This is basically what they have done:
· The 208 HP engine and transmission are dismantled and a new 300 HP Detroit Diesel engine with Allison cross drive transmission is installed.
· The cooling system is modified according to new power pack, the original grill is modified in order to accomodate the new radiator and fan.
· The vehicle is equipped with improved an suspension system with new torsion bar, rod arms, shock absorbers and idler group. Defective roadwheels, sprockets, final drives and track shoes are replaced.
· The fuel tanks the vehicle are removed. Two external fuel tanks are amounted on the rear of the vehicle. The fuel system is changed accordingly, hence increasing crew safety vehicle survivability.
· An ACV equivalent NBC system, heater, trim vane, ramp door, grenade launchers, electric and communication system, periscopes and bilge pumps are installed to the vehicle.
· Mounting provisions that accommodate for different types of bolt-on armour (add-on-armour) plates are made. During upgrading,the vehicle is stripped down to the bare hull and subjected to radiographic inspection of all major weldings. The cracks observed at final drive and idler pad areas are repaired prior to above modification work.
By the way, during this upgrade,the vehicle is stripped down to the bare hull and subjected to radiographic inspection of all major weldings. The cracks observed at final drive and idler pad areas are repaired before all of the above are done
Then they take this:
-Replace the electric motor and remove the batteries and generator of M55 turret and mount it on the vehicle. Hence the turret receives its power from the M113 power system.
-Communication and night vision capability is added to the turret.
I wonder how much it costs to do all this stuff. I hope its worth the effort. It does look pretty mean though :-)