Need New Engine - Possible Upgrade?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 83
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From: Philadelphia
2003 C230 Kompressor
Need New Engine - Possible Upgrade?
Two nights ago, I got in my car ('03 C230K) and the car was idling violently and had intermittent power while nursing it home. I took it to my indy shop the next morning and, as they were pulling it in to the garage, the engine died. Pulled the codes and there was a camshaft error (I have the code if anyone is interested).
Compression test showed 0 compression in cylinders 2 and 3 and about 40 lbs. in 1 and 4. After some digging, it looks like the timing chain malfunctioned, which threw the cam timing off and caused the piston to smash into the valve. I will say that there was limited testing done (plugs, fuel pressure, etc.) done in an effort to save money.
So, here's the meat of the question: I need a new engine and the guy is currently searching salvage yards, but has anyone ever done a conversion from the M271 to the V8 from a C55?
Off the top of my head, the relevant issues would be motor mounts, position relative to the transmission (and even whether the stock tranny could handle the V8), and ECU. Given that they're already tearing the car apart, if this a reasonably feasible idea and, if so, what other issues do you guys think I should look into?
This literally happened overnight, no CEL or any signs prior to the event. Any other ideas or suggestions are definitely welcome.
Compression test showed 0 compression in cylinders 2 and 3 and about 40 lbs. in 1 and 4. After some digging, it looks like the timing chain malfunctioned, which threw the cam timing off and caused the piston to smash into the valve. I will say that there was limited testing done (plugs, fuel pressure, etc.) done in an effort to save money.
So, here's the meat of the question: I need a new engine and the guy is currently searching salvage yards, but has anyone ever done a conversion from the M271 to the V8 from a C55?
Off the top of my head, the relevant issues would be motor mounts, position relative to the transmission (and even whether the stock tranny could handle the V8), and ECU. Given that they're already tearing the car apart, if this a reasonably feasible idea and, if so, what other issues do you guys think I should look into?
This literally happened overnight, no CEL or any signs prior to the event. Any other ideas or suggestions are definitely welcome.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 171
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From: Chicago-ish
2005 c230 S.S.
you will need a clk front end. The W203 nose isnt long enought to house the V8 not to mention other electrical issues. I think you would need to get the transmission along with it as well as the wiring harness and such. its not as simple as just picking another engine in the family
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: SF
2003 CLK 320
you will need a new front end. as for the tranny, if you have the 5 speed, you can have the same transmission because the 5 speed handles 800 lbs of torque.
so you might be good, you will need an ecu and all that good internal stuff.
check out the w209 forum, one of our members switched out the 320 engine for the c32 engine. i believe 203 member psheck did the same.
look for those threads as it will let you know what parts you might need to swap
so you might be good, you will need an ecu and all that good internal stuff.
check out the w209 forum, one of our members switched out the 320 engine for the c32 engine. i believe 203 member psheck did the same.
look for those threads as it will let you know what parts you might need to swap
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Philadelphia
2003 C230 Kompressor
Well, it was fun to dream for a minute, but it's back to reality.
I heard back from the shop and it was the timing belt tensioners that failed and caused all the subsequent problems. The head is at the machine shop to replace the intake and exhaust valves in all four cylinders, so hopefully that's done soon.
While everything is pulled, we're going to replace the timing chain, tensioners, gaskets, plugs, and thermostat (unrelated, but there was also a code for that). Anything else we should be paying attention to while we're in there?
I heard back from the shop and it was the timing belt tensioners that failed and caused all the subsequent problems. The head is at the machine shop to replace the intake and exhaust valves in all four cylinders, so hopefully that's done soon.
While everything is pulled, we're going to replace the timing chain, tensioners, gaskets, plugs, and thermostat (unrelated, but there was also a code for that). Anything else we should be paying attention to while we're in there?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
WaveyKat put a C32 into his C240, I believe. That's the avenue I would have gone if I were in your shoes and were looking for a swap.
As for other things, off the top of my head, I'd say motor mounts and give the tranny a good going over. And do a wire tuck and custom valve cover, too.
Good luck with all of the repairs!
As for other things, off the top of my head, I'd say motor mounts and give the tranny a good going over. And do a wire tuck and custom valve cover, too.
Good luck with all of the repairs!
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Did it rattle on start up ever before this happened? Any rattles on a cold start that go away as oil pressure is established can be an early warning sign of chain trouble on the M271. If this happens, get it to a mechanic as soon as possible to replace chain/tensioners before you need an engine rebuild.
I imagine this is costing quite a bit?
I imagine this is costing quite a bit?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 83
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From: Philadelphia
2003 C230 Kompressor
That's the thing, there was nothing noticeable (to me, at least) that this was about to happen. No rattle, no cold start issues, no weird noises or vibrations. About two days before this happened I got the message to add a quart of oil, so I did that and the message didn't come back.
I was parked on a pretty steep hill and didn't have much gas, so at first I thought it might be a fuel pump issue. I turned the car off, put it in neutral, and let it drift to the bottom to even things out. No change.
