JK_AMG

As the title suggest, I'm leaning toward 5.5 swapping my c43 and adding a supercharger rather than selling. A few lingering questions though... (also i'm completely new to the realm of supercharging so apologies in advance for any basic questions )

1) The c43 ECU and TCU can adapt to the normal 5.5L swap... will they need modification/upgrades/tuning to handle the addition of the supercharger?
2) I would assume the 722.6 transmission can handle the extra power without modification, but any thoughts?
3) Would a turbo ultimately be a better choice for performance? Reliability? Price difference? (i still want to be able to drive this regularly)
4) Any other thoughts/suggestions before i embark down this path?
5) All-in do we think this can be accomplished in the US (midwest) for under $20k if primarily going through a shop? (sadly, i'm not on the god-like DIY level of most of you :/ )

Thanks in-advance for all your thoughts and feedback!

-JK

MattCordell

You will for sure screw your original transmission if you add a blower.
722.631 transmissions are weak for MY1998 and you seem to have a 98 C43.
Sun gear will explode like an M18 Claymore, then you need a new transmission.

PJmak

Really? Speaking from experience or just a guess? Ive seen supercharged c43s on stock transmissions.

Benzrider17

IMO you should do the 55 swap first and see if that enough power for you I can say that you will 100% feel a great power difference
I am satisfied with my swap in my c43 if you want more power then maybe suggest moving up to c55 witch would give you the handling as well as power
My c43 swap has all the power this car can handle but even with H&R SWAY BARS KW COIL OVERZ a few other small performances mods my c43 don’t handle sharp turns and speed
bumps as a c55 would my c55 is more like it’s on rails at high speeds and turns much better control
but still wouldn’t trade c43 just have to have them both , fun cars to drive

DRBC43AMG

The transmission, if in good shape and serviced regularly, will take the extra power up to a point. If you drive like a hooligan at WOT and drifting all over the place, I doubt it will resist. Nothing will survive such a treatment if not custom built to begin with. The C43 is a good sleeper "sports" vehicle. It will never be a race car.
Just my 2p worth...

MattCordell

Tranny is rated to 580NM where the 55 lump has 530NM add a blower and you'll exceed the 580NM.
It will probably hold a few months if you put an egg under the throttle, then you start thrashin' coz it's fun to drive, a blower puts lots of stress on 722.631
It won't last long.
Perhaps TS should look for a stronger tranny when or if he breaks it?

It's his money, he'll do what he want with his car
Enjoy driving while it lasts

Sulaco

Probably easier and cheaper to find a wrecked w211 E55 Kompressor and nab the engine, transmission, blower, ECU, TCU, everything and swap it into the w202.

But if you're going to have to chop it up that much, might as well just do it with a standard 99-2000 C280. Everything will bolt in the same except now you haven't chopped up an extremely rare C43 that is rising in value if left original.

I have an E55 Kompressor and I 55-swapped my C43 years ago. Even though my E55 is faster, my C43/55 is definitely powerful enough on its own. It's much smaller, much more nimble to drive, and around 1500lbs lighter! I absolutely love driving it and I beat on it constantly. My E55 will absolutely beat it in a straight line, but the C43/55 is a more fun experience.

One huge difference between the 2 cars I can't explain. They are both an m113 with a 722.6. However, in the E55, I feel like the power band is very high. I have to really push the throttle and climb in the RPM's to get the thrills. But in my C43/55, I feel like the power band is enormous. At 2k RPM all the way up to 6k RPM it feels like it's putting the same amount of torque down. It makes it insanely easy and fun to drive.