Cost of Supercharger vs Engine Upgrade

[HBTMD]

Back when our MM's were new, very few owners would have considered stroking and boring out a brand new high tech engine that was still under warranty. Instead many spent $4,000 or more to add a supercharger.

Now that all of us are long out of warranty, what is the smartest and most cost effective way to add another 100 to 150 HP to the MM?

Trilogy no longer makes the kits for the MM. A used Trilogy in good condition is very hard to find and would sell for top dollar. To do an Eaton Swap requires a great deal of knowledge, patience and a top notch mechanic to accomplish.

I hear of some owners having their engines "stroked" and "bored out". Some advocate getting a new or used low mileage 5.0 liter Mustang engine that comes stock at 400 plus hp.

What do the experts on this board recommend? :beer:

[SC Cheesehead]

Two words:

Eaton swap.

[fastblackmerc]

Cheapest route would be nitrous.

[ctrlraven]

With my motor being up in the high mileage it was a no brainer to not do any FI and either rebuild my motor or build a new motor. I opted to build a new motor and not go plain jane with it.

My new engine build will end up in the ball park of $8-10k (guessing on the high side) but it will be a 5.1 (306ci) big bore (FRPP Boss50 iron block), 11.0-11.5 CR, mild head work, upgraded valvetrain (98 cobra intake cams, new springs, valve seals), lower intake porting. I'll have to upgrade the fuel system, oil, cooling and add long tube headers to achieve my power goal. In the end I'll have a solid great breathing NA.

[RubberCtyRauder]

From what I gather, a 5.0 Coyote motor is not a plug and play swap, otherwise it would have been done by now. There are computer issues to manage the engine and transmission as the Marauder computer is not compatible.

[SC Cheesehead]

From what I gather, a 5.0 Coyote motor is not a plug and play swap, otherwise it would have been done by now. There are computer issues to manage the engine and transmission as the Marauder computer is not compatible.


^^^^^ What he said.

[Pat]

IIRC Alternative Automotive markets various block/head combo's to our cars that retains the OEM computer system (Retuned).

[Raleigh Marauder]

From what I gather, a 5.0 Coyote motor is not a plug and play swap, otherwise it would have been done by now. There are computer issues to manage the engine and transmission as the Marauder computer is not compatible.

Someone here said the cost of a Coyote swap would likely be $20-25,000...

[MERCMAN]

Back when our MM's were new, very few owners would have considered stroking and boring out a brand new high tech engine that was still under warranty. Instead many spent $4,000 or more to add a supercharger.

Now that all of us are long out of warranty, what is the smartest and most cost effective way to add another 100 to 150 HP to the MM?

Trilogy no longer makes the kits for the MM. A used Trilogy in good condition is very hard to find and would sell for top dollar. To do an Eaton Swap requires a great deal of knowledge, patience and a top notch mechanic to accomplish.

I hear of some owners having their engines "stroked" and "bored out". Some advocate getting a new or used low mileage 5.0 liter Mustang engine that comes stock at 400 plus hp.

What do the experts on this board recommend? :beer:


Not ALL of us are out of warranty . MM2004 and I still have it for @3 more yrs.

[sflrainmaker01]

With my motor being up in the high mileage it was a no brainer to not do any FI and either rebuild my motor or build a new motor. I opted to build a new motor and not go plain jane with it.

My new engine build will end up in the ball park of $8-10k (guessing on the high side) but it will be a 5.1 (306ci) big bore (FRPP Boss50 iron block), 11.0-11.5 CR, mild head work, upgraded valvetrain (98 cobra intake cams, new springs, valve seals), lower intake porting. I'll have to upgrade the fuel system, oil, cooling and add long tube headers to achieve my power goal. In the end I'll have a solid great breathing NA.

What HP #'s do you think you will put to the pavement with this combo?

I would guess that a Eaton swap would add approx. 75-100 hp to a mildly modded Marauder??? :dunno: So, that would make a car like ours around 400 hp with an Eaton swap?

[ctrlraven]

What HP #'s do you think you will put to the pavement with this combo?

I would guess that a Eaton swap would add approx. 75-100 hp to a mildly modded Marauder??? :dunno: So, that would make a car like ours around 400 hp with an Eaton swap?
Most bored motor owners have seen 325-335rwhp range, that is with close to stock 10.1 CR. I plan bumping that up some, the tuner I have been talking to said thinking realistically he would not be surprised to see 340-350rwhp/370ish tq providing I can get the 11 CR range and meet the fuel demand.

