I have done some work in the past week, but neglected to take any useful pics. The 3.27:1 differential has been swapped out for a 3.07:1 unit from an SRT-6. This will keep the MercedesSwapShop TCU happy. Installation of the SRT-6 exhaust began, but quickly ran into a problem of a missing mounting point for the resonator. The 2004 rear subframe not only does not have the two tapped holes to bolt the mount bracket, but it is also shaped slightly differently, so that it is not practical to drill and tap the holes. Breaking out the trusty MIG welder made quick work of the bracket, albeit, the solution is somewhat permanent. The exhaust is mounted up, and the left side mid-pipe is installed. The right side uses a very odd sealing arrangement, and a search of the parts catalog and many parts stores yielded no results. Needswings has a kit that includes this seal, and it will arrive tomorrow.

Left to do is a myriad of small items. The transmission cooling lines, torque converter bolts, and then all of the specific bits on the engine need to be hooked up. Tomorrow fabrication of the oil cooler solution, charge air cooler system, and wiring will begin. Finally, the last major hurdle is the power steering and cooling system. The SRT-6 power steering pump interferes with the upper radiator hose. It seems that the outlet on the radiator points down at a roughly 45 degree angle, and pushes the hose directly into the pulley. The pump will be swapped out for the 2004 N/A style pump, which has a lower profile pulley. Unfortunately, it also means that the power steering pressure line needs to be swapped, as the line is specific to each pump. Access to the steering box went from hard to ridiculous with this swap. I haven't quite figured out how I will get that line swapped out, without unbolting engine mounts, and lifting the engine up.

Depending on progress, the hope is to at least fire the engine this weekend, but significant hurdles remain before that can happen.