C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

pshek's BRABUS C32 Coupe

Old May 5, 2006 | 02:16 AM
  #101  
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Originally Posted by mig888
Would this all have been simpler if the engine came with its original ECU?

flip
Yeah, I was kinda wondering the same thing. I was considering doing a swap and I was told they would get an engine and a matching ECU or they wouldn't consider it.

Erik
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Old May 5, 2006 | 02:28 AM
  #102  
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No, it wouldn't have been any simpler if it came with an old ECU since the ECU is coded to the VIN# of another car. Once an ECU has been coded with a VIN#, you cannot reprogam it to another VIN#. I assume this is done for obvious security reasons, ie theft. You need a new ECU and code it to match the VIN# of your car, then you need to program it to mate with the body control module and transmission control module. They all need to be programmed for the car to work.
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Old May 5, 2006 | 02:34 AM
  #103  
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The simplest way is to swap all the electronics of a working salvaged car. ECU, TCM, BCM, etc.

I have swapped almost everything with C32 parts except the TCM and BCM.
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Old May 5, 2006 | 03:18 AM
  #104  
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So when is the ETA of the car to be up and running?
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Old May 5, 2006 | 05:25 AM
  #105  
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Originally Posted by pshek
The simplest way is to swap all the electronics of a working salvaged car. ECU, TCM, BCM, etc.

I have swapped almost everything with C32 parts except the TCM and BCM.
So that SLK55AMG SLR Engine Swap has SLR modules on it? Wicked (if true). Damn pshek - good luck with all that - I need to see this beast come to life. But also, can't you just find the original car that this engine came from and take everything from it? I mean.. you do have the VIN# .

flip
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Old May 7, 2006 | 09:12 PM
  #106  
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not stock.
this **** is crazy!!!!!!!! .................... are you slapping a pulley kit on the engine at the same time????? alcohol injection??
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Old May 17, 2006 | 04:43 PM
  #107  
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not stock.
so.. .. any updates in a weeks worth of time?
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Old May 18, 2006 | 12:43 AM
  #108  
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Wow!!
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Old May 20, 2006 | 04:47 AM
  #109  
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today's update: new C32 AMG ecu is working with new C32 AMG engine. There are a few things that need to be sorted out though, but it's a big step forward. Hopefully it's done by next week. I had planned to go to the Socal euro show, but I don't want to risk ruining a $15K new engine. There's still the next Octoberfest Benz meet though...

Last edited by pshek; May 20, 2006 at 04:51 AM.
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Old Jun 1, 2006 | 12:54 PM
  #110  
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Any update Peter? How did you get past the ECU SCN programming?
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Old Jun 2, 2006 | 04:33 AM
  #111  
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They had to program it with a 2004 C32 VIN. I'm pretty sure it's not as simple as that, but that's what I was told. It wouldnt accept a 2003 C32 VIN. Engine's running but it's at the dealer getting ESP codes fixed. And the supercharger is always on.
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Old Jun 18, 2006 | 11:49 PM
  #112  
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updates?? this project is off the hook, not only are you putting in a C32 engine...but you modded the hell out of it, and if im not mistaken...your car is manual?? O GOD!
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Old Jun 19, 2006 | 07:50 PM
  #113  
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Originally Posted by OJwerks
updates?? this project is off the hook, not only are you putting in a C32 engine...but you modded the hell out of it, and if im not mistaken...your car is manual?? O GOD!
no is car is a 5speed auto......but that would be CRAZY if it was manual!

Last edited by AdamVax; Jun 19, 2006 at 07:54 PM.
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Old Jun 24, 2006 | 03:20 AM
  #114  
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My car's finally done! Josh R is the man! The C32 AMG motor pulls ridiculously hard as the supercharger builds up boost. Josh R test drove it when I was in the passenger seat and from a stop, the car starts to drift sideways a little because it loses traction from the power when you mash the pedal. Also, the traction control/ESP is disabled, hence the drifting. No driveability issues other than being able to drift and do donuts and burnouts. I really appreciate the fact that the annoying ESP doesn't interrupt my driving.

On a side note, I was lost trying to get home on the 405 fwy. I drove almost 8 miles on the 405 N when I should have been going 405 S to 55 N. And I didn't even care because I was so excited to drive the car. It's a completely different beast.

My project is finally nearing completion, but there's still untapped HP potential from the motor. The stock exhaust pipe diameter from my naturally aspirated motor is only about 1.78 inches ID, and too restrictive for this setup. I will need to change all the piping to larger ID to let the motor breathe, but exhaust work should be easy with a good muffler shop. Headers and Quaife LSD are next up on the mod list, but not too soon. I need time to recover and drive. Starting from today, the motor only has about 600 miles on it.

