ConceptPlayer

I have the opportunity to upgrade pretty much any part of my 05 CLK 320 to an 03 CLK 55AMG.

Other than the engine, which parts between the two car are compatible? I'm already looking into the wheels and breaks. Is the air intake worth changing?

tw2

I think just about all of it should be transferable but I am not sure why you would want to. The AMG parts are designed to work together to provide a certain level of performance. For example why would you want much more expensive heavier brake discs when yours are adequate for a CLK320.

Next scenario would be transferring everything... so much work again I am not sure it is worth it. Would you go as far as swapping the instrument cluster? Also depends on how worn things are, high mileage shocks etc, no thanks.

ConceptPlayer

My car has higher mileage. In addition, the 55 is considered "totaled" and he's not willing to fix it. But you are right, I'd rather go with reliability over performance.

mis3

It would be great if you can keep the CLK55 for future parts replacements.

For instance, in 2016, I have replaced a seatbelt, transmission cooling lines, low beam bulb, third brake light, hood support struts etc. Back in 2015, I had to replace the driver side window switch, one trunk spring.

Many of these non-engine parts should be common in both cars.

ALFAitalia

Really?? are you seriously suggesting that swapping up to better performing brakes is anything other than a good idea??? My brakes stop the car fine.....but would I like more powerful AMG brakes to have more power/feel?....yes please. By your argument we should all run around in 1.0 litre cars!!......they are fast enough to do the 70mph limit so why would you need anymore power!
I take it modified cars are not your thing....you certainly would not like my 69 Charger then......and no... I certainly did not leave the all round 11inch unservoed drums that it came with combined with that 7.2 litre V8 (440ci) motor!!....even though it could (just!) stop the car in a hurry!!!

megacrazy

I would probably look at swapping over the brakes, which are a definite improvement, and possibly the suspension (shocks/springs/sway bars). I am not sure if anything else would be cost effective and easily swapped over.

tw2

Yes that's why I have a clk55 I wish it only had 3 cylinders.

I am very pro modding. I am also pro safety which includes better stopping power. Most modern brakes are very good. The main difference is that the much larger brakes have a very large capacity before brake fade is experienced. Want to track a clk320 go for it. Otherwise I suggest you look at the list price for the rotors. Also for someone very performance and modding orientated.... ever heard of unsprung weight? I guarantee the car will perform worse in all aspects except stopping.

tw2

In my opinion that no one asked for, the best way to improve stopping distance for a lot of modern cars is to stop buying cheap tires (not directed at anyone here) and upgrade to some better street pads. Tracking your car is different.

megacrazy

Come on now. Stock brakes are mostly the cheapest option chosen by the manufacturer that doesn't get you killed. The difference between a Corolla with stock brakes and 6000$ Brembos is night and day. Yeah pads will help but better calipers and larger discs is where it's at.

This is the first mod I do on any car I buy because it's simply worth the money. You can't compare 6 piston calipers with 16.4 inch 2 piece rotors with 10 inch rotors with 1 piston calipers. No, it's not all about brake fade. The braking distance will decrease dramatically.

Also, the unsprung weight argument might make sense for a Corolla, barely but for a 400hp car it has little meaning.

My suggestion is to spend the money on stupid expensive brakes. They're worth it

insame1

Un-sprung weight has to do with handling and no amount of HP will make a difference on un-sprung weights changes.

megacrazy

Brake discs are part of that unsprung weight, supposedly affecting acceleration if they're heavier.

I'd be interested to see a weight comparison of stock systems with aftermarket systems. The majority of aftermarket calipers/2 piece rotors I have installed seemed a lot lighter than stock to being with.

https://blog.racetechnologies.com/20...-e-components/

tw2

Yes angular acceleration and rotational inertia are what works against you in terms of reducing acceleration. Corollas don't have 400HP, neither do clk320's. Brake performance is about friction and clamping force. Neither of these require 10kg added to each corner. Yes for a higher HP car where you expect to do high speed runs ie autobahn or track work then definitely larger discs are a great thing. The difference between a well set-up 4 pot system and a 8 pot one you can brag about is likely not a lot. If your car came out with little mincey brakes then yes you will want to fully upgrade everything but this is less and less common these days and your Corolla will be fine with some pads, decent tires and routine maintenance.

megacrazy

Well, actually you're mostly shaving weight off with big brake kits and increasing performance by quite a bit. There are plenty of links out there with weights of rotors, calipers, etc. Stock systems are huge clumps of steel while aftermarket high performance can be aluminum calipers, 2 piece rotors etc. For example, 6 pot Wilwood calipers are ridiculously light when compared to stock.

Yes, the Corolla will be great with stock brakes and routine maintenance but it will be even greater with a 60-0 brake distance reduced by something like 30 feet. Of course it will cost as much as half the car but that's something else.

Regardless, we're getting into quantifying the merits of upgrading cars which is relative. In my case, I would much rather stop 30ft quicker or hell even 5ft quicker. That can be the difference between avoiding an accident or not.

tw2

The CLK55 brake system is not a lightweight aftermarket addition, I can't see it weighing less than the CLK320 system. I totally agree though, if it weighs the same or less then it is usually a great idea, but again, even if it weighs less, you are still redistributing that weight out from the centre. In some cases it is still not as good as you might hope for.

All I am saying is that it is not a free upgrade, there are downsides which a lot of people aren't aware of. Worse handling and slower acceleration make a huge difference depending on how much power you had to start with and what you use your car for.

Same reason throwing huge heavy wheels on are a terrible idea. Luckily most of our stock wheels are very heavy to begin with yet some people still manage to find heavier ones.