Srt-8

[MarauderBoy]

Thought I would post this here as our site seems to have the Summer doldrums...

Working in Alpharetta, GA and stopped in to the local "5 star" Dodge dealer. Looked at inventory and chatted with the sales guy for a while. It must have been slow for him because he asked me if i wanted to take the Magnum out for a spin. He started it off and explained all the nice features. I have to say the station wagon is big and has very comfortable seats. I did not care for the shifter. I said it was too bad they didn't make a manual and of course he extolled the virtues of auto slap - just like a manual.

The guy was pretty nice and it was obvious he was out to have some fun too. He floors it from a stop light and it does take off but no wheel spin and no second gear bark. He said it had traction control and went on to explain how the engine is breaking in and the transmission needs 2500 miles to learn. I'll give some on these points but I want to drive it. We switch drivers and I get my chance to feel the power. I hit it from a stop and from several speeds to compare butt to what I get in my MM. I don't know the car weight but the Magnum may be the heaviest of the bunch. The brakes are very good and caused some commentary from the sales guy during one test (I think it was ahhhh!). Bottom line, I was expecting a monster but I think I can stay in front of a stock Magnum SRT-8.

In fairness, this is a great starting point! With a few, readily accesssible mods, this thing could be a monster. I agree that the displacement advantage is a a real plus and I would love to drive a blower version.
The downside is that the starting point is already a good $~12k more than what a MM started at new.

Overall, nice but it wasn't enough to change my mind. Tomorrow, I think I'll have to stop at the Jeep dealer to check out the Logan ride...

[Motorhead350]

Cool. I like those editions myself. Keep me posted.

[rozkopeeko]

just got rid of my 06 srt8 magnum ,,, don't get me wrong great car but not really a lot of tried and test aftermarket assessories,,, but the srt8 is a beast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love the 04 marauder i picked up though an like i said there are a lot of things to add ,, let's face it the 4.6 dohc motor is here to stay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RoyLPita]

I drove a 300C SRT8 once. It does not take much to get the back end to "dance".

[Logan]

The Jeep SRT8 is the fastest of the SRT8's, and the 2nd fastest vehicle in the Dodge lineup, next to Viper. The wonders of all wheel drive...

I'm completely in love with my daily driver Jeep SRT8. It just rocks. Only complaint, the nav system is ****e, but then, I have a garmin, so not a problem.

'nuff said.

[bmartin9122]

Not to be contrary, but I have crushed every MM and 96-97 Imp I have run across. Stock vs. stock - it isn't even a race. Of course, modded cars can't be compared. I know a fella getting his SRT8 Magnum stroked to a 426, but now that isn't an SRT8 anymore. You get my point.

Don't get me wrong - I like Marauders. However, performance-wise - they are not in the same class, and to say you could stay in front of a stock SRT8 with a stock Marauder is delusional.

[hitchhiker]

Don't get me wrong - I like Marauders. However, performance-wise - they are not in the same class, and to say you could stay in front of a stock SRT8 with a stock Marauder is delusional.

That was rather unfriendly.

:D

[O's Fan Rich]

Not to be contrary, but I have crushed every MM and 96-97 Imp I have run across. Stock vs. stock - it isn't even a race. Of course, modded cars can't be compared. I know a fella getting his SRT8 Magnum stroked to a 426, but now that isn't an SRT8 anymore. You get my point.

Don't get me wrong - I like Marauders. However, performance-wise - they are not in the same class, and to say you could stay in front of a stock SRT8 with a stock Marauder is delusional.

I didn't read anything above that said that they could. It was all kudos.
You Texas guys are too sensitive. If only your D-backs would stop sleeping in cars with guns on their laps.....:nono: :nono: :nono:
BTW you have a CAI... so you're not "stock" any more.:D

[duhtroll]

By his avatar, it sez he is supercharged.

And I *would* say most SC MMs would outrun an SRT8. I have seen the timeslips to verify it.

Stock vs. stock is a pointless argument, too. Let's compare dollar vs. dollar - THAT is the only fair way to do it.

Heck, I am not SC and I would be close to an SRT-8. I'd probably lose but it wouldn't be a blowout. And I only paid $30K for everything on my car included. For the price difference I could smoke any SRT-8.

