Can You Fit an LS Motor into a W203 C-Class?

Forum member Al93 is wondering if he can put an LS1 into his 2004 six-speed-manual C230 Kompressor.

In his words, “I’m thinking about doing an LS1 swap to get a little more power on this car.”

“A little more”? Al93, if you just want a little more power, drop in a Gen-I L98. Joking aside, let’s see what the forum says about this:

Boom vang: “I take it that you are joking. Our cars were not designed with a V8 in mind; it will not fit, hence why they extended the front of the C55 [AMG]. You would be better off buying a used C32 or C55, or even C350, E550 or E55 if you want more power. The cost and aggravation is not worth it and would be near impossible to get everything working.”

To add to Boom vang‘s insight, the C55 was the only AMG variant that used different body panels than the base model.

SunnyRayToronto: “Even if you can physically get it in, good luck coding the Corvette LS1 engine’s ECU to work with your other Mercedes computerized components.”

So at this point we can see that stuffing a GM LS in a non-AMG W203 is ill-advised. Cool idea, though, and we’re happy to report that someone has already jammed a Chevy Small Block into their W203. See our gallery below to enjoy the gore.

images via [BenzWorld.org]