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black w202 C43 / Black e93 328i / Smoke Silver 560SEL
55 Engine Swap
So I'm preparing to swap an engine from an 01 ML55 into my C43, and Im going to replace the head gasket, the valve cover gaskets, the timing chain, the water pump the rear main seal, and anything that even thinks about being worn and/or easy to replace.
Beyond that, what would you guys recommend I replace before putting the engine in?
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
I don't think that there was any physical difference to the long block with the exception of the oil pan and oil pump inlets on the earlier 5.4's. Obviously the later 5.4's (SLK55, CLK55, and C55) had higher compression ratios and had higher HP and lower torque. The difference in ratings between the E55, ML55, CLK55, and S55 were associated with exhaust differences, intake differences, and engine tuning. Given the same parameters within those elements (which would happen in a C43 swap), they should generate the same numbers within a certain percentage relative to engine to engine variation.
I don't think that there was any physical difference to the long block with the exception of the oil pan and oil pump inlets on the earlier 5.4's. Obviously the later 5.4's (SLK55, CLK55, and C55) had higher compression ratios and had higher HP and lower torque. The difference in ratings between the E55, ML55, CLK55, and S55 were associated with exhaust differences, intake differences, and engine tuning. Given the same parameters within those elements (which would happen in a C43 swap), they should generate the same numbers within a certain percentage relative to engine to engine variation.
black w202 C43 / Black e93 328i / Smoke Silver 560SEL
Bad news - The engine I ordered had issues that they noticed when prepping it for shipment. They have another with similar mileage that they are inspecting and probably going to send me, but its going to take longer.
The first shipment of tools I need arrived today and I might be getting a 4-post lift soon.
black w202 C43 / Black e93 328i / Smoke Silver 560SEL
Unfortunately that salvage yard never got back to me about the other engines they had in stock, so I ended up ordering a 63k mile CLK55 engine. That simplifies a bunch of the swap. It will be here thursday.
black w202 C43 / Black e93 328i / Smoke Silver 560SEL
The engine arrived today. Included an extra wiring harness, and pretty much is ready to put in as-is if I wanted to. Still planning on doing the valve cover gaskets, breather hoses, water pump, rear main seal, and belts.
The weird looking area on the intake is just some light oxidation, IDK why it looks so much worse in the picture than in person.
black w202 C43 / Black e93 328i / Smoke Silver 560SEL
Photos from today's work
I cant believe how nice the valvetrain looks. I think I'm gonna have the valve covers powder coated. Unfortunately the intake manifold it came with is cracked so I'm gonna try and get a partial refund.
black w202 C43 / Black e93 328i / Smoke Silver 560SEL
So unfortunately the company I ordered the engine from didnt cover tthat with the warranty, and said the warranty only applied to internal parts. I was sad until I found a solution.
The solution is a supercharger.
Thanks for the offer, PJmak, but I think Im just gonna use the one from my 43 engine until the kit arrives.
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