Don't get me wrong, I like the SRT-8 line, but let's be realistic here. Every SC MM I know is under 13.5, and most of them in the 12s, and for less money than a stock SRT-8.


Not to be contrary, but I have crushed every MM and 96-97 Imp I have run across. Stock vs. stock - it isn't even a race. Of course, modded cars can't be compared. I know a fella getting his SRT8 Magnum stroked to a 426, but now that isn't an SRT8 anymore. You get my point.

Don't get me wrong - I like Marauders. However, performance-wise - they are not in the same class, and to say you could stay in front of a stock SRT8 with a stock Marauder is delusional.

[magindat]

At the end of the day, it's still a cubic inches war... and we are the underdogs.

The impy, srt, and mm all weigh about the same. Impy is 350 (5.8L), SRT is 367 (6.1L), we are 281 (4.6L).

In my opinion, all the supercharger does is level the playing field. Further, I'd still take one of the lovingly used modded MM's (like Dennis has for sale) over an SRT anything.

All this from an owner WITHOUT a power adder. I still beat Hemi's (not SRT's) every day.

[bmartin9122]

That was rather unfriendly.

:D

I wasn't trying to be unfriendly. Maybe, I should be flattered that everyone these days seems to compare their ride to the SRT vehicles.

I get so tired of everyone taking pot shots at the SRT8 line: "My SC MM can beat your stock SRT8 - I do it all the time." That is fine, but I have a bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is important to me. Also, if your MM was sold in '06, the I really don't think it would be $30k MSRP. FWIW, the SRT8 line included in the last round of employee pricing, and I've heard of many folks getting Charger and Magnum SRT8's in the $36-$37k range.

I am also burned out on the "HEMI" monicker. You will notice few of my posts ever use that term. My car has a 6.1L V8, and I'll leave it at that.

Please don't think of me as disrespectful or trolling, because I have sincere appreciation and respect for all vehicles including the MM - well, except the new Impala SS's. ;)

[bmartin9122]

...You Texas guys are too sensitive. If only your D-backs would stop sleeping in cars with guns on their laps.....:nono: :nono: :nono:

That is a bunch of crap, isn't it?


BTW you have a CAI... so you're not "stock" any more.:D

Yeah, I have a CAI. I think it adds like 50rwhp. I think the HID conversion is good for another 10hp, too. /sarcasm

[bugsys03]

Stock vs. stock is a pointless argument, too. Let's compare dollar vs. dollar - THAT is the only fair way to do it.


OK lets do that then. If you really want to compare the cars, you would have to get yourself a Kenny Brown MM that comes with Brembo brakes(stock on the SRT), suspension upgrades(stock on the SRT) plus add $1500 for headers(stock on the SRT). In 2003 that car cost $54000 if I remember correctly.

[bmartin9122]

OK lets do that then. If you really want to compare the cars, you would have to get yourself a Kenny Brown MM that comes with Brembo brakes(stock on the SRT), suspension upgrades(stock on the SRT) plus add $1500 for headers(stock on the SRT). In 2003 that car cost $54000 if I remember correctly.

If we are talking that kind of money, then I'll take one Hennessey upgrade please.

http://www.hennesseyperformance.com/hennesseyperformance/ItemDetail.php?Item_ID=236&cart=evXTVDLX&DoThis=Dodge+Magnum+SRT8+HEMI&ActionReq=Where

[SergntMac]

This thread started out to be fair, objective and complimentary, thank you Mark. I'm also looking forward to you Jeep evaluation.

Let's keep this on track, and friendly, K?

[Rider90]

If we are talking that kind of money, then I'll take one Hennessey upgrade please.

http://www.hennesseyperformance.com/hennesseyperformance/ItemDetail.php?Item_ID=236&cart=evXTVDLX&DoThis=Dodge+Magnum+SRT8+HEMI&ActionReq=Where
Good luck on customer service when something goes wrong or just doesn't get done...
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/general-discussion/21978-efool-gets-punked-his-own-board.html

[bmartin9122]

Yeah, I know about that. I could just as easily go with GSMotorsports' offering: (cheaper too!)

http://www.gsmotorsports.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SRT-61001-MAG&Category_Code=MAGNUM61SRTSC

[bmartin9122]

This thread started out to be fair, objective and complimentary, thank you Mark. I'm also looking forward to you Jeep evaluation.