A Trilogy kit on a stock MM was putting out 380-390rwhp. The Eaton swap would probably be pretty close to that. Now if there any other supporting mods on the car, it could easily be making 400-420rwhp.

Bone stock the MM motor made 302hp/318tq, on avg most owners saw 230-245rwhp/245-250tq when the hit the dyno. No one really cares what the power numbers at the motor, what the car can actually put down to the ground is the only numbers that truly matter.

[Motorhead350]

I might have a Procharger for sale soon.

[Blk04MM]

I might have a Procharger for sale soon.

Price ..........

[Motorhead350]

Price ..........

TBD

i have three other people who want if i need to sell.

I will have a decision on the sale next week depending on how bad my engine is.

I will PM you if the sale is necessary.

[Joe Walsh]

If your engine is in good shape an Eaton swap is the way to go.
Plenty of info about this swap on this, and other websites.
Yes, it does take time & effort to research and acquire all the parts, but it isn't that hard to do.
If your engine is getting old and needs a rebuild, then I would consider a big bore/stroker set-up.

[SC Cheesehead]

Most bored motor owners have seen 325-335rwhp range, that is with close to stock 10.1 CR. I plan bumping that up some, the tuner I have been talking to said thinking realistically he would not be surprised to see 340-350rwhp/370ish tq providing I can get the 11 CR range and meet the fuel demand.

A Trilogy kit on a stock MM was putting out 380-390rwhp. The Eaton swap would probably be pretty close to that. Now if there any other supporting mods on the car, it could easily be making 400-420rwhp.

Bone stock the MM motor made 302hp/318tq, on avg most owners saw 230-245rwhp/245-250tq when the hit the dyno. No one really cares what the power numbers at the motor, what the car can actually put down to the ground is the only numbers that truly matter.


All of the Eaton swaps I know of to date have made 410 plus, with the majority of them in the high teens to mid twenties. Mine, with stock exhaust and the original tune was 423 rwhp. Total cost, parts, labor, and dyno tune was a touch under $4k; pretty hard to beat that AFA bang for the buck.

[fastblackmerc]

Most bored motor owners have seen 325-335rwhp range, that is with close to stock 10.1 CR. I plan bumping that up some, the tuner I have been talking to said thinking realistically he would not be surprised to see 340-350rwhp/370ish tq providing I can get the 11 CR range and meet the fuel demand.

A Trilogy kit on a stock MM was putting out 380-390rwhp. The Eaton swap would probably be pretty close to that. Now if there any other supporting mods on the car, it could easily be making 400-420rwhp.

Bone stock the MM motor made 302hp/318tq, on avg most owners saw 230-245rwhp/245-250tq when the hit the dyno. No one really cares what the power numbers at the motor, what the car can actually put down to the ground is the only numbers that truly matter.
Whatever kit you decide to do, you'll need a dyno tune to get the most out of the super charger. The motor mods you go with will determine the amount of boost and HP.

[cj7chris]

Whatever kit you decide to do, you'll need a dyno tune to get the most out of the super charger. The motor mods you go with will determine the amount of boost and HP.

This is so true and often overlooked, even for those with the Trilogy kit. The tune that came with the kit was a 50 state safe tune for all variations in altitude from LA to CO.

[dohc324ci]

All I know is I paid triple for the BBS Motor vs an eaton swap....still making less but hey Ill be ready for a SC.....eventually.

[Triple Threat]

With my motor being up in the high mileage it was a no brainer to not do any FI and either rebuild my motor or build a new motor. I opted to build a new motor and not go plain jane with it.

My new engine build will end up in the ball park of $8-10k (guessing on the high side) but it will be a 5.1 (306ci) big bore (FRPP Boss50 iron block), 11.0-11.5 CR, mild head work, upgraded valvetrain (98 cobra intake cams, new springs, valve seals), lower intake porting. I'll have to upgrade the fuel system, oil, cooling and add long tube headers to achieve my power goal. In the end I'll have a solid great breathing NA.

I have that block on Purple bored and stroked to 324 ci with a s/c making 639 rwhp.You have a lot of potential waiting for you when you are ready.

[ctrlraven]

I have that block on Purple bored and stroked to 324 ci with a s/c making 639 rwhp.You have a lot of potential waiting for you when you are ready.
I had thought about going stroked as well but when I bought the block it came with rods and a crank for a big bore setup.