P.S. I've been driving a Toyota Prius for 3 months til now.
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Old Jun 24, 2006 | 03:24 AM
  #115  
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Originally Posted by pshek
My car's finally done! Josh R is the man! The C32 AMG motor pulls ridiculously hard as the supercharger builds up boost. Josh R test drove it when I was in the passenger seat and from a stop, the car starts to drift sideways a little because it loses traction from the power when you mash the pedal. Also, the traction control/ESP is disabled, hence the drifting. No driveability issues other than being able to drift and do donuts and burnouts. I really appreciate the fact that the annoying ESP doesn't interrupt my driving.

On a side note, I was lost trying to get home on the 405 fwy. I drove almost 8 miles on the 405 N when I should have been going 405 S to 55 N. And I didn't even care because I was so excited to drive the car. It's a completely different beast.

My project is finally nearing completion, but there's still untapped HP potential from the motor. The stock exhaust pipe diameter from my naturally aspirated motor is only about 1.78 inches ID, and too restrictive for this setup. I will need to change all the piping to larger ID to let the motor breathe, but exhaust work should be easy with a good muffler shop. Headers and Quaife LSD are next up on the mod list, but not too soon. I need time to recover and drive. Starting from today, the motor only has about 600 miles on it.

P.S. I've been driving a Toyota Prius for 3 months til now.
Great to hear...congratulations! Let's see some new pics.
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Old Jun 24, 2006 | 09:52 AM
  #116  
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Nice... congrats!
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Old Jun 24, 2006 | 06:04 PM
  #117  
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Congrats on getting everything worked out. Driving the Prius for 3 months wasn't so bad on the wallet was it?
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Old Jun 25, 2006 | 06:57 PM
  #118  
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Obligatory teaser pic with my camera phone

Carbon Fiber/Blue Kevlar engine cover and airboxes. Powdercoated surge tanks. IHI lysholm type supercharger, etc.
Attached Thumbnails pshek's BRABUS C32 Coupe-dsc00002.jpg  
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 04:09 PM
  #119  
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pshek,

$15K is steep, more than many W203 owners have to spend, yet could you break down the costs a little bit for us ie:
1. Engine cost
- engine
- ecu ($1400)
- electronics

2. Install cost

3. Built cost
- headers ($1800)
- cam shafts ($?)
- port polish SC ($500-1000)
- port match and polish ($?)
- CF intake boxes ($?)
- pulleys
- coating

I'm willing to bet just building the engine you have cost > $5K, and the swap could probably be done < $10K without all the extras you added.

Did you ever get the mold for the CF hood done?
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 12:24 AM
  #120  
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I haven't added up all the receipts yet, but I know for certain that its at least $15K if not more on the whole conversion. I bought the new engine from Belgium. It cost about $6500 with freight shipping.

I didn't get the mold made for the CF hood, even though I should have while it was in the shop. It takes a month to make the mold, and I can't go without my car for another month after not having it for 3 months. If someone is willing to loan their hood for the molding process for one month, I'll give them a free starless grille or an '05 evolution grill, your choice. The CF hood will definitely have louvers though, like a Vorsteiner CF hood. My engine bay gets very hot now. It's much better to pull heat away from the engine bay, especially with a blown motor.

Last edited by pshek; Jun 28, 2006 at 12:28 AM.
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 02:11 AM
  #121  
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wow at the cost...but definitely an awesome conversion. hope you keep this car for quite a while to make it worth it.
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 05:16 AM
  #122  
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FrankW,

It was definitely worth it. AMG power is so enticing. I mean, it was going to happen sooner or later. Someone in the US was going to do the first AMG transplant, and I just so happened to want an AMG C-coupe. Luckily, things worked out correctly. When you want something badly enough, costs are irrelevant. Mod it right the first time or mod it twice!
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 01:12 PM
  #123  
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Originally Posted by pshek
FrankW,

It was definitely worth it. AMG power is so enticing. I mean, it was going to happen sooner or later. Someone in the US was going to do the first AMG transplant, and I just so happened to want an AMG C-coupe. Luckily, things worked out correctly. When you want something badly enough, costs are irrelevant. Mod it right the first time or mod it twice!
Please tell me you are going to the BBQ event in July! Man oh man do I want to see this in person.

May seem kinda rude, but if their is a sign up for rides, I'd like to be on that list!

I have over 107k miles on my C. I know I want to keep the car for a bit. If something were to happen to my engine, I will definetly go this route. Though I would do my best to get an egine from somewhere in N.America.

Ohh, do you think you will have any problems with Smog? You may have to go to a referee station to get your certificate.

Ed
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 01:46 PM
  #124  
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No problemo with smog checks. Everything was built the same as factory. Plus, the C32 is smog legal for the US. I already checked into it before starting this project.

I let my old friend drive it, and he was impressed by the engine. He had an E46 M3.
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 11:11 PM
  #125  
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my new C32 Kompressor sportcoupe
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