Let's keep this on track, and friendly, K?

I think I am abiding by those requests.

[duhtroll]

Umm, no. I'll take a STOCK MM handling as equal to the SRT-8. And yes, I have driven them both. The MM's handling is damn good in stock form.

Even if I needed an upgrade for the sake of argument, sways and control arms will do the trick, and those can all be had for under $1000 total, including labor if you don't do it yourself.

Brakes, if needed, $1400. We're still not up to the costs of the SRT8, including blower on the MM.

Dollar for dollar, we are driving the best deal for performance sedan out there. Because it came stock with a 15.x 1/4, people bash, but they have to learn the hard way, I guess.

The R/Ts cannot hang with a MM with 4.10s and a tune, and that's under a $1000 swap. I've proven that several times over, as have many around here.

Mopar guys have the stock performance edge. Right now, we have "mod-ability" in our corner. Perhaps some day that will change.

. . .but not today.


OK lets do that then. If you really want to compare the cars, you would have to get yourself a Kenny Brown MM that comes with Brembo brakes(stock on the SRT), suspension upgrades(stock on the SRT) plus add $1500 for headers(stock on the SRT). In 2003 that car cost $54000 if I remember correctly.

[bugsys03]

I'll take a STOCK MM handling as equal to the SRT-8.

:sorry: :bs:

[94_302]

I know a fella getting his SRT8 Magnum stroked to a 426, but now that isn't an SRT8 anymore.

Why does a stroker kit mean it's no longer an SRT-8?

[bmartin9122]

Why does a stroker kit mean it's no longer an SRT-8?

I say that because it becomes an SRT8 PLUS of sorts. If SRT released a stroker option from the factory, then I would be okay calling it an SRT8-II (or whatever). I guess what I am saying is when comparing vehicles, telling someone you drive a MM and you can do all this damage and kill other vehicles, when in reality it is a MM w/ a ProCharger is unfair. You would have a damn fine sleeper, and you would definitely surprise folks. However, misrepresenting the "breed" with a heavily modded one-off isn't right. It would be like me saying I drove a diesel pickup that beats Mustangs, but I fail to mention in the same comparison that my diesel is no more stock than a Lingenfelter Corvette.

[Mr Johnson]

:sorry: :bs:
+1

Obviously this is a subjective opinion but I don't think they are at all close in their stock configurations. I've driven them both and I own another 3500+ lb "sport sedan" that I've heavily modified which is what I base my opinion on.

[duhtroll]

Look, just because you are happy with your Chrysler it doesn't mean you get to make stuff up.

The SRT-8 just ain't as good for the money. Period. The MM, dollar for dollar, is better in every way. Well, 'cept paint.

There is a $10K difference MINIMUM between the two, brand new. For that difference, a MM takes an SRT-8 in any race you want to set up.

Go ahead and justify your purchase to yourself, but you aren't going to win over lots of people on this board.

Perhaps you should be on the DCX boards with this crap.


:sorry: :bs:

[bmartin9122]

Hey bugsys03,

I guess when you get 2300+ posts, you are allowed to get cranky. OTHERWISE, you must be polite.

[O's Fan Rich]

I like the Charger.... srt8- or not.

[SergntMac]

Hey bugsys03,

I guess when you get 2300+ posts, you are allowed to get cranky. OTHERWISE, you must be polite.That's two.

[HwyCruiser]

The Magnum AWD is my favorite out of all the Dodge cars, and I think it's the best looking wagon out there. It'll probably replace the wife's Escape next year.

[Joe Walsh]

There is a lot of arguing about a MM vs an SRT8.
In stock form, you've got to give the nod to the SRT8....hands down.
If you want to take into account the price difference, then OK, the stock MM looks a lot better.
I would still take a Marauder, because I like the styling much better....BUT I appreciate and give 'props' to the entire SRT8 line.
In fact I am very jealous of the SRT8 line because FORD can't offer us died-in-the-blue-wool FORD fans anything like it.

(Now ask me how much I will enjoy watching SRT8 driver's expressions when I hammer them with my Procharged 5.0 DOHC.)
:awe:

[Glenn]

Mr. Longhorn:

Let's boil everything down to times. I do not see any times in the lower left hand corner of your posts. My MM will stand on its times versus any SRT8 variant.

