M113 V8 into R170 SLK

[Fat_Panda]

Hello everyone, I noticed that at least one person has put the M113 V8 into the chrysler crossfire, but no-one seems to have put one into the slk. Just wondering if there is a reason for this? If it is possible then I was wondering if it is necessary to purchase a V6 model for the swap, or would it be possible to do it in a slk230 and just swap the gearbox as well? And finally, would the swap work with a manual gearbox? This is all just conjecture for now, but you never know... Matt

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[E-Klasse]

With the 3.2L V6 and the 4.3L V8 being more similar in installation than the I4 it may make it a bit easier but it comes down to the question of being worth it in the end. If you want more power, just get an SLK32. But if one wants to be able to says that they have a V8 powered SLK then get the R171 SLK55.

If one wants a project and runs accross a wrecked CLK430 that can be used as a doner car for the power train, ECU and wiring then it might be slightly better to start with an SLK320 with a manual transmission to put on the 4.3L V8.

It still would not be as powerfull as the SLK32 or the SLK55. The guy with the Crossfire got a deal on a 5.0L SL engine and had to run it in a diagnostic mode or something all of the time so there were complications. He did a nice clean job but in the end, it would always be a project car that is not up to the standards of a factory built model. At least in a Crossfire body the Mercedes moto of "Best or Nothing" doesn't have to apply.

I am sure someone could drop a crate Chevy or Ford V8 in a Benz body and get it to work but who would want it?

[BJ's SLK320]

Originally Posted by E-Klasse

I am sure someone could drop a crate Chevy or Ford V8 in a Benz body and get it to work but who would want it?

Why wouldn't you want a SB Chevy in a Benz body??

SB Chevy's are one of the easiest engines to work on, they have the most parts available, and are more customizable than any other engine. There is no other engine in existence that you can get more hp/$.

As far as engine swaps go...the two biggest issues are space and weight. V8s will obviously weight more than V6s which weight more than I4s. Therefore, if you start out with a SLK230, you MIGHT need to upgrade the front suspension in order to handle the additional weight of the V8. If you start with a SLK320, the weight jump will not be as much and you might be able to get away with using the stock front suspension.

Space is then your only other real obstacle. However, if you can do it in a crossfire, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to do it in a SLK.

Just my 2 cents.

[lkchris]

Yeah, put a 1955-technology boat anchor in your SLK.

[BJ's SLK320]

Originally Posted by lkchris

Yeah, put a 1955-technology boat anchor in your SLK.

I'm assuming this comment was talking about my SB Chevy comment, so if you weren't then ignore the following:

The V8 in a 2010 SLK55 AMG makes 355hp & 376 ft-lbs of torque....comparatively, the BASE Corvette using this "1955 technology" makes 430hp & 424 ft-lbs of torque (the ZR1, btw gets an extra 208hp and 180ft-lbs out of the same engine - thats like adding the SLK300's V6 to the SLK55 AMG's V8!!!). Yeah, I hate this 1955-technology!!

But you know what....your right....why would you want to put that much power in a car that obviously can't handle it!

Also, you can get a LS7 for about $20K....trying putting a MB engine together for that!!

Less power + more $$ = no thank you!

[ohlord]

LS7 has about as much in common with the 1955 265cu in
as an aardvark and a zebra.
You date yourself or your knowledge if you think they are the same technology.Hand built all aluminum 7000rpm
quick there is one with 4k miles on it going for 7grand on ebay

[320 dreamer]

Originally Posted by E-Klasse

With the 3.2L V6 and the 4.3L V8 being more similar in installation than the I4 it may make it a bit easier but it comes down to the question of being worth it in the end. If you want more power, just get an SLK32. But if one wants to be able to says that they have a V8 powered SLK then get the R171 SLK55.

If one wants a project and runs accross a wrecked CLK430 that can be used as a doner car for the power train, ECU and wiring then it might be slightly better to start with an SLK320 with a manual transmission to put on the 4.3L V8.

It still would not be as powerfull as the SLK32 or the SLK55. The guy with the Crossfire got a deal on a 5.0L SL engine and had to run it in a diagnostic mode or something all of the time so there were complications. He did a nice clean job but in the end, it would always be a project car that is not up to the standards of a factory built model. At least in a Crossfire body the Mercedes moto of "Best or Nothing" doesn't have to apply.

I am sure someone could drop a crate Chevy or Ford V8 in a Benz body and get it to work but who would want it?

actually you are wrong on all accounts. lantana has the engine purring quite nicely making over 400 hp and is in the process of supercharging the engine
theres also a covertible xfire that has had a s/c 5.5 engine from a sl55 dropped in it and it is an absolute beast!!
the reason this hasnt been done to an slk (yet!) is due to the issues with the ecu. rcompart has all this figured out and if you want a s/c v-8 in your slk about 13k gets the job done. add the cost of your car (maybe 8k) and for less than 25k you a vette killer mustang maurader and camaro destroyer! the sl55 is capable of 700 rwhp with mods and if thats not enough they are looking at rear mounted turbo to push the supercharger to push 800+ rwhp!!

[Fat_Panda]

hmmm all very interesting guys.

the reason I asked in the first place was I was trying to find a V8 powered convertible with a manual gearbox for less than £10K in the UK, and would like it to be slightly more reliable/useable than a TVR.

