How much does the V8 swap cost and which engine lines up with our transmission.

 

It depends on alot of things but anywhere from 3K to 20K+. If you take it to a shop then that 3 turns into a ton more. I dont remember exactly what engines fit but the C500 I believe is one of them. Also, you have parts and a little fab work to do to get the motor to fit properly, it's a very tight squeeze.

 

I understand what your saying, but, regarding the gearing, one must consider the tranny ratios along with the rear end ratios. The SRT6 rear and tranny ratios are optimized for the overall power curve.

One must also consider that a factory tuned setup is going to be more efficient in developing power from a pound of boost. I would venture to guess 10 to 12 HP per pound of boost for an underchassis turbo depending on the level of tuning refinement.

The SRT6 is a positive displacement blower, so it creates significant torque as soon as the clutch engages. One thing I found on the initial testing of the turbo system on the 300C with an intercooler developed very little power in first and second gear. Deleting the intercooler drastically improved bottom end power.

I ran my 300C against an identical charger running same boost, only he ran with a centrifugal SC. I made a lot more torque, but the SC would get out of the hole faster due to traction issues. He ran about 106 in the quarter, I ran 111. He would still beat me both to the lights, and slightly faster ET.

While it would be a much closer race, a stock SRT6 against an NA turbo running 8psi, the SRT6 is still going to have the edge.

Now swap that NA block with a forged SRT6 block, push the turbo to 10 PSI, and you have a game changer.

Don't get me wrong, an NA crossfire with 7-8 PSI will be a riot. I love turbos, and would much rather have a turbo SRT6 than a supercharged SRT6 any day.

 

I'm just having some fun with the "slayer" comment..
not a drag racer myself, just looking forward to the day she gits it with some of the "better" street performers..

 

If you can do the work it's not too much more than the engine and electronic parts but as stated can be a large range depending on what you want to do. An NA V8 is going to be the most economical. If you want an AMG V8 you're looking at aaaa loooot more but they are drool worthy.

I almost had to go back to the lodge for a new pair of draws

 

MrMopar, typically a turbo system is lighter than a supercharged correct? It may not be enough of a difference just one more to consider.

Airscape, The supercharged V8 has alot of electrical gremlins to get over I believe. I think I remember people saying it was pretty much only an option to take it to Needswings or Speedriven, I dont remember which, I havent been brushed up on all this in a while... lol

 

An underchassis turbo system would probably be a few pounds heavier depending on design. Not enough difference to be note worthy either way.

 

Yes I think Rudy is pretty much a requirement if going SC V8.

 

Wasnt sure, figured I'd ask. Makes sense though.

Rudy! I couldnt remember his name to save my life. Guess I could have just looked at the V8 diary more closely since a discussion emerged :facepalm

 

Did mercedes ever make a manual v8 that would fit?

 

To my knowledge there is no manual V8 mercedes.

 

Hmmm.. more weight on the rear = more traction..

I'd love to see a run down the track between a turbo and SRT...with experienced racers... just to see where they come on strongest against each other..

 

Any of you x-fire experts live in South Carolina?? I could use some assistance in the V8 swap...haha. If not, worth a shot.

 

All good points, but I believe the aftermarket is more capable of pushing the most power out of each pound of boost simply because they arent concerned with providing the vehicle with a warranty covering several tens of thousands of miles. A competent tuner can tune a specific engine to produce its absolute peak power output in pretty much all aspects that it will run in where an OEM application is more of a tune for best results in a broad range of aspects. There is always more to gain when working with an OEM application, boosted or otherwise, simply because an engine manufacturer will never make the engine run at 100% all the time, for reliability and dependability reasons.
I still think that with the right tuning, a turbo'd NA with 8ish lbs of boost would probably give a bone stock SRT a run for its money, might even have an edge.
With SRT internal upgrades (forged pistons, crank, etc) pushing over 10 PSI boost would give modded SRTs a hard time.
Simply my opinion however. An opinion that may not ever have a chance to be realized unfortunately....

 

I really don't think a Turbo NA is going to stand a chance against a SRT. Unless there are a few more mods.. like injectors, increased fuel pressure and a heck of a good tune, somebody that know how to change gears really quick
I want my Turbo and I want it nowwwww

 

My 2 cents.
If you love rowing the gears, get the turbo.
If you have an auto, skip the turbo, pay $3,000 more and get an SRT6.
If you want to spend around 15 G's (?), get a V8.
If you want to spend 20 G's+, get a SC V8.

I had the NA with the 6 speed and basic tuning, have an SRT6, been in Rudys pepped up SRT6, and been in Beaners SC V8. So I have seen some options.

Basically it's what you want and can afford.

I'd like the SC V8 personally, but that's just me.

 

IMHO I think everyone is missing the point. You don't tune a Limited to imitate an SRT -- if that were the case, you'd simply buy the SRT and be better off. If you dump $4,000 into a Limited so it can match SRT levels, we SRT owners can simply add another $1,000 and show you tail lights. Hardly a fruitful pursuit.

Instead, you bought a Limited because it offered a very different driving experience (Well, at least the guys with six speeds)

There's nothing wrong with a Limited being a Limited. I still miss mine, to this day. Everything from the compliant suspension, cheaper maintenance, better exhaust note, etc etc.

This year I took my SRT through the Dragon for the first time. And to be quite frank -- I preferred my Limited with the 6MT. It simply is a more engaging experience through the mountain roads. From the lighter weight, to the ability to apply 100% throttle out of each 20mph corner, to the glorious note of the N/A motor winding out in each gear... it was simply a better experience for me. The SRT could blast out of the corners, but only when the wheel was nearly straight. If you dared to mat the accelerator just after the apex, TC would kick in and rob the fun. For some reason, I felt guilty about making the auto trans do my braking for me... it was much more organic with the 6MT.

Instead of aspiring to murder an SRT in a straight line (you won't), rather focus on simply making an already fun car an absolute blast. My Limited with *only* 70 additional horsepower would have been more than ample.

No imitation will be as good as the authentic. So instead of trying to copy the SRT's numbers, make the SRT owners jealous by utilizing low-heat boost, light weight, and six speeds.

You'll make one SRT owner jealous, at least.

Cheers,

 

You said in four sentences what took me four paragraphs.

 

Yup I will second that.
I WANT MY TURBO AND I WANT IT NOWWW.....

 

Interesting read:

toured BEGi shop today - MX-5 Miata Forum