Glenn

[bigslim]

I test drove a Charger SRT-8. It was a nice car. Great power and seats. I did have the chance to walk down a SRT-8 300C on the freeway once. He was moving but I caught him. Come off at an exit and he looked over at me and said "man, that car is fast". I would buy an SRT-8 product.

BTW, I work with a guy that has a Magnum SRT-8. We are going to the track next Friday to see how they run.

[duhtroll]

Who's cranky? Simply because I called what bugsys posted "crap?"

Show us a time slip. Prove how wrong we are and I will take back my statement. Being truthful ain't necessarily being cranky just because it ain't what you wanna hear.

I wonder why members would be wary of people who are on the MM.net site telling us how unworthy all our cars are.

:confused:

I am CERTAIN I would be treated just as well over on the DCX boards, no matter how polite I was (and you can do a search for my posts over there if you want proof).

Seems to me you guys have been treated far better than I ever was, and I wasn't even telling them my car was faster than theirs.

Like I said, if you don't like it, you know where to go.

Thanks for your time.


Hey bugsys03,

I guess when you get 2300+ posts, you are allowed to get cranky. OTHERWISE, you must be polite.

[Mr Johnson]

Look. He called your statement about stock for stock handling BS. You come back with a bunch of other things unrelated to handling and call his post "crap". Do you see the disconnect?

It's not even a contest in handling "stock for stock". If you want to argue about value don't forget about little things like the interior and the toys you get for the $$$. If you want to compare times why don't you compare both a road course and a 1/4 mile?

To some of us it's more than just straight out speed for the $.

:twocents:

[bmartin9122]

Mr. Longhorn:

Let's boil everything down to times. I do not see any times in the lower left hand corner of your posts. My MM will stand on its times versus any SRT8 variant.

Glenn

That is impressive. Your SC'd MM can beat my NA Magnum. :bows: I'll give you that. When my warranty is out - I'll get a turbo or maggie and head to the track. I can't afford to rag her out until then!

[bmartin9122]

Look. He called your statement about stock for stock handling BS. You come back with a bunch of other things unrelated to handling and call his post "crap". Do you see the disconnect?

It's not even a contest in handling "stock for stock". If you want to argue about value don't forget about little things like the interior and the toys you get for the $$$. If you want to compare times why don't you compare both a road course and a 1/4 mile?

To some of us it's more than just straight out speed for the $.

:twocents:

Thank you. The LX platform is IRS vs the live axle Panther platform. Yes, live axles are better for straight line acceleration, but for the best handling IRS is the way to go. In addition, the Magnum has a near perfect 51-49 weight distribution - and there is ALOT of weight to distribute! This, however, will never account for taste. The MM (I like the CV Sport as well) is a true sleeper, especially with a SC. I love it for that alone. However, I have a wife and 3 kids with stuff out the wazzoo, and the wagon layout of the Magnum suits me well. :burnout:

[TAF]

But....But....But....Dr. Z says it IS faster.

Boy they pulled those Kraut ads fast...didn't they.

Chrysler shelves high-profile "Dr. Z" ads


DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group on Friday said it suspended a series of high-profile ads starring DaimlerChrysler AG (DCXGn.DE: Quote (http://today.reuters.com/stocks/overview.aspx?symbol=DCXGn.DE&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage1), Profile (http://today.reuters.com/stocks/CompanyProfile.aspx?symbol=DCX Gn.DE&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage1), Research (http://today.reuters.com/stocks/ResearchReports.aspx?symbol=DC XGn.DE&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage1)) Chairman Dieter Zetsche as a CE0-pitchman in the mold of former Chrysler head Lee Iacocca.
Chrysler said its "Ask Dr. Z" advertising campaign had achieved the company's intent of focusing consumer attention on the American and German engineering behind the company's cars. But sales fell during the two months of the campaign and critics said the ads risked distracting attention from the automaker's summer sales efforts intended to clear out an inventory of unsold vehicles.

[bmartin9122]

That's two.

Two what? :confused:

[bmartin9122]

But....But....But....Dr. Z says it IS faster.

