I just received and email from Stephan at Mosselman. They currently offer a Vortech based system for the SLK320 (which should work for us) for about $4,500 USD. They are also coming out with an Eaton based system (same layout as SRT-6/C32 AMG) in December or January and should sell for the same cost as the Vortech system. The Vortech system will add 85 hp to your engine and torque will increase to 303 ft lbs (410Nm).

 

i like this news since its coming from a name i'm familiar with. keep us updated!

 

I had done some searching and found Mosselman to be very reputable with lots of happy owners out there. I would go with these guys before the german kit I found earlier. After getting the email, I called them and was pleased when he was reluctant to quote a price. He mentioned the weak dollar against the Euro and said they have to re-price their kits to stay competitive in the US. He did say the re-pricing would keep the kit around $4,500.

 

This does sound a lot better. But I am curious does this kit come with tuning software as well?

 

Yes it does include pre-programmed software. Complete bolt on kit.

 

Lantana, I hate to sound redundant or give the wrong impression - but for half the cash you could have a like new SRT engine, right?

Wouldn't you rather have the benefit of internals that are made for the boost? Factory supercharged, although not ALWAYS better, is usually a little more reliable (from what I've experienced myself with twin and single turbo 5.0 Stangs).

Still - the fact that there is a kit out there for under $10K is a welcome sign!

SQ

 

Sorry Shawn, I missed under stood you. I thought you wanted me to buy a whole SRT. The SRT-6 Engine comes out to about the same buy the time you get the computer and some other parts that always seem to be missing from the wrecked cars. With the SRT engine you can't do much upgrading latter on. Below is my top ten list for why I don't own an SRT.

1. I DON'T WANT AN SRT-6.

2. I like working on and building cars almost more than I like driving them.

3. I would not feel comfortable modifying an SRT-6 since they will be classics someday.

4. Only the cars I have left stock, I have lost money on.

5. I Like the looks of my car better than an SRT-6 (both inside and out).

6. Not impressed with the SRT-6 brake upgrade. I design better brakes than that and will make my own system for my car.

7. This post was for others who think like I do. Unless I got an unbelievable deal, I am not going this route but wanted others who are interested to know about it.

8. I am going V8 for only a 130 lb weight difference.

9. When done I will have something truly unique that will be extremely fast.

10. MY creation will be worth more than an SRT-6 and cost less than an SRT-6.

 

If I were to put a supercharger, intake, exhaust, pulleys and an ECU tune on my current car it would cost me the same amount of money, maybe cheaper than an SRT-6 based off how much I paid for my car ($17K). Plus I can keep my 6 speed gearbox.

 

GatorLCA,

Another excellent point. I paid $15,900 for mine so I am still looking pretty good compared to the SRT-6. I am still studying a couple of things, but it looks like I could have a V8 Crossfire for another $4,000 at the most, by doing the work myself.

 

I like where your head's at. A v8 is a good idea. I personally could have got the srt6 but 6 spd is so much more fun to drive and the N/A motor isn't that much different than the srt-6. If it were a difference like the base neon motor vs. the srt-4 than ya the srt motor is way different and worth the extra cash. But I have seen some of the slk320's with aftermarket superchargers and intercooled putting well over the power of a amg with stock internals, just an aftermarket clutch. Just my 2 cents.

 

Lantana,

Show me where I told you to buy an SRT, please...and I'll show you 3 or 4 times when I've praised your ideas or work.

Ever since you have been posting your mods and ideas, I have been posting with praise, and openly admiring your ambition. If this wasn't enough to stroke your ego, I can't help much more.

I simply mentioned the engine/drivetrain, not the whole car! You rebute with a lengthy post that has NOTHING to do with anything I said. If I didn't know better, I would think you have some sort of SRT envy.

You've made it very clear that your brakes, your wheels, your suspension, your interior, your spoiler, and your air dam are better than the SRT's (in your opinion, of course). To each their own, but don't accuse me of trying to push an SRT onto you when I am simply stating that to make a limited crossfire 'fast', it may be more cost effective to just buy an SRT engine out of a wrecked SRT (which wont hurt the value of a future 'classic' because the damn thing is wrecked). You said it yourself, "I wish they would've just put the SRT engine in the Limited"

If being 'original' is what you are after, than I can understand if you didn't want an SRT engine. But, 99% of the people on here don't care about original, they just want to go faster. Hell, having a crossfire, SRT or not, is original enough!

