5.5L Amg Short block swap questions
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Va
Supercharged CLK430 street/show car
5.5L Amg Short block swap questions
It seems that it might be cheaper for me to purchase a 5.5L shortblock and possibly a complete 5.5L engine(has a bad piston) with over 100k on it to swap into my 430. I will use the heads and timing cover, oil pan etc off the high mileage engine and slam it all on the low mileage block. I have never done a mercedes complete overhaul or swap so I want to make sure I have everything correct, specifically the little mercedes techniques I hear about that people who are not certified miss and are very important. Is there anyone who is knowledgeable in this field that is willing provide tech support to a fellow MB member and manuals for assembling and timing a 5.5L amg non K engine, Thanks 
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frankenstein 2001 CLK 430
From my research on my car I have found that 430 heads don't work on 55 blocks as the piston size different ... Although 500 engines and the 55 engines have the same bore but different stroke... As u have a supercharged 430 the best u can do is get the 55 engine and change the crank shaft to one from a 500 that way u have a low compression 55 technically it will no longer be. A 55 it will be a 500 with forged pistons ... This way u can open more boost 
I am hoping to do this on my car but lacking the funds... So hope this is good food for thought 
I am hoping to do this on my car but lacking the funds... So hope this is good food for thought
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 502
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From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
From my research on my car I have found that 430 heads don't work on 55 blocks as the piston size different ... Although 500 engines and the 55 engines have the same bore but different stroke... As u have a supercharged 430 the best u can do is get the 55 engine and change the crank shaft to one from a 500 that way u have a low compression 55 technically it will no longer be. A 55 it will be a 500 with forged pistons ... This way u can open more boost I am hoping to do this on my car but lacking the funds... So hope this is good food for thought
I am hoping to do this on my car but lacking the funds... So hope this is good food for thought
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frankenstein 2001 CLK 430
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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frankenstein 2001 CLK 430
Im not well versed with the MB specifics but I have been a wrench for many years. Interesting approach though.. so you are planning to lower your compression by basically de-stroking? Not sure I would go that route as opposed to a dished piston. From a budget standpoint im sure you are onto something but i see you leaving power on the table and possible detonation issues by moving the designed quench point.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
Im with you as far as complete motor swaps, but I was referring to your ideas of manipulating the CR by destroking with the 500 crank. Just never tried that route before and was adding to your "food for thought". With the 5.5 motor available NA or FI, why reinvent the wheel when he has the 5.5 block. Factory parts will always be more cost efective than custom, not to mention a proven reciepe with known results. Im all for thinking outside the box and if you go with your plan would like to hear how it turns out.
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frankenstein 2001 CLK 430
Im with you as far as complete motor swaps, but I was referring to your ideas of manipulating the CR by destroking with the 500 crank. Just never tried that route before and was adding to your "food for thought". With the 5.5 motor available NA or FI, why reinvent the wheel when he has the 5.5 block. Factory parts will always be more cost efective than custom, not to mention a proven reciepe with known results. Im all for thinking outside the box and if you go with your plan would like to hear how it turns out.
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2002 CLK55
I'm not saying they are forged. What I am saying is I would buy a 55 engine and replace the internals with forged pistons and rods. To me changing compression with pistons is easier than taking bits and pieces from 3 different engines and trying to make that work
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2002 CLK55
I'm not saying they are forged. What I am saying is I would buy a 55 engine and replace the internals with forged pistons and rods. To me changing compression with pistons is easier than taking bits and pieces from 3 different engines and trying to make that work
