saespyder

Long story, but in the grand scheme this is the best option for me. I was hoping to get an autocross specific car, but I don't want to lock myself into two car payments. By fixing this, it will push my second car plans back a bunch, but reduce the risk posed by having a second car payment for a race-y type car that could blow up at any point.

I'm sure that sounds convoluted, but I guess car guys aren't always logical.

I'll check back in later when I get the official estimate. The head should be done today or Monday at the latest, so I'm hoping to have the car back next week sometime.

tommy

What kind of budget / car are you looking at? A first gen Miata or second gen CRX/4th gen Civic would be a great autox car, for around 2-4 grand properly equipped with the stock engine. Or just 2nd driver with me in my CRX until you can get your own car. Have you done much autox?

saespyder

Not much, I went to Bader Field once last year. And nothing too flashy - my hope was to get something basic and put in some work myself. Sort of a learn-as-you-go experience that would be fun and interesting. I really thought about a Miata, there seems to be an endless supply of information on autocross tuning for them. I'd love an old WRX, but that seems a little too complicated for a first timer like me.

I don't know much about honda's, but I'll look into it. Thanks man!

tommy

Don't ignore the old 2.5 RS! That is a cheap beast, and classes very well, if you're concerned about being competitive in-class (though that should be your last concern as a rookie - and you'll be thrown into the rookie class anyway all year).

BTW - you do have to decide - want to remain competitive in your stock class, or head through the mod ranks? For example, when my Japanese engine was installed, it totally put me into either D-Mod or STS class, depending on the setup for that autox, where I'd be competing against track-only monsters. So even if I were a good driver, I'd have no chance. So remember that as you plot out what you want to do to your car. You have a little bit of leeway before you move up in classes, but not too much.

saespyder

Good call, I hadn't even thought about classes yet. I imagine I'll stay stock for my first year, but after that it'll be small changes that may or may not affect my class.

And great idea on the 2.5 RS, I didn't even think of that!

saespyder

Picked this up yesterday and, $4,422 later, it seems to run fine. They want me to bring it back in two weeks to make sure there aren't any leaks. I'll post up the repair order later if I can figure out how.

BigBodyBenzC240

So if the S55/E55 engine fits into the W203 engine bay would the S500 or ML500 engine fit as well? I am looking into doing an engine swap since my current engine is leaking coolant and the quote I got to repair was the same amount as it would to do an engine swap. I found an S500 and an ML500 engine for sale and was wondering if I could swap these into my car. Any info on this would be great. I know there will be the "just buy a new car" comments but I just want to be different and have a W203 with a 5.0 V8.

Thanks,
John

ahmadk

yes it will fit

BigBodyBenzC240

Thank you. I am going to be checking out an S500 engine this weekend. I am assuming the tranny from the S55 or even an E55 should mount up to the engine as well. Thanks again. Now lets hope it all works out.

Glyn M Ruck

You might want to consider the beefed up rear axle if you intend increasing power.

MBfinatic

C500 sport!

RedStripe

RCompart and his c240 4Matic with c32 engine swap is still running the smaller of the two differential/axle combinations available for the w203 chassis - no issues to date.

You will need a driveshaft of correct length and correct bolt pattern flanges on either end.

Regardless, Glyn has a point well taken!