Performance Package at the Track

[SRT82ECOBOOST]

I am juggling whether or not to get a SHO or MKS. The MKS comes with the 2.77 gearing and the majority of the SHO's I have been looking at do not have the Performance Package. If I choose not to get a Performance Package vehicle, will I be missing a lot of performance in the quarter mile?

[steve142857]

From what I have seen, the performance package (at least on 2010-12 models) doesn't help that much, as long as you lower the car with H&R springs... I cannot compare PP vs non-PP for the newer model, but I had a non-PP 2010 and now a PP 2013 and it really launches faster now. However, the tuning is not as aggressive yet on the 2013, so I launch faster, but I lack of top speed.

My non-PP has run many runs from 12.0-12.3 on different tracks, so the PP on first EB SHO generation can be matched with a non-PP with H&R springs.
One thing also, for a 0-60, the non-PP, once tuned, can reach passed 60 mph in second gear... The PP needs an extra shift, so it is not faster from 0-60. Also, I would think that the top speed could be higher with the non-PP...

In your case, I understood that you were looking for a used one, probably 2010-2012, so I would say go with the best deal...

[05yellowgt]

For a pure performance perspective the less aggressive gearing may be an advantage as you ramp up the power.  The AWD platform becomes a limit as to how much power you can put down before front wheel spin gets to the point where it shuts down power till traction is regained.  The less aggressive gearing will lessen the torque multiplication when launching and hopefully allow more power to be put to the ground.  Don't have any first hand experience with the MKS/SHO, just talking in general terms here understanding the AWD limitations.

[TSS]

Agree that PP or Non PP should not really be a deciding factor.  Find the best MKS/SHO (regardless of PP or not) and get it.   You will never look back.   

[mjhpadi]

  I totally agree, however, the stupid tag is inapporiate when agreeing with TSS, he is insightful and always helpful!  So the smiley should say I'm with -the stupid!

[Lanson]

Get a Flex, scare people when you run 11's. 

Just ask Mike, he loves running the brick.

[SRT82ECOBOOST]

Get a Flex, scare people when you run 11's. 

Just ask Mike, he loves running the brick.

Already went with the flying brick approach with the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 throwing down 7.12 seconds in the 1/8 mile.

[Grimster]

I was having this same debate with myself a couple of months ago.  I ended up picking up an MKS complete with every option except the massaging seat thing.  I really enjoy the THX sound system.  Price was about the same as a PP SHO with the same mileage. 

I'll be taking my MKS to the track sometime in October on a nice, cool evening and see what she can do.  I wouldn't imagine 2.77 vs. 3.16 would be THAT big of an increase to justify any "premium" in cost.  Now if we were talking 3.55 or 4.10's or something...then we'd see a decent 1/4 performance jump in ET. 

[NotEnufPSI]

From my experience the shorter gearing is better for drag racing and getting out of the hole.

Myself and a friend both have 13 SHO's and mine has always seemed to pull harder from a stop. That's my 2 cents