Thought I would share... I'm taking my throttle body, intake and heads to get them extruded and honed from Extrude Hone in Paramount CA. Cost is going to be $1,950. They expect a 20+ HP gain.

This might be the best HP to $ ratio I've found thus far...

 

Extrude Hone must be expanding, they were based out of Pittsburgh PA where I am from. Good luck, I know lots of people that have had it done. I'd suspect 20 at the flywheel maybe but not at the wheels, did they specify?

 

I guess they have another location in Paramount, CA. also looks like dealers throughout the US, but you're right, their main HQ is in PA.

When I spoke with their engineer he said they have a basis of 20-30 hp increase on N/A V6 engines including a recent C320 overhaul that was done by Metric Motors here in LA. which dyno'd at 248 hp after it was completed. Allegedly Metric re-built the engine to exact MB spec with the exception of extrusion and honing the heads, intake and exhaust manifold. It also had an aftermarket dual exhaust and performance ECU remap.

I'm in the process of pulling the intake and heads and should have it over to them early next week. They expect a 10 day turn-around, which, barring any problems, should put my car back on the road in 2 1/2 weeks. At that time I'll have it dyno'd at the track the next time I'm out there... If I have an extra $160 in my pocket...

PS: This car is a real pain-in-the-AS* to work on... You need a whole new set of MB style tools to get the thing apart... Every damned bolt is a star pattern... I needed all new box wrenches and sockets... As well as a pair of MINI-HANDS and OCTOPUS ARMS...

 

ever see how the do it, it is cool. It is like a play doh kit with grit.
Good luck, keep us informed.

 

Derek, does that price include "port matching"? Intake to heads, heads to headers, etc. Or is that where the "honed" part comes in?

 

It includes what they referred to as "port balancing, or flow balancing" intake to heads etc.
From what I understand, the process virtually de-burs and polishes all the internal passages much like the old fashioned hand porting and polishing, but does it in near identical tolerances. They also said they can increase the size of the passages to a specific percentage within the tolerances of the part.

I was told that additional hand polishing could provide a bit smoother surface after they complete their process, so I may get in there with one of my polishing wheels after they return the parts... Depends on how smooth they look...

 

Sounds great. I know alot of "serious" Pure Stock (and I use that term loosely) racers use this process to give them that extra "edge". I hope you see the improvement that your looking for. Good luck!

 

now's the time to buy that ricer. all you need to work on them is a can opener, little salt and pepper and a fart can your ready to go.

 

Marine once you get those heads back you won't take time out to be polishing any ports, they'll look so good all you'll be wanting to do is get them back on the block and out on the track. I once had a set of 428 CJ heads, (got'em from the Ford dealership back when Ford Motor Company supported HP), Ford had done the porting and polishing work, also did the valve seats, talk about instant bolt on power...great investment. hooah

 

I'm a Pseudo Marine, former Navy "Pecker Checker" with FMF...

 

Just curious, with as much money as you are putting into this, I am sure you can buy something else that would be more "race ready".

Do you really enjoy the crossfire this much and like the uniqueness?

Or you just trying to make the best of it. As I am sure you have the means to buy say an Elise.

 

Actually, I have been looking at a new Formula Mazda from Star Racecars. They have a very competitive class in SCCA. But, I kinda like the Crossfire and love the fact that I'm the only one who ever shows-up at the track. As, far as an Elise, coincidentally I have a Lotus Exige on order, but will probably buy a Toy Hauler instead, if I buy the Formula Mazda.

 

SURE HE COULD. HE COULD RACE A RICER BUT ALL THE KIDS GOT ONE. HOW DO YOU SAY SU BA RU GET THE SOY SAUCE.

 

Roy: You're a funny guy... I'm not going to dis the ricer crowd, I've been beaten handily by many of them... I hate those darn WRX STI's... Butt ugly and fast as heck in the straights...

 

That's cool, HDDP, what exactly does this mazda look like and specs?

 

You should buy one, roy toy wouldn't know performance if he sat in a F1 race car.

 

Here's the three different verisons of the car...

Standard Formula Mazda $38,000

Fomula Mazda Sports Racer $44,000

Pro Formula Mazda $78,000