I had pretty much given up on the idea when I noticed someone had put a V8 into a crossfire so was just wondering if it was possible in an SLK...

unfortunately crate chevy engines are out of my budget but I was thinking:

SLK 320 manual ~ £6500
5.0L M113 ~ £1200
Various bits and pieces ~ £800

which comes to roughly £8500 right?

[BJ's SLK320]

Originally Posted by Fat_Panda

hmmm all very interesting guys.

the reason I asked in the first place was I was trying to find a V8 powered convertible with a manual gearbox for less than £10K in the UK, and would like it to be slightly more reliable/useable than a TVR.

I had pretty much given up on the idea when I noticed someone had put a V8 into a crossfire so was just wondering if it was possible in an SLK...

unfortunately crate chevy engines are out of my budget but I was thinking:

SLK 320 manual ~ £6500
5.0L M113 ~ £1200
Various bits and pieces ~ £800

which comes to roughly £8500 right?

Assuming your prices are right on the SLK and M113, I'd say you double that budget for the misc items. I've know several people who've done them (not necessarily in an SLK) and all of them have spent more than what they original thought and none of it was on the actual engine.

So, if you can locate the SLK and M113 for 7700 total, then I'd think you'd be able to complete the install for less than 10K (assuming your doing the majority of the install yourself).

The one question I would have is whether the SLK320 manual transmission with bolt to the M113?

The other thing that might be worth researching (and probably contacting the guy with the xfire) is whether there is a difference in crossmembers between the xfire and SLK. I'd hate for you to get to the point where your ready to drop the V8 in and realize that there isn't the same amount of room as in a xfire engine bay.

Anyway, just some thoughts to consider. If you do go through with this, I'd really enjoy seeing a thread of the build.

[320 dreamer]

Originally Posted by BJ's SLK320

Assuming your prices are right on the SLK and M113, I'd say you double that budget for the misc items. I've know several people who've done them (not necessarily in an SLK) and all of them have spent more than what they original thought and none of it was on the actual engine.

So, if you can locate the SLK and M113 for 7700 total, then I'd think you'd be able to complete the install for less than 10K (assuming your doing the majority of the install yourself).

The one question I would have is whether the SLK320 manual transmission with bolt to the M113?

The other thing that might be worth researching (and probably contacting the guy with the xfire) is whether there is a difference in crossmembers between the xfire and SLK. I'd hate for you to get to the point where your ready to drop the V8 in and realize that there isn't the same amount of room as in a xfire engine bay.

Anyway, just some thoughts to consider. If you do go through with this, I'd really enjoy seeing a thread of the build.

cant help you with the 5 speed other than to say no amg engines came with a stick so a flywheel will be needed minimum. as for the crossmember the xfire and the slk are identical under the skin with the exception af some half shafts and tuning on the ecu. frame suspension and driveline pure slk320 or 32

[Fat_Panda]

the manual trans fitting is my biggest question. but i was under the assumption that the M113 was based on the V6 in the car and so the bolt patterns would be the same/the starter would be in the same place?

but I must admit I don't have enough space at the moment for another project. I have 2 at the moment (hence the two engines) and don't need a 3rd non-moving car (and massive v8) in the barn. although it might fit.... no. bad fat_panda. must finish at least one project first.

[silverjimm]

Originally Posted by Fat_Panda

the manual trans fitting is my biggest question. but i was under the assumption that the M113 was based on the V6 in the car and so the bolt patterns would be the same/the starter would be in the same place?

but I must admit I don't have enough space at the moment for another project. I have 2 at the moment (hence the two engines) and don't need a 3rd non-moving car (and massive v8) in the barn. although it might fit.... no. bad fat_panda. must finish at least one project first.

The 6spd manual gearbox (766 I think?) used in the SLK320/Crossfire C320
will bolt up to the m113 engines(NonAMG) the only issue is the flywheel, which as we speak we are trying to figure this out. but it will "bolt up"

[Fat_Panda]

Originally Posted by silverjimm

will bolt up to the m113 engines(NonAMG) the only issue is the flywheel, which as we speak we are trying to figure this out. but it will "bolt up"

I was under the assumption auto cars had a thin metal plate with a ring gear on it for the starter? so surely the flywheel would just replace this?

[SLK62AMG]

they have lot of reason to put a (55 techonolgy) !!!!

1- gm made simple cam engine so is ligther and smaller than a mb bmw mustang etc etc
2- lot of car to took parts like corvette camaro trans-am gto etc etc
3- they cost a fraction of the price compare to amg motor

of course if you are a real purist you wont put other than mb engine and its ok!
but i have put a escalade 2007 aluminum engine (6.2L same generation of ls3 vette engine) in a 240sx 1995 and the car take only 75lbs and its more the big mt6 trans than the engine ! so its very central weight !! for 10tousand you can have a 450whp

(vs the s15 sr20det we replace whit turbo problem most of the time because to have hp you need to booooooost and lag or pay for real good turbo setup)

pick-up motor are so easy to find !! 2007+ are all aluminum and ls3 gen
just change the big truck intake custom headers cam and programable cpu oil pan or go carb if you want !!

and you can have a v8 manuel slk 4-5-6 speed its like you want !!
yes a 4cam engine rev higher but not so much !! response faster but not so much !!
and cost less fuel !! but if fuel cosomption is on your priority forgot V8 !!!!!!