Surprisingly cheap V-8s... worth it?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,349
Likes: 17
From: Murfreesboro, TN
Re: Surprisingly cheap V-8s... worth it?
Originally Posted by LantanaTX
Since I have a "lesser" V8, I thought I should chime in. The 430 engine is dirt cheap but you probably wouldn't be happy with the gain in the long run. The C43 is a great engine but you have to also change the oil pan and pick up to make it work in a Crossfire. There have been guys who have swapped 500 engines into their C43 and were suprised at the results. While the C43 and 500 engine have alomost identicle numbers, the 500 engine has a broader and flatter torque curve. I really believe the best lower cost V8 is the 500 engine. With the 500 engine there is no need to change transmissions. If you change transmissons to a SRT or V8 automatic you also have to change to a 3.07 diff. 500 engines are also dirt cheap and better suited to adding boost latter if you want to. As far as being challenged 0-60 or stop light action, you will have no trouble competing with a 500 engine matched to low Crossfire n/a gearing in the trans and 3.27 rear. the weakness of the 500 engine is in top end. Adding bosst latter wen you can afford it will fix that problem. A 500 engine with a Atwood supercharger will yeild 55K performance while a turbo will surpass a 55K either way you end up with a very fast car. My kill list with my bone stock 500 engine includes Mustangs, SS Camero's, BMW's, Hemi Challenger, S65, and a Bentley Continental GT. To put a 500 engine in a Crossfire, all you need is:
Parts
500 engine (with front sump oil pan), engine harness and donor ECU, All accesories from V6 can be used
C43. C55, CLK500 exhaust manifolds
C43 fan, shroud, and upper radiator hose
12 inch pusher electric fan
Modifed Orignal Parts
cable from starter to alternator get lengthened 5 inches
A/c hose to condensor get shortened 4 inches
Stock head pipes get tweaked at muffler shop to bolt to C43 manifolds and O2 bungs welded in.
Electronics
Donor ECU get unlocked and programmed to the car
a starter button is added
Parts
500 engine (with front sump oil pan), engine harness and donor ECU, All accesories from V6 can be used
C43. C55, CLK500 exhaust manifolds
C43 fan, shroud, and upper radiator hose
12 inch pusher electric fan
Modifed Orignal Parts
cable from starter to alternator get lengthened 5 inches
A/c hose to condensor get shortened 4 inches
Stock head pipes get tweaked at muffler shop to bolt to C43 manifolds and O2 bungs welded in.
Electronics
Donor ECU get unlocked and programmed to the car
a starter button is added
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,084
Likes: 8
From: Lantana, Republic of Texas
Re: Surprisingly cheap V-8s... worth it?
Originally Posted by JHM2K
Excellent advice Bob... lots of goodies to consider
One possible correction is that I welded the O2 bungs into the exhaust maniflolds and not the head pipes. the V8 manifolds do not have the bungs in the exhaust manifolds like the V6 ones do. welding them into the exhaust manifolds is a little tricky to do right since the the outer shell of the exhaust manifold is a heat shield. After doing this, I thought it might be possible to have the bungs welded into the head pipes instead but it is a little cramped there but looks possible. Keep in mind the parts list is much longer with a 55 Kompressor engine. Also keep in mind that a n/a 55 AMG engine goes right in like my 500 engine and you can often find these at good prices. Earlier n/a 55's had less power than lattter ones.
A little tip on transmissions; I did not change transmissions. I have no issues at all and my trans has alomost 90K miles on it. it actually shifts firmer than it did with a V6. When it is ready to rebuild, I will buy a used V8 or SRT trans (same trans) and put most of the parts from my V6 trans including the gear set into the V8 trans case which has a larger and stronger clutch pack. This will allow me to use my stock TCU and 3.27 rear end.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 1
Re: Surprisingly cheap V-8s... worth it?
Hey John,
At long as you don't go this route I'm sure you'll be able to improve that car.
Not that this guy didn't do a great job on the body, I'd love to have him do some body work on at least my truck, but the heart of that car just falls short of the image. Either way, I look forward to seeing you at the Dragon and whatever you do to the car.
Man builds his own million dollar Bugatti
At long as you don't go this route I'm sure you'll be able to improve that car.
Not that this guy didn't do a great job on the body, I'd love to have him do some body work on at least my truck, but the heart of that car just falls short of the image. Either way, I look forward to seeing you at the Dragon and whatever you do to the car.
Man builds his own million dollar Bugatti
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,349
Likes: 4
From: murfreesboro,tn
Re: Surprisingly cheap V-8s... worth it?
Originally Posted by tom2112
Hey Doc, if you're going full race car, why would you use a roadster? They won't let you race it anywhere.
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