[dad]

i have an most of an eaton swap all u need is the coolant tank,pump,inner cooler ...it is all ported and bagged never installed after port. let me know

[L.Mark]

Not ALL of us are out of warranty . MM2004 and I still have it for @3 more yrs.

I as well...

[Vortech347]

Eaton swap or new car. There's no such think as a cost effective NA 4V to get past 330rwhp.

Nitrous is Cheap, but its a quick cheap thrill. Why go to the strip club once a weekend when you can take the stripper home?

[sflrainmaker01]

i have an most of an eaton swap all u need is the coolant tank,pump,inner cooler ...it is all ported and bagged never installed after port. let me know

PM me with the details and if you want to sell what you got.

[SC Cheesehead]

PM me with the details and if you want to sell what you got.

I got a coolant tank with cap if you're looking for one.

[sflrainmaker01]

I got a coolant tank with cap if you're looking for one.

Thanks! Let's see what he says.....

[dohc324ci]

On a side note the new FRPP 5.0 stroker crate motor M-6009-A46X* is listing at 5k; wonder if anyone has ordered one for the Marauder yet.

[LANDY]

Mod motors are boost freaks, don't waste your time and money on going n/a. You can spend $4k doing an eaton swap or centrifugal setup. If you build an all loud n/a motor you will spend twice the money and loose most races.

[ctrlraven]

Eaton swap or new car. There's no such think as a cost effective NA 4V to get past 330rwhp.

Nitrous is Cheap, but its a quick cheap thrill. Why go to the strip club once a weekend when you can take the stripper home?
Cost effective when you do the build correctly (forged) and set things up to enjoy NA until you slap some FI ON.

Mod motors are boost freaks, don't waste your time and money on going n/a. You can spend $4k doing an eaton swap or centrifugal setup. If you build an all loud n/a motor you will spend twice the money and loose most races.
Some people enjoy the raw NA feel. After my build is done, I will be happy with a high 12 sec NA car.

[J-MAN]

Just an opinion, but before I would dump a load of cash in a high mileage Marauder I would consider selling it and buying one of the already supercharged low mileage Marauders that come up for sale. Put pencil to paper and see just what the cost would be to SC your Marauder, add the other upgrades, suspension, brakes, tuning etc as compared to buying one already completed.

In my opinion the Trilogy is a great bang for the buck, 450hp at the wheels on the stock block with a safe tune. Anything beyond that gets real expensive real fast. By that I mean built block and heads and bigger(Whipple)blower, new fuel system, trans, converter.

My plan was to go bigger until I talked to MERC at Carlisle, Now I'm more satisfied with my 450 hp Trilogy. At least until I hit the lotto!

[RR|Suki]

Just an opinion, but before I would dump a load of cash in a high mileage Marauder I would consider selling it and buying one of the already supercharged low mileage Marauders that come up for sale. Put pencil to paper and see just what the cost would be to SC your Marauder, add the other upgrades, suspension, brakes, tuning etc as compared to buying one already completed.


I was just about to post exactly ^. As someone who has gone down/continues to go down that road, the cost of making real power is significant. In fact sometimes I second thing having my car up for sale for that very reason.

Do I really want to pour that kind of cash into another car to make it fast?

[captain]

I saw an ad couple days ago on this board...Seller has a complete motor all built up and ready to go for...4500??

[RR|Suki]

I saw an ad couple days ago on this board...Seller has a complete motor all built up and ready to go for...4500??

That motor is for a power adder and won't make more power than a stock motor in NA form :)

[J-MAN]

I saw an ad couple days ago on this board...Seller has a complete motor all built up and ready to go for...4500??


That motor is for a power adder and won't make more power than a stock motor in NA form :)

If it's built with forged parts it will be slower NA due to the added weight. It's a vicious circle I tell ya!

[sailsmen]

..................

In my opinion the Trilogy is a great bang for the buck, 450hp at the wheels on the stock block with a safe tune. Anything beyond that gets real expensive real fast. By that I mean built block and heads and bigger(Whipple)blower, new fuel system, trans, converter.

My plan was to go bigger until I talked to MERC at Carlisle, Now I'm more satisfied with my 450 hp Trilogy. At least until I hit the lotto!

Yes, 450RWHP is the tipping point.