choice is for you - he chose the 500 out of something non-AMG and unless you swap the cams or add forced induction it's not a whole lot more powerful than a well-modded SRT6 would be.
For comparison with your money, rcompart did full, "give me the car and I give you the car with a 55K engine where you turn the key and drive away" conversions for somewhere in the high-20s or low-30s range. I think LantanaTX spent over half that, but he also invested hundreds of hours making the car work himself and I'm not sure it ever started using the key alone. sk8erjosh09 just got a V8 for nearly free to put in his 6-speed, but no word on the total cost yet because it still doesn't run, and he's got a lot of combined knowledge and smarts to help him out.
Anyway, if you're just looking for something to buy now and keep in a garage until you're ready for it, get a 55K engine, but know that when you go to swap it in it won't be a cheap weekend project like a swap is on some cars.
bri3d is pretty much on point.
4,300 is pretty average for those motors though. I'd spend the extra 1K for a low mileage one though. Bob's (LantanaTX) motor was from a CL500. It doesn't matter though, all the 500 motors are the exact same.
What isn't mentioned above and a pretty big PITA with the 55K swap is the parts for the H/E and intercooler. Plumbing, brackets, the coolant reservoir and all that.
What is cool about the 55K other than tons of power
, is that the hardware in the ECU can accept the software for our key instead of the IR that comes in the Merc versions. AMG left that open, for whatever reason. So key and cruise will work with DAS coding or a clean transfer of the immo.
Star DAS with developer is needed. It's hard to find a good fully working Chinese clone of too. Mine is French and was around $750. Chrysler scan tool DRBIII is not needed and a lot more expensive anyway.
If you have an auto tranny then you will be looking at even more software hacking that I have not needed to research or learn. The TCM has a torque limiter, it prevented even Bob's who was only at 350 lbs/ft, not sure on how much to the wheel but it doesn't matter because it was limited to a ridiculous amount like 250 to the wheel or something.
Also with that much power you will need an upgraded diff for sure.
On price, Bob spent somewhere around 3600, and recovered some back after selling the V6. All of his ECU work was done through others.
I am just shy of the 3K mark right now, but I am doing everything start to finish on my own. I have 2 different programmers now, Star DAS with developer, 4 ECU's, a crap load of soldering equipment... The other thing already mentioned too was my motor shipped to my house was $510. Motor and parts were a little over 1K. I (due to lack of research) bought a flywheel and 2 clutches that didn't fit which is why my price is where it is. It should be $900 less because of those.
With the 55K, you're looking at $10K minimum just in motor and parts for the mechanical side. ECU work would be anywhere from 1K to 5K depending on where you go. For the basics people tend to forget you'll need lighter fluid or diesel (for cleaning the motor, if you want to do that), oil, power steering fluid, grinder with a cutting wheel or hacksaw (PITA), cherry picker or A-frame, engine stand, then the parts that are all different...