Boy they pulled those Kraut ads fast...didn't they.

Chrysler shelves high-profile "Dr. Z" ads


DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group on Friday said it suspended a series of high-profile ads starring DaimlerChrysler AG (DCXGn.DE: Quote (http://today.reuters.com/stocks/overview.aspx?symbol=DCXGn.DE&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage1), Profile (http://today.reuters.com/stocks/CompanyProfile.aspx?symbol=DCX Gn.DE&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage1), Research (http://today.reuters.com/stocks/ResearchReports.aspx?symbol=DC XGn.DE&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage1)) Chairman Dieter Zetsche as a CE0-pitchman in the mold of former Chrysler head Lee Iacocca.
Chrysler said its "Ask Dr. Z" advertising campaign had achieved the company's intent of focusing consumer attention on the American and German engineering behind the company's cars. But sales fell during the two months of the campaign and critics said the ads risked distracting attention from the automaker's summer sales efforts intended to clear out an inventory of unsold vehicles.

Dieter is personable enough, but the ads were stupid.

[sweetair]

This is all really a bunch of niose. I like what Chrysler has done with having a SRT-8 line as well. They are giving you a few choices for a "muscle"car from the factory, which sadly (being a FORD guy) isn't an option in my tent. However, I personally have a problem with Chrysler. Not sure I would ever own one, but the Challenger is catching my eye for '08. Just my .02.

[duhtroll]

No, there is no disconnect whatsoever and I stand by that statement. If the SRT is soooo much better, let's see some proof. My point is, you have none. Just all this posturing on the MM.net forum. Why are you here again? Oh yeah, to tell us your cars that cost $10K more are better in a stock comparison.

Until you have proof, take this BS somewhere else. Really.

I also added (which you and he seemed to ignore) that even IF a suspension upgrade is in order for the purpose of comparison, it can be done with blower for less than the price difference between the two.

I was even granting you your point for the argument, and then showing you how it's meaningless.

So, see, it really isn't even an argument. Dollar for dollar (which has been my point all along) the MM wins in both performance categories -- straight line and on the twisties. And what is wrong with the MM interior? It's the Chrysler interior that is lacking, IMO.

My Ferrari is better stock for stock than your SRT-8.

See how stupid that sounds? I spent lots more $, stock for stock, so it damn well better be superior.

SRT-8 guys spent more than the MM owners, get it? You wanna compare, let's start with the same size check.

And then you lose.


Look. He called your statement about stock for stock handling BS. You come back with a bunch of other things unrelated to handling and call his post "crap". Do you see the disconnect?

It's not even a contest in handling "stock for stock". If you want to argue about value don't forget about little things like the interior and the toys you get for the $$$. If you want to compare times why don't you compare both a road course and a 1/4 mile?

To some of us it's more than just straight out speed for the $.

:twocents:

[bmartin9122]

Here is a link to the timeslip database from my home forum:

http://www.lxforums.com/board/timeslips.php

I don't know if "Bo" is N/A or not. You will see a SC Marauder lurking in there, too.

[O's Fan Rich]

I like the new Chargers, even if they are not an SRT-8....

[duhtroll]

Thank you for proving my point. Compare the lists, and then compare costs involved. I already know the results, as do most here.

Don't get me wrong, I LIKE the DCX vechicles. Almost bought one. I just want the record straight.


Here is a link to the timeslip database from my home forum:

http://www.lxforums.com/board/timeslips.php

I don't know if "Bo" is N/A or not. You will see a SC Marauder lurking in there, too.

[bmartin9122]

Thank you for proving my point. Compare the lists, and then compare costs involved. I already know the results, as do most here.

Don't get me wrong, I LIKE the DCX vechicles. Almost bought one. I just want the record straight.

I, for one, never argued a SC'd Marauder's ability to hang with an SRT8 in straight line acceleration. In fact, I conceded this truth a few posts ago. (see post #34)

I will continue to disagree that a Marauder (even with anti-sway bars and such) can hang in the twisties with an SRT8. I will also like to remind you that I have a factory warranty protecting my investment - you gave yours up with the supercharger.

Additionally, my Magnum SRT8 (full sticker $42k) came with sunroof, navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, 6-CD changer, Brembo brakes, stability control program, and full side curtain air bags front & rear. Did yours ($34k sticker) come with any of this? Was it even available?

