Covert c230 v6, 2005 model to c55 engine
#3
Member
The C55, if I am correct, uses the front clip of the W209 (Think CLK500, or CLK550) chassis combined with the rest of a W203 (C230 for example)
AMG probably did that so they could have enough space for the V8.
I think trying to shoehorn a V8 into a standard W203 chassis would require a lot of custom fabrication. Definitely makes more financial sense to sell the C230 and buy a gently used, well maintained C55, or even spring for a newer C63 which appear to be dropping to new lows with the release of the 2016 C63 W205.
What may actually work better is to find a C32 or SLK32 supercharged V6 and install that, but again, probably much better to just buy one!
AMG probably did that so they could have enough space for the V8.
I think trying to shoehorn a V8 into a standard W203 chassis would require a lot of custom fabrication. Definitely makes more financial sense to sell the C230 and buy a gently used, well maintained C55, or even spring for a newer C63 which appear to be dropping to new lows with the release of the 2016 C63 W205.
What may actually work better is to find a C32 or SLK32 supercharged V6 and install that, but again, probably much better to just buy one!
Last edited by Rahulio1975280C; 03-30-2015 at 09:29 PM.
#4
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With the current prices of C55's, you're better off just buying the whole car rather than trying to do an engine swap.
#5
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2020 E 300 Coupe and 2019 GLS 400
+55
Sell it, buy an AMG.
Even if you replace the engine and somehow get it to work, the ECU, transmission + TCU, suspension, brakes , interior, exterior will still be original Mercedes.
Sell it, buy an AMG.
Even if you replace the engine and somehow get it to work, the ECU, transmission + TCU, suspension, brakes , interior, exterior will still be original Mercedes.
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#10
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I have been contemplating picking up a Pre-facelift C320 Wagon with a bad engine and trans, that I can get for about $2.5k and use my current C55 to build it into the C55T that was never offered here in the states. would only need to source a back seat and rear bumper from europe. I would essentially be swapping everything from one shell to the other... I am sure that would be a "fun" project.
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I dunno. People get the wagon for a one size fits all car. For the cost of a 230, 240, or 320 wagon nowadays, you'd just be better off getting a beater extra car. Why add the extra weight, dismantle a real C55, and spend all that time and money making a C55t just "because wagon?"
#12
Super Member
yeah, main reason I haven't done it. One day (30 yrs from now) this C55 might be worth something. Or it could be that I just don't have that much drive to take on a project like that anymore.
#13
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(On a more gloomy note, in 30 years, governments might outright ban internal combustion engines or tax it so much that it would be morbidly expensive just to own an old car. i.e. Japan today)
I think the motivation behind the project is lost when you consider that you could fairly easily pick up an E55 Wagon ($1X,XXX or $2X,XXX) or E63 Wagon ($2X,XXX or $3X,XXX) and have a roomier, more powerful, and (in the case of the E63) more modern vehicle. I mean, you have to WANT a C55T really bad to undertake this project!
#14
Super Member
Factory Parts Bin specialty cars have always appreciated in value, with rarity once they become classics. look at cars like the COPO chevy's they were really just cars ordered with truck motors.
There were far more C63s made than C55s and I believe when it comes to collectability I think the rarity and the parts bin mashup, will make numbers matching C55 more valuable than the C63, I even think the C43 may be more valuable than either one being the first of the breed.
Anyway back to what this thread was about I agree with everyone else and say find the best possible C55 you can buy and buy it, rather than try to put a motor in yours.
There were far more C63s made than C55s and I believe when it comes to collectability I think the rarity and the parts bin mashup, will make numbers matching C55 more valuable than the C63, I even think the C43 may be more valuable than either one being the first of the breed.
Anyway back to what this thread was about I agree with everyone else and say find the best possible C55 you can buy and buy it, rather than try to put a motor in yours.
#16
Member
It is not a stretch to say that you could get one with maybe 150K Miles at or slightly below $20,000. I know it has miles, but with the right records... it is possible.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-E55-AMG-WAGON-2006-mercedes-benz-e-55-amg-wagon-/151545501229?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2348d0d62d&item=151545501229&pt=US_Cars_Trucks