He's still putting together the estimate to include all the ancillary parts, but he's thinking close to $4k at this point. The shop was recommended by quite a few people and all his work (parts and labor) come with a 12 month warranty, so I'm at least hopefully that it'll be fixed properly.
I was parked on a pretty steep hill and didn't have much gas, so at first I thought it might be a fuel pump issue. I turned the car off, put it in neutral, and let it drift to the bottom to even things out. No change.
He's still putting together the estimate to include all the ancillary parts, but he's thinking close to $4k at this point. The shop was recommended by quite a few people and all his work (parts and labor) come with a 12 month warranty, so I'm at least hopefully that it'll be fixed properly.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
1. you don't need a CLK/C55 front for the V8. the front top rail is at the exact same spot for the C55 to the rest of the W203.
2. might as well get a new car instead of doing a engine swap. Waveykat (C320->32) got his done with an awesome deal that normal people don't have access to.
2. might as well get a new car instead of doing a engine swap. Waveykat (C320->32) got his done with an awesome deal that normal people don't have access to.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Dr. Sunil shoehorned a 5.5L Kompressor motor into a C320.
And yes, he replaced the whole front end with the C55 front end.
And someone else did fit a C43 engine into a W203.
That was a nice car. Had like 8 piston brakes and sheet.
In that case, he didn't replace the front end.
Wavey Cat put a C32 motor in?
I though Peter (Pshek) was the only guy who got that done.
And yes, he replaced the whole front end with the C55 front end.
And someone else did fit a C43 engine into a W203.
That was a nice car. Had like 8 piston brakes and sheet.
In that case, he didn't replace the front end.
Wavey Cat put a C32 motor in?
I though Peter (Pshek) was the only guy who got that done.
Moderator Alumni
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Seattle
w203 m112
I believe at the time, there was no c55 and IIRC, it eventually went from a c43 motor to a c55 motor... widebody, custom lip kit... too much stuff to even name off on that car - its been discussed several times on here.
Brabus has a stroked (over bored?) 5.8L m113 in standard w203 - it fits and after talking w/ the xf guys who have been doing m112->m113 swaps, the m113 only need roughly 4 more inches of space to work and that space is available between the front of the NA m112 to the back of the radiator/fan (ive measured :x). The xf guys have been using smaller C43 fans in front of the radiator to make extra space for the V8. Personally, if a m113 fits into a standard w203, I bet an NA m273 would also fit :x ~390 hp + 7spd trans? Yes plz!
ps -Wavey has a m112k from an slk32 in his car with matching transmission. His deal was unbelievable (that *******).
Brabus has a stroked (over bored?) 5.8L m113 in standard w203 - it fits and after talking w/ the xf guys who have been doing m112->m113 swaps, the m113 only need roughly 4 more inches of space to work and that space is available between the front of the NA m112 to the back of the radiator/fan (ive measured :x). The xf guys have been using smaller C43 fans in front of the radiator to make extra space for the V8. Personally, if a m113 fits into a standard w203, I bet an NA m273 would also fit :x ~390 hp + 7spd trans? Yes plz!
ps -Wavey has a m112k from an slk32 in his car with matching transmission. His deal was unbelievable (that *******).
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
To the OP.. $4000 to repair a $6000 car?
Super Moderator
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
These chains sometimes let go with zero warning. Fortunately most times there is a rattle at start up before oil pressure normalises.
Engine swaps to greater power require a diff change.
Engine swaps to greater power require a diff change.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: VA
e36 318i, 2004 sti
You should get the more updated better overall performing motor 55>43. Hp, mpg, etc. Stop and think though. Do I want to spend that much money on this car and maybe KILL the re-sale value. Im not saying dont do it. If you really want to than go for it! It will be a long project. As for the transmission im not sure. If you have the automatic you should be fine. Im not sure if the different kinds of 722.6 can hold as much power as the amg variants. If you have the manual than you are about to go into some very shady territory.
Someone did put a S55 (V8 kompressor) into a c320.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBJQ_...Q285e4dxzgJyce
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRjm2...20HQjKSTg6kz86
Someone did put a S55 (V8 kompressor) into a c320.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBJQ_...Q285e4dxzgJyce
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRjm2...20HQjKSTg6kz86
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
1. you don't need a CLK/C55 front for the V8. the front top rail is at the exact same spot for the C55 to the rest of the W203.
2. might as well get a new car instead of doing a engine swap. Waveykat (C320->32) got his done with an awesome deal that normal people don't have access to.
2. might as well get a new car instead of doing a engine swap. Waveykat (C320->32) got his done with an awesome deal that normal people don't have access to.
My Swap: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stions-25.html
Page 25 i think :-) enjoy
Last edited by WaveyKat; Feb 10, 2012 at 10:09 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Wait What.. Normal? NO am not am CRAZYYYYY.. but doing a swap is great you will also need a new Diff, if you using the Tranny from the V8:-)
My Swap: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stions-25.html
Page 25 i think :-) enjoy
My Swap: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stions-25.html
Page 25 i think :-) enjoy
