06SL500AMG

Is there anything you can do to boost the hp very easily in a CLK500? After mine was wrecked I found a CLK55 that I loved, but then it said top..visit workshop 😑. I found a mint condition 2005 twin to my CLK500 though that I really like. I like the hp in the 5.4 though also 🤔

dzmitry

I'm sure that fixing soft top on CLK55 is much cheaper than adding power to CLK500

I know couple of options here (but most of them are expensive and will require custom tune):
1. CLK55 engine swap
2. Porting heads
3. Custom pistons with increased compression ration
4. Cams and/or Stronger valve springs (will allow to increase max rpm)
5. Custom headers
6. Kleemann supercharger
7. 55k supercharger (requires some work to front engine cover)
8. Just tune

nkx1

Why put all that time, money, and energy trying to increase power on a 500, when you can just buy a 550 or 55?

dzmitry

Because it is fun

nkx1

Yeah, if you have the time, sure, why not!? I completely get that.

Either way, you might as well start high and go higher. I just don't really see the benefit in starting medium (CLK500) and going through all that trouble (or fun?) only to end up at the same or similar place as a 55 or 550!

Merc Mania

A CLK500 with a well-tuned engine would give most other vehicles a run for their money, bone stock and with no performance modifications. Exploring the upper reaches of such a vehicle's performance envelope on a public highway would require a radar detector, and frequent checks of the rear view mirror while those speed tests are being conducted.

06SL500AMG

I can’t find another car with all of the options I had. Nav, heated and cooled seats, xenons, keyless go, and Hartman Kardon except for a 05 CLK500 that wouldn’t start when I went to look at it or a CLK55 that needs some work on the interior, top doesn’t work, and doesn’t have cooled seats. The top on the 500 is in poor shape but it did lower as it should. They were going to put a starter on it.

nkx1

Are you only looking within your area? If you go on Autotrader and select "any distance", there are 58 CLKs with V8 engines available with under 75K miles. You might need to take a flight or two to get what you want, but I'm pretty sure you can get what you want if you're willing to put in the effort. Especially since you want a convertible, which are way more plentiful than the coupes.

If you have the funds, why not look for a newer model? The 2010 and 2011 E Class coupes/convertibles still have the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 but are so much more modern than the CLK.

nkx1

Not the CLK55 or 550 lol.

06SL500AMG

I’ve thought about the E550 convertible some. They’re starting to become reasonable as well but idk. I’ve got a 2016 Escalade, a 2005 BMW coupe and a 2002 Sierra Denali so the CLK is a toy instead of an everyday car. I’ve looked through all of the sites. I’m a dealer as well and I haven’t found any at the sales either across the US with the right options. I might be picky I guess.