My point is you have attempted to deny the Magnum (or Charger or 300) is actually an excellent bargain from any angle, which most on this board would agree is not true. Notice, I did not say it is a better bargain necessarily - just excellent.

[bmartin9122]

I test drove a Charger SRT-8. It was a nice car. Great power and seats. I did have the chance to walk down a SRT-8 300C on the freeway once. He was moving but I caught him. Come off at an exit and he looked over at me and said "man, that car is fast". I would buy an SRT-8 product.

BTW, I work with a guy that has a Magnum SRT-8. We are going to the track next Friday to see how they run.

I can't wait for the results! Can you try to get a video of the showdown? Win or lose, my buddies on the other forum would love to see that race. Thanks!

[O's Fan Rich]

I like the Charger ...... even if it's not

[duhtroll]

Whoa there - I didn't say it (SRT8) wasn't a good bargain -- ever. Please quote me accurately if you're going to do it at all. I said the MM was a better bargain. Big difference.

I have a 100K warranty also- I'm still NA. I don't think I ever will S/C this car until I hit 150K and want to put a new engine in her. If I wanted to spend the money, I'd have a faster car. But then, any power mods can void a warranty with either manufacturer. Given how tightly controlled to computer codes were for your vehicle, I'd guess it would be harder to convince anyone at DCX that my mods didn't cause whatever problem(s) might arise.

That's a guess, but it's because I have only had one problem with people telling me my warranty was void (well, one that was in any way sane) and most dealers/mechanics were willing to work with me.

As for sunroof, I'm tall. You lose an inch of headroom with it. That takes care of it, especially considering the Magnum loses an inch of headroom to the MM already- 39.3 to 38.4. I will never subscribe to satellite radio as I hate the concept and I can read a map, making GPS pretty much useless to me, and it came with my phone anyway.

Mine had a CD changer and I got rid of it - didn't need it. So really, I'm driving the car I want, or as I said I would have bought an SRT8 by now. As it is my next car will probably be the new Challenger or Camaro. Ford sure as heck ain't getting my money from here on, unless something changes drastically in the next few months.


I, for one, never argued a SC'd Marauder's ability to hang with an SRT8 in straight line acceleration. In fact, I conceded this truth a few posts ago. (see post #34)

I will continue to disagree that a Marauder (even with anti-sway bars and such) can hang in the twisties with an SRT8. I will also like to remind you that I have a factory warranty protecting my investment - you gave yours up with the supercharger.

Additionally, my Magnum SRT8 (full sticker $42k) came with sunroof, navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, 6-CD changer, Brembo brakes, stability control program, and full side curtain air bags front & rear. Did yours ($34k sticker) come with any of this? Was it even available?

My point is you have attempted to deny the Magnum (or Charger or 300) is actually an excellent bargain from any angle, which most on this board would agree is not true. Notice, I did not say it is a better bargain necessarily - just excellent.

[chicago_cop]

That is a bunch of crap, isn't it?



Yeah, I have a CAI. I think it adds like 50rwhp. I think the HID conversion is good for another 10hp, too. /sarcasm


Just curious. Have you had any issues reguarding quality on your Mopar. My wife is furious that Ford is not making the Town Car any more, and said she will go for the 300C. Her Car.

[bmartin9122]

Whoa there - I didn't say it (SRT8) wasn't a good bargain -- ever. Please quote me accurately if you're going to do it at all. I said the MM was a better bargain. Big difference.

I have a 100K warranty also- I'm still NA. I don't think I ever will S/C this car until I hit 150K and want to put a new engine in her. If I wanted to spend the money, I'd have a faster car. But then, any power mods can void a warranty with either manufacturer. Given how tightly controlled to computer codes were for your vehicle, I'd guess it would be harder to convince anyone at DCX that my mods didn't cause whatever problem(s) might arise.

That's a guess, but it's because I have only had one problem with people telling me my warranty was void (well, one that was in any way sane) and most dealers/mechanics were willing to work with me.

As for sunroof, I'm tall. You lose an inch of headroom with it. That takes care of it, especially considering the Magnum loses an inch of headroom to the MM already- 39.3 to 38.4. I will never subscribe to satellite radio as I hate the concept and I can read a map, making GPS pretty much useless to me, and it came with my phone anyway.

