Don't just limit yourself to 04.5, the 05 is just fine also. The plastic intercooler can easily be replaced and if your going with 700hp, would you have to change out the stock intercooler anyway? BTW - my plastic intercooler is history for a OEM 06 intercooler for $122.50 shipped. I agree that the 03 to 05 CR have more comfortable seats. Although I am not opting to push 700 hp, but yes tranny, gauges, smarty (don't ask me about stacking because I don't know), dual CPs, intake (CAI and intake tube with the additional ports for NOS, etc.) are the necessities. Twin turbos will help. You'll likely pay in the area of $10k+/-. Sounds like fuel mileage is not a concern, so 4.10 axles may be better than 3.73 axles. When I was looking - autos were easier to find than manuals.

 

Don't just limit yourself to 04.5, the 05 is just fine also. The plastic intercooler can easily be replaced and if your going with 700hp, would you have to change out the stock intercooler anyway? BTW - my plastic intercooler is history for a OEM 06 intercooler for $122.50 shipped. I agree that the 03 to 05 CR have more comfortable seats. Although I am not opting to push 700 hp, but yes tranny, gauges, smarty (don't ask me about stacking because I don't know), dual CPs, intake (CAI and intake tube with the additional ports for NOS, etc.) are the necessities. Twin turbos will help. You'll likely pay in the area of $10k+/-. Sounds like fuel mileage is not a concern, so 4.10 axles may be better than 3.73 axles. When I was looking - autos were easier to find than manuals.