Hello all,

I’d really appreciate everyone’s help and opinions on a project I’m wanting to do:

I intend on modifying a 190E W201 into a tribute 190E evo 1 with an M104 straight 6. Assuming an M117 V8 won’t fit, I’m going down the path of fitting a 3.6 L m104 straight 6. I’m also open to any other suggestions of good MB straight 6’s that have decent power output.

Q1. In that case that I use a M104, I’ll have to use a 3.2 as sourcing 3.6 AMG engines in Australia is like hen’s teeth. So, what could I do to a 3.2 to increase the power output and what, if any, are the best ways of stroking it to 3.6L.

Q2. Also, what’s the best way to swap in a M104/ other compatible straight 6 + 5 speed manual transmission into a 190E. N.B. I’d like to stay with a naturally aspirated engine.

Q3. If I start with a 2.6L M103 190E, would I be correct to assume the M104 will fit into the same engine mount configuration?

Q4. Also, does anyone know of where I can go about sourcing an Evo 1 body kit which also includes door panels and bumpers please?

Thanks in advance for your help everyone, appreciate it!

 

Welcome to this forum.

Q1. In that case that I use a M104, I’ll have to use a 3.2 as sourcing 3.6 AMG engines in Australia is like hen’s teeth. So, what could I do to a 3.2 to increase the power output and what, if any, are the best ways of stroking it to 3.6L.
I do not have deep knowledge of engine swaps but I have seen and read quite a few, so take my responses with a grain of salt.
(1) The easiest (almost a drop in with hardly any modifications) is to swap in a pre-facelift 1993 W124 Jetronic M104. I believe even I can do this one if I had the desire. All the electronics and fuel delivery systems remain in tact, the ECU from the new engine is probably needed as well as the MAF controller.
(2)The next would be the M104 3.2L engine from the 94-95, but with this the entire engine management system has to be transported and swapped in. Depending on your knowledge of electronics this could prove to be difficult. Most likely you will need a new Engine harness as the old one most likely has the Eco friendy insulation bug and this alone will cost you $1000 or more.

Either options above will give you about 50-60% boost of performance over the 2.6 liter engine. Anything more and you will have to start thinking about drive train improvements as the original drivetrain was not built to support much more power (particularly if you are also swapping in a manual transmission and not have a torque converter in the system)

Q2. Also, what’s the best way to swap in a M104/ other compatible straight 6 + 5 speed manual transmission into a 190E. N.B. I’d like to stay with a naturally aspirated engine.

The easiest way is to stick with the 190E 5-sp manual transmission from a factory 2.6 liter engine. Best if you can take all the drivetrain from that transmission. Most would be just a bolt in with no further crazy mods. This is all assuming you are starting with a 2.6L car. 2.3L may need further changes.

Q3. If I start with a 2.6L M103 190E, would I be correct to assume the M104 will fit into the same engine mount configuration?

Yes per above response to Q2. It would be helpful if the 2.6L car was a '91-93' model years so they better match the '93' M104 electronics.

Q4. Also, does anyone know of where I can go about sourcing an Evo 1 body kit which also includes door panels and bumpers please?

This I do not have comments on, except the aftermarket EVO kits never look right, even the best ones. I have seen them in car shows and never cared for them. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You are better off with using the real deal but those are very hard to find in decent shape to restore.

Good luck with the search.