Your ideas, efforts, research, and knowledge will help all of us. However, you seem to have a bit of a chip on your shoulder for whatever reason - what did I do? Some others may have told you 'Should've bought an SRT!', but I didn't! I owned a Limited, and the only reason I traded it was because the warranty was up! I got the SRT for not much more, with new warranty, and 'brand new'. If I had intentions of modifying a car heavily, I would've never traded the coupe.

As far as being 'cheaper' to buy a Limited and make it better than an SRT - sure, someone can do it! And, the cheapest/simplest way? Probably to buy a damn SRT engine like I stated...and mod it. You have a good platform, already built for boost (unlike the 3.2 in the limited), and it is already boosted!

Gator/Sharp,
'My' SRT is actually for my wife. I've got two (soon 3) mustangs to play with. I've built a few DIY turbo kits, fueled and tuned them (both carb and EFI), broken and fixed them, and put ~ 580 rwhp to the wheels while on pump gas, and very streetable (and quiet/sleeper!). I've also cracked a block in half. Don't think for a second that I am not ALL FOR someone customizing their crossfire. I love to wrench - but not this car (not much at least), because I'm more concerned about the warranty and lack of down time as it is my wife's transportation and I want to keep it reliable and warrantied. The biggest advantage I will have over a modded Limited that is faster or as fast as my SRT, is the fact that mine is covered bumper/bumper if I break it. Granted, we know how these dealerships are...and half the fun is wrenching on them when you break them anyways, right?

Now enough of the BS - have either of you seen this thread?
Lantana, I don't think you were around yet when it was posted:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2646472

Intriguing to say the least. I would like to get rid of a mustang down the road, and buy another limited coupe to build. But that will have to wait for my Wife to finish P.A. School.

SQ

 

You must have been typing while I was apologizing. Sorry about that. Every time you say anything on hear about making a regular Crossfire go faster. you get bombarded with "go buy an SRT". I am sorry I misread your post.

 

I am all about making ANYTHING go faster. I'm also known to do things 'inexpensive'. Not necessarily 'cheap', but as much bang for your buck as possible. Much like yourself. That is why I find value in the SRT engine. It's a proven platform and dirt cheap considering what you are getting!

I owned a Fairmont Futura with 17" and 18" Deep Dish (rear) Mustang Bullit wheels, 5.0 with T5 tranny, Heads/Cam/Intake. I still want to get an old late 70's/early 80's square bodied malibu and drop a duramax/Allison combo in it for 30+ mpg, 350 hp, and 650 ft/lbs, STOCK. If someone can do it to a regal G-body GM, I can do it to a Malibu!

I guess my main point was that we are both agreeing and mutual in the ways we think and work on things. Therefore, there is no reason to argue or bicker.

Keep on working on that V8 swap, because I'm as eager as any to see what it takes!

As for the supercharge on the limited - like I originally said, it is good to see someone offering a kit that is somewhat affordable. This is a good option for someone who does not wrench. If you can wrench, an SRT engine would be better IMHO.

See ya 'round I-35.

SQ

 

ShawnQ,

Again, I am sorry about misreading your post. Hope you forgive me. I have gotten a lot of encouragement which I appreciate as well posts and PM's telling me to go buy an SRT-6. Looking at the production numbers, I really do believe that the SRT-6 will be a collector car, so I would personally would have a hard time changing anything on one of those. I have done some restorations on Ford muscle cars and the hardest part if fixing all the non stock mods and trying to locate the missing original parts.

I really started this thread for people to know what options are out there and what is coming. I am much more interested in the V8. (If I can't get the V8 figured out I will be back talking to Mosellman about an s/c).

On the subject of the SRT-6 engine they seem to be running very close to $3,000 and don't usually come with the computer and engine harness. The V8's are pretty plentiful and are similar in price or cheaper. I been under the hoods of a couple Mercedes this week and have taken a bunch of pictures and measurements. It looks like any of the 24v V8's will work as long as you use the C43 exhaust manifolds. The electric fan would have to be changed to the one I saw in a CL500. That fan is probably common to other cars as well.

The BIG question I am trying to get answers to is: Will the computer from a similar year mercedes V8 operate in a Crossfire. With most cars this can be done, but I want to find out if this can also be done with the Mercedes computers. I wouldn't want to end up with a beautiful V8 sitting in my car that I can't start. It would be nice to know this before I yank the engine out.

