W203 c230k engine swap - MBWorld.org Forums

May 6, 2018 | 02:34 AM

grantwhitneyy

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Newbie

Joined: May 2018

Posts: 6

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From: california

2005 c230 kompressor sport

W203 c230k engine swap

Thinking about engine swapping my 05 c230k as there is not very many perfornce mods for the m271, and i want to swap to a manual transmission as well. I like my car as it is, no im not going to sell it and buy a c32 or c55, id rather do an engine swap on my car and use it as an experience of working on cars. Ive done suspension and brake work, but need to learn more about working onengines and wiring. My friend has a shop i can use with pretty much everything i need to do this. Im well aware that will be quite a bit of work and im willing to have the car down for a few months, but i need to know what other people opinions are and what engine would be ideal. Feedback is great, let me know your thoughts!

May 7, 2018 | 03:11 PM

Tylxr

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Joined: Mar 2018

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2002 C230 Kompressor (w203)

Since the engine bay is somewhat compact it's probably best to stick with smaller engines. A few that come to mind are the Honda F20C/F22C and the Mitsubishi 4G63 which you would have to do an AWD set up, but it would be pretty cool (it also has many variations: SOHC, DOHC, N/A, Turbo, etc. Whatever suits you best.) Performance parts for these cars are not limited, and I'm sure with how popular they are, you shouldn't have a hard time finding one.

May 7, 2018 | 03:32 PM

C230 Sport Coup

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Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 7,263

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From: So. Oregon Coast

C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP

As you are in Cali, I would forget it.
Sell the C and get an E55 or something or if you want to stay in a W203, get a C55.
BTW- C55 has CLK front end, which is why they were able to shoehorn a v8 in there.

Engine swaps on these cars, and meeting smog requirements, to get and
keep your registration is a major cluster%^&*.
You need the ECU and other parts from the car you'd be swapping from.
And then I think but not sure, you have to register it as the car the parts came from.
So, you buy a wrecked rear ended C55, pull the electronics, wiring harnesses, VIN tags everything,
and swap them your C230, plus swap the whole front end.
It can, and has been done, but it's really a pain and expensivo here in Cali.
It's just a nightmare.
So much easier, drop 10-15K for a perfect E55.
But then the W211 has it's own demons. Lots of them.
OR go for a W204 C63. Now there's a beast.
But be careful certain years, had soft metal in the cams.
Check the AMG W204 forum on that one.

Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; May 7, 2018 at 03:36 PM.