300C - Modifications Advice/Potential

[DC300C]

Hi all,

Not to my own surprise, I am already looking into the modifications available for the 300C 5.7 HEMI. Currently driving my modified Nissan 350Z, the modification is inevitable

To be honest, I have not actually test driven the 300C 5.7 HEMI. And yet, I have already placed a deposit for the car. This just shows how much I really like this car. My father has driven the CRD (3.0 V6 turbo diesel) and the 5.7 HEMI and he says it is a great drivetrain, with the HEMI being even better So I am sure the SRT8 model he will have will be even more rewarding of a drive.

Anyway, because I haven't even test driven the car, I can only make judgements based on what I have read in reviews. Overall, the car has been given a positive wrap including that the big bold brash looks are a real head turner, the drivetrain and gearbox is well matched and very strong for a particulary big/heavy car and equipment levels are high for what the price tag says.

But...there is always a but...there are few drawbacks including (1) fuel consumption (2) cheap interior plastics and (3) handling

Well, fuel consumption is not something I am concerned. Given that the car is big/heavy, this is expected. In addition, there needs to be pure logic in that a car with 5.7 litre V8 will obviously drink more fuel compared to that of a 2.5litre V6. Cheap interior plastics, well, I have seen it and yes, it is no mercedes/bmw but I am still happy with the overall finish for the price tag. As long as things don't fall apart/loose in the interior, I will be happy. Aah, yes the handling, well, it is a big/heavy car and suspension is on the softer side...

So taking the above into consideration, both positives and negatives, I want to make the car a more rewarding drive.

In terms of handling, I am looking at Eibach Pro Kit suspension and maybe down the future, bigger swaybars. What are your thoughts? I will also be putting 22inch wheels. In time to come, I will upgrade the brakes to slotted discs (front and rear) with better pads.

In terms of power, I am looking at an upgraded intake and a cat-back exhaust system. Possibly headers/extractors. I would like to re-map the ECU as well.

In terms of aesthetics, I may add a rear SRT8 lip spoiler and upgrade the lighting to get rid of that "yellow" light output

With respect to the interior, I am not fussed with the reviews saying that it is cheap plastics. I will be enjoying the exterior look of the car and the growl of the HEMI engine (once modded) to be too concerned about the interior. Also, I believe the standard factory fitted sound system is well above standard.

My issue is that given that this is an American car, aftermarket parts will be hard to source. Secondly, I am very fussy with my car and only want experienced mechanics/tuners working on the drivetrain aspects.

What are your thoughts regarding the above?

Cheers,
DC300C

[AussieHemi]

Originally Posted by DC300C

Hi all,

Not to my own surprise, I am already looking into the modifications available for the 300C 5.7 HEMI. Currently driving my modified Nissan 350Z, the modification is inevitable

To be honest, I have not actually test driven the 300C 5.7 HEMI. And yet, I have already placed a deposit for the car. This just shows how much I really like this car. My father has driven the CRD (3.0 V6 turbo diesel) and the 5.7 HEMI and he says it is a great drivetrain, with the HEMI being even better So I am sure the SRT8 model he will have will be even more rewarding of a drive.

Anyway, because I haven't even test driven the car, I can only make judgements based on what I have read in reviews. Overall, the car has been given a positive wrap including that the big bold brash looks are a real head turner, the drivetrain and gearbox is well matched and very strong for a particulary big/heavy car and equipment levels are high for what the price tag says.

But...there is always a but...there are few drawbacks including (1) fuel consumption (2) cheap interior plastics and (3) handling

Well, fuel consumption is not something I am concerned. Given that the car is big/heavy, this is expected. In addition, there needs to be pure logic in that a car with 5.7 litre V8 will obviously drink more fuel compared to that of a 2.5litre V6. Cheap interior plastics, well, I have seen it and yes, it is no mercedes/bmw but I am still happy with the overall finish for the price tag. As long as things don't fall apart/loose in the interior, I will be happy. Aah, yes the handling, well, it is a big/heavy car and suspension is on the softer side...

So taking the above into consideration, both positives and negatives, I want to make the car a more rewarding drive.

In terms of handling, I am looking at Eibach Pro Kit suspension and maybe down the future, bigger swaybars. What are your thoughts? I will also be putting 22inch wheels. In time to come, I will upgrade the brakes to slotted discs (front and rear) with better pads.

In terms of power, I am looking at an upgraded intake and a cat-back exhaust system. Possibly headers/extractors. I would like to re-map the ECU as well.

In terms of aesthetics, I may add a rear SRT8 lip spoiler and upgrade the lighting to get rid of that "yellow" light output

With respect to the interior, I am not fussed with the reviews saying that it is cheap plastics. I will be enjoying the exterior look of the car and the growl of the HEMI engine (once modded) to be too concerned about the interior. Also, I believe the standard factory fitted sound system is well above standard.

My issue is that given that this is an American car, aftermarket parts will be hard to source. Secondly, I am very fussy with my car and only want experienced mechanics/tuners working on the drivetrain aspects.

What are your thoughts regarding the above?

Cheers,
DC300C

Mate - you raise some valid points, but I guess compromises must be made with any car you buy. You will find that the fuel consumption is not as bad as you may think. I have done just under 7000kms so far and am averaging 14.2l/100km - I reckon that's pretty good for a big heavy V8.

Personally, I don't think the plastics are that bad. Have you seen the plastics in the new 5Series BMW? They're nothing special. Sure its not up to Audi standards, but then what is!

In regards to handling, I really don't care. I bought this car for the looks and its straight line grunt. If I wanted a car to throw into corners on the Great Ocean Road, I'd buy an MX5!! For its size I reckon it handles OK anyway.

