N/A 55 Swap Complete on my 1998 C43
11-22-2012, 07:54 AM
#26
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It seems from some of the threads that a few of the guys that had this swap did most of the work themselves. I couldn't tell from your post did you have the shop do the swap for you or do you work there or something so that you didnt really pay a full shop price for the swap?
I have a connection with a guy that has swapped out a few engines before and has the necessary tools and space in his garage, he has never worked on a mercedes but he is my only option if i want to avoid shop prices. Does anyone have an estimate or know what a engine swap like this would cost if done at t shop with approx $80/hr labor rate?
paying over $1200 or so in labor on top of the cost of the engine would be the only thing holding me back.
I have a connection with a guy that has swapped out a few engines before and has the necessary tools and space in his garage, he has never worked on a mercedes but he is my only option if i want to avoid shop prices. Does anyone have an estimate or know what a engine swap like this would cost if done at t shop with approx $80/hr labor rate?
paying over $1200 or so in labor on top of the cost of the engine would be the only thing holding me back.
11-22-2012, 11:02 AM
#28
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Also the oil pan unless you have the engine from a CLK55 or E55 then it will not be necessary to change just drop it in.
11-22-2012, 06:56 PM
#29
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1998 C43 w/ N/A 5.4l swap
the oil pan thing is the reason why i went with the 210 motor..... i didnt want to take my motor apart cause i am putting my old 43 motor into a freinds 208 430
11-23-2012, 06:17 PM
#30
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I'd recommend using the EPC to compare oil pans. I believe the higher compression motors (W203, W209, R171) use the different oil pan. I have a 2001 S55 motor and I used the EPC to verify that the oil pans were the same.
11-23-2012, 07:56 PM
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1998 C43 w/ N/A 5.4l swap
the reason why the 203, 209 and 171 have different oil pans is cause the subframe requires different clearance than the 210,208,220. this is the reason why its much easier to use the motor out of a older car.
12-08-2015, 01:22 PM
#32
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Hey I know this thread is from a while ago but how does the car run now? Is it ALOT faster? I am debating on whether to buy a c43 and do the swap
12-08-2015, 03:49 PM
#33
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1999 C43 AMG, 2005 E55 Wagon
honestly, it's like half the reason to buy a C43.
one guy did other mods to his C43 with a 55 motor and was smoking stock w204 C63's
12-08-2015, 04:51 PM
#34
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W202 C55 (5.4 swapped C43)
Awesome man! I plan on doing this swap in my 43 at the end of the month, would you recommend taking on the task myself using my buddys shop? doesnt seem like too hard of a job with the right equipment.
12-09-2015, 11:59 AM
#35
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1999 C43 AMG, 2005 E55 Wagon
there's a thread here with everything you need to know about how to DIY this job, including exactly which engines are a perfect fit.
I'm 75% sure I could pull it off on my own, but whenever I get around to it I'll just pay my trusted mechanic to do it for peace of mind.
it's the exact same engine as far as the engine bay and ECU are concerned, so there's no modifications needed except a water coolant inlet on the back of one of the heads. the only "challenge" is just the labor of pulling the engine and putting in the new one: removing accessories, etc.
I'd recommend a total refresh on the new motor before it goes in: gaskets, timing chain and guides (can't stress this enough, because it's like a $2k job if it needs it later)