Mine had a CD changer and I got rid of it - didn't need it. So really, I'm driving the car I want, or as I said I would have bought an SRT8 by now. As it is my next car will probably be the new Challenger or Camaro. Ford sure as heck ain't getting my money from here on, unless something changes drastically in the next few months.

So... wow. I had assumed this entire time that your MM was force fed. What have you done to a 15 sec car to make it competitive with an SRT8?

I see from your profile that you have a fairly basic set of bolt-ons and a tune. Ahhhh....... You have an upgraded torque converter and 4.10's! You definitely have a quarter-mile runner there. You must have been pretty successful hiding those little nuggets from your dealer. I imagine any drivetrain problems could be blamed on them by a service technician pretty easily. IMO, you are definitely on the edge of being "heavily modded".

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of investment do you have in these mods (incl labor)? I am thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of $4-5k...

[bmartin9122]

Just curious. Have you had any issues reguarding quality on your Mopar. My wife is furious that Ford is not making the Town Car any more, and said she will go for the 300C. Her Car.

My first Magnum was misaligned from the factory, which was fixed under warranty. The front seat occupant classification system also had a problem with one of the sensors - also a warranty item.

My SRT8 had an issue with the brake rotors. They were prematurely scoring. I got 4 new slotted rotors (not just more of the same ones that failed prematurely) installed under warranty.

hmmmm..... I think that is about it. I chalked all of these problems up to working out the bugs.

[Breadfan]

Wow this thread is real pointless. You all are comparing apples to oranges.

Here's the deal, for $28,000 I can go from owning nothing to getting a Marauder that will either match or exceed an SRT-8 in handling, acceleration, and braking.

Don't believe me?

Here's the breakdown:

Used Marauder - $18-19k
Trilogy blower - $6k
Big brake kit - $1.5k
Full suspension upgrade - $1.5k

I'd probably even have money left over for some exhaust work and a few tanks of 93 Octane.

So...what did I prove? Pretty much nothing.

I did prove that for $28k I could go as fast or faster than an SRT8. OK. Heck I could dothat for $10-12k with an old Fox Mustang. (For those who don't know, a 92 LX 5.0 with a Maximum Motorsports kit won a skidpad challenge a few years back, like 1.2g's on the pad - with a live axle mind you. Live axle cars can be made to handle extremely well, but i'm willing to bet at those upper limits the ride gets pretty stiff.)

But again - apples to oranges folks.

Take the price of a Marauder new, add in the mods, and you find that you're about equal to the cost of an SRT-8. So really...no one wins. You want a new car these days with that type of performance that is a big car with a big trunk that's what you pay. If you don't mind a used versoin of the same thing, that's when you save money.

Right now there aren't many cheap used SRT-8s. So can't really compare used to used.

At anyrate, here's the defenses:

SRT-8 Defense: It's a good cost effective car with some real nice out-of-the factory performance bolt-ons. Many of them offer great sports sedan performance for the price of a new car.

Marauder Defense: They're a good platform and while they were not smoking fast from the factory (no one can deny that) they are a good platform for making a screamin' sleeper.

Sounds like everyone wins and it boils down to personal preference...

[O's Fan Rich]

I like.... never mind.
Thsi has gone down hill fast.... Chevy vs Ford sorta. It's almost a 5.0 board thread.

[duhtroll]

And that's kinda what I've been saying.


Wow this thread is real pointless. You all are comparing apples to oranges.

Here's the deal, for $28,000 I can go from owning nothing to getting a Marauder that will either match or exceed an SRT-8 in handling, acceleration, and braking.

Don't believe me?

Here's the breakdown:

Used Marauder - $18-19k
Trilogy blower - $6k
Big brake kit - $1.5k
Full suspension upgrade - $1.5k

I'd probably even have money left over for some exhaust work and a few tanks of 93 Octane.

So...what did I prove? Pretty much nothing.

I did prove that for $28k I could go as fast or faster than an SRT8. OK. Heck I could dothat for $10-12k with an old Fox Mustang. (For those who don't know, a 92 LX 5.0 with a Maximum Motorsports kit won a skidpad challenge a few years back, like 1.2g's on the pad - with a live axle mind you. Live axle cars can be made to handle extremely well, but i'm willing to bet at those upper limits the ride gets pretty stiff.)