 

Don't worry about it.

I understand the aggravation regarding the SRT vs. Non-SRT modded debate. I am currently working on a 91 mustang that some people give me some flack about because it is an original 2.3L 4 cyl car with my transplanted v8. I am basically 'restoring' the car to stock condition, showroom, only with a v8 instead of a 4 cyl. I am getting some grief because everyone thinks I should've used a v8 body to do it. Well, I got this body cheap, and as clean as it will be...the value will still be there. And, I hear you on the locating missing original parts...it's tough. Referring to classics, When I mentioned a 3rd mustang, I am referring to a '66 A Code 2+2 Fastback that I'll be getting soon if all goes well. It needs restoration, but it will be a beauty! Factory Disc, Air, Rally Pac ,GT, etc...nice ride!

Getting the electronics figured out is always what yields the most trouble for me. I can fabricate just about anything, but making two different electronic systems jive is tough.

I wish you all the best and applaud your effort and enthusiasm about this great car, be it an SRT or not. I'm anxious to see what you end up with!

SQ

 

ShawnQ,

Sounds like you like to have fun with Mustangs! I have had a bunch of those, starting with my very first car a 1969 Acapulco Blue Mach1, others included a '68 Shelby GT500KR, '71 Boss 351, and an '88 GT convertible. I also had a '79 Turbo Capri which pretty much was a Mustang. Are you in Texas?

There is guy here in Dallas whose last named is Norwood. He is a crazy mad scientist and is credited for the worlds fastest Ferrari. He can do anything with car computers. So if I got really stuck, I could go to him.

 

I am in San Antonio (or just north of it).

I met you at Bonham with your hot-rod buddy who was looking at SRT's...remember?

Sounds like you've got a nice list of ponies under your belt. All of mine have been fox bodies to date.

BTW, check your PM's.

SQ

 

PM sent back. I have had two Fox bodies if you count the 1979 2.3 Turbo Capri. That was my first Turbo car. I was young and didn't know what I was doing. Blew the motor up twice but they covered under warrenty since my buddied in the service dept. were helping my install the adjustable waste gate and water injection. My buddy ended up with a 2008 Vette, but his wife still wants the Crossfire. He will buy the SRT as soon as he sells his '37 Ford.

 

You Texans can have a sing along!

Texas is a big state, North to South and East to West
Alaska doesn't really count, we're bigger than the rest
You can waltz across it, though, so grab your yellow rose
And sing another song of Texas--this is how it goes:
One more stupid song about Texas,
For miles and miles it rambles on
Biggest egos, biggest hair, biggest liars anywhere,
Let's sing another stupid Texas song
By God we're so darn proud to be from Texas--yahoo!
Even of our pride we're proud and we're proud of that pride, too
Our pride about our home state is the proudest pride indeed,
And we're proud to be Americans, until we can secede
One more stupid song about Texas,
You've heard it all before so sing along
Biggest belt buckles and boasts, love that big old Texas toast,
Let's sing another stupid Texas song
Our accents are the drawliest, our howdies are the y'alliest,
Our Lone Star flag's the waviest, our fried steak's the cream-graviest
Our rattlesnakes the coiliest, our beaches are the oiliest
Our politicians most corrupt, our stop signs most abrupt
Our guitars are the twangiest, our guns are the keblangiest.
Our cows are the Long-horniest, our yodels the forlorniest,
Our cookoffs are the chiliest, our Waylon is the Williest,
Our sausage is the smokiest, our neighbors are the Okiest
From Texarkana to El Paso, Dalhart down to Orange
Every spot in Texas has got what you're looking for
Aren'cha glad that Texas put the stars up in the sky?
If heaven isn't Texas, pardner, I don't want to die
One more stupid song about Texas, just 'cause we're braggin',
That don't mean it's wrong
Biggest heads and biggest hearts, biggest various body parts,
Let's sing another stupid Texas song
Toss your hats into the air, we're obnoxious (we don't care!)
Let's sing another stupid Texas song
One more blusterin', bumptious, bald faced, brazen, high flown, high-tone, dander-up, panderin',
pompous, puffed-up, snotty, swaggerin', stupid Texas song!

- Compliments of the Austin Lounge Lizards

 

Brian Brave,

I see you are in S, CA. I have lived here in Dallas for 10 years and love it here. I am from Southern CA. / Palisades High and Pepperdine U.