At this stage all I have done to mine is tint the windows and add a Magnflow cat-back exhaust system. It sounds awesome at WOT but is nice and quiet when cruising (except for the drone when the MDS kicks in - trying to get that sorted at the moment). It has given it a little more pick up low down in the rev range, but nothing major. I just love the sound!

Hope this helps a little bit mate! There are plenty of guys on here that can give you their experiences with 22's, lowered suspension etc etc and I'm sure they'll put their 2 cents in.

BTW, when do you take delivery?

[DC300C]

Hi Shane,
Thanks for the advice/input. You definately are right about the handling aspect. Plus, I have my 350Z which will still provide me smiles when fanged.

You now have raised a "concern". In particular, the MDS drone. What is this!?!?!?!

I noticed you have the MagnaFlow Cat-Back exhaust system. This is the system I want or the Corsa. Given both are American brands, how did you source this? I would be keen to know where to purchase this and where is was installed?

Delivery? Just got confirmation that it will be mid September 2006 and my father's SRT8 model in early December 2006.

Cheers,
DC300C

[AussieHemi]

You now have raised a "concern". In particular, the MDS drone. What is this!?!?!?!

MDS is the cylinder shut down mode when cruising - it only runs on 4 cylinders. With my Magnaflows, there is a low frequency hum when cruising when the MDS kicks in. It's not too bad, but I'd prefer if it wasn't there!

I'm happy to catch up with you one night and take you for a spin so see you can hear for yourself. PM me if you like and I'll give you my number. BTW, I live in Croydon - where are you?

[Domenic]

DC300C, dude why don't you just buy the srt8? For the cost of the car and all these mods, you'll just about get one. They are awesome by the way, and fuel economy? Bah who cares about fuel economy, $100 a week it costs me and i fully tax deduct that amount. Buy fuel on wednesday mornings and you're paying $1.40 a litre for Optimax, that's cheaper than normal fuel by the time it hits 6pm!

[Hemi57]

Dom, I agree with you and have done exactly that . I guess the drawback is we lack a bit of individuality but then the SRT8 is pretty rare anyway.

Those of you who know me know the wise cracks about the plastic get me going every time . I cannot see the issue myself other than the armrests on the doors. DC300C Check it out yourself and make your own mind up.

Fuel economy, yeah, bit heavy but so is the 300C and as you mentioned it is a 5.7 Litre with plenty of grunt. In comparison to the local it is much the same.

Handling, if you do the mods you propose it will improve significantly. Snoopdolks has fitted 20" SRT8 wheels & tyres and reckons the improvement is amazing and that is without any suspension mod.

Snoop also has the Flashpaq and there is mountains of information on that here so do a search on "Superchips" or "Flashpaq".

No matter what you want, even though it is an "American car", you can get most stuff locally (at a premium) or via Forum Supporting Vendors, eBay and other recommendations.

Congratulations on the order BTW.

[DC300C]

Hi all,

Don't get me wrong. I really love the car. My father and I are extremely excited about the delivery and to be able to cruise together, father and son, him with SRT8 and me 5.7 HEMI. I was only raising those negatives in reviews as a logical approach for myself to consider when modifying. I guess, follow the "if it ain't broke, why fix it" approach. Then again, it can be argued that all cars that roll off the factory floor don't require "fixing".

You are definately right in that I must be "wise" in my modification approach and to put in the back of my mind that a SRT8 is ~$12,000 on top of the 5.7 HEMI model/version.

I am definately not after a SRT8 replica. That is plain silly.

In terms of the 5.7 HEMI drivetrain, how does it go front a straight line perspective? It is been quoted at 6.4 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. That is pretty impressive in the scheme of things. The reason why I see am curious is because I have read that the 5.7 LS1 found in earlier model HSVs produce good results and respond well if in the right tuner's hands. For example, Amberley Autos have this package http://www.hp-f.com.au/product+details?pid=59&c_id=0&b_id=1&g_id=1&keywor ds=&pg=1

Again, I probably need to do more research but would I be wrong to assume that the 5.7 HEMI in the 300C is very similar to that found in say the VX Commodore SS?

Again, I have already learnt a great deal from all your posts.

Cheers,
DC300C

[Hemi57]

DC, please don't take my comments as being touchy about what you have said (well written ). My beef is with the Motoring Journalists who try and balance the great 300C proposition with the local products, ie. they need something to bitch about even if it is unwarranted.

Yes the 5.7 Hemi does perform very well. Where the package has it over the locals IMHO is the overall NVH and quality feel.

By all means go for it with your mods, and please remember we are providing or own personal opinions and personal tastes with our comments. For those "baby boomers" amoungst us, we went through the modification phase of our cars in the '70s & '80s and for me I started to appreciate the HSV product as being good straight out of the box. That is why I now have SRT 61, BUT, I am now considering some "minor" mods like CAI (Cold Air Intake) and maybe an Exhaust . Damn that mod bug .

[Domenic]

John keep in touch with me about your mods, if your get a CAI and exhaust i might just piggy back an order on yours to save on shipping! So don't order before you talk to me ok dude!

[conceptb]

Again, I probably need to do more research but would I be wrong to assume that the 5.7 HEMI in the 300C is very similar to that found in say the VX Commodore SS?

please, not the same category as a holden. rebirth of some Mopar Hemi muscle, i love it. Bring on the new challenger, hehehehe, slightly off the subject.

the car is great tho man, i've only had mine 2 months and i'm having a lot of fun with it. still more mods to come on the horizon. this forum is a blessing and a curse. only thing holding me back is the price difference between what they can get things for in the states compared to what we have to pay. good luck and use this forum for advice and experience.