But again - apples to oranges folks.

Take the price of a Marauder new, add in the mods, and you find that you're about equal to the cost of an SRT-8. So really...no one wins. You want a new car these days with that type of performance that is a big car with a big trunk that's what you pay. If you don't mind a used versoin of the same thing, that's when you save money.

Right now there aren't many cheap used SRT-8s. So can't really compare used to used.

At anyrate, here's the defenses:

SRT-8 Defense: It's a good cost effective car with some real nice out-of-the factory performance bolt-ons. Many of them offer great sports sedan performance for the price of a new car.

Marauder Defense: They're a good platform and while they were not smoking fast from the factory (no one can deny that) they are a good platform for making a screamin' sleeper.

Sounds like everyone wins and it boils down to personal preference...

[duhtroll]

Actually, I have hidden nothing from the dealer. Well, I doubt they know about the TC but that's only because I don't go there anymore. They installed my gears and original tune. For the record, I have not had a major mechanical problem with my MM so we have never had to investigate whether or not a failure was due to mods.

I have actually less than $4-5 K in these mods. Were I to lay out that kind of cash I might as well have gone with the blower from the beginning.

The TC and exhaust were the most expensive at $1K installed. Tax refund day. The gears I believe are only $170 or so for parts and a few hours of labor so I bet I have $500 in those. Add the tune and I bet I'm at $3K.

Considering the price of the car was $27K, I'm in for about $32K, give or take. It's an estimate, but probably not far off. I know I did not get as good a deal as several on board here, though, between different discount plans, etc..



If you don't mind me asking, what kind of investment do you have in these mods (incl labor)? I am thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of $4-5k...

[SergntMac]

I like.... never mind.
Thsi has gone down hill fast.... Chevy vs Ford sorta. It's almost a 5.0 board thread.Threds like this go that way, I just don't like the name-calling. Y'all can opinion your azz off, but keep your insults to yourself.

[Breadfan]

By the way I don't see why there's any arguments like this these days between owners of any American muscle. We should combine forces in these Integra-type-r days and rather than argue amongst ourselves teach our kids that V8 power is much cooler than a Civic with an aluminum wing.

As Mac said, nothing wrong with enjoying your purchase, your choice, your ride. Nothing wrong with being opininated about why either. Nothing wrong with a debate. But drag-down arguments with name calling gets us no where.

[bmartin9122]

Threds like this go that way, I just don't like the name-calling. Y'all can opinion your azz off, but keep your insults to yourself.

Forgive, but I never intended to any name-calling or insult anyone. In fact, I pride myself in staying above board when it comes to that sort of thing.

[Mr Johnson]

By the way I don't see why there's any arguments like this these days between owners of any American muscle. We should combine forces in these Integra-type-r days and rather than argue amongst ourselves teach our kids that V8 power is much cooler than a Civic with an aluminum wing.

As Mac said, nothing wrong with enjoying your purchase, your choice, your ride. Nothing wrong with being opininated about why either. Nothing wrong with a debate. But drag-down arguments with name calling gets us no where.

:beer:

I completely agree. Only thing I would change in your statement is to be tolerant of non-american big iron too (Think M5, RS6, etc...). Nice cars are nice cars and we should enjoy and encourage all automakers willing to build them.

[O's Fan Rich]

Forgive, but I never intended to any name-calling or insult anyone. In fact, I pride myself in staying above board when it comes to that sort of thing.
Come to MVIV, and bring that car..... I wanna drive it, so does the Mrs......
I'll let you drive mine!

[Logan]

What the hell, you retards... I missed all this crap...

This thread is about ME dammit, not you d00ds...

I bought my Jeep SRT8 cuz it's wicked fast, AWD, has a warranty, DVD for the kids and room in the bag to haul groceries without me having to bend over to stick em in the trunk. :)

Yeah, it cost $40k... Who cares? To get my damn marauder(s) to do half what this thing does from the FACTORY, I'd spend just as much.

To each his own. I've had two marauders, to me, they're old sk00l, gotta keep it fresh lads... quit yer whinin' and be nice.