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I listen to taht podcast weekly.. love it.. CLK black manual.. all oem parts which is cool. I think Derek Tam manual swapped his old purple E wagon also?
Agree. I have the TCU tune and it’s responsive (more so than stock). But the stick would add another level of entertainment. Re: overheating, don’t think I’ve experienced that as a consequence.
wouldn't do it to mine, but I do like the concept of a manual swap if the donor vehicle is either crazy high mileage or salvaged.
only if the trans being swapped in isn't from a w203 C300 though, wished it's something from a higher/equal tier of our car, like a Getrag 6spd, it was fun in the 2J days.
Agree. I have the TCU tune and it’s responsive (more so than stock). But the stick would add another level of entertainment. Re: overheating, don’t think I’ve experienced that as a consequence.
i wouldnt say over heating... just runs hot and something to keep an eye on
Interestting.
In Germany, the guy that developped the Blip throttle had also succedded to swap 7GTronic (torque converter) to MCT (dual clutch) in CLK 63 AMG. It is not manual transmission but already a more efficient automatic transmission.
Interestting.
In Germany, the guy that developped the Blip throttle had also succedded to swap 7GTronic (torque converter) to MCT (dual clutch) in CLK 63 AMG. It is not manual transmission but already a more efficient automatic transmission.
nice, is it a MCT like the one in the C63BS? or something even quicker?
I posted this on the BAT thread for the car that just closed, but thought it should live here too!I likely have as much or more track time in various CLK63 BS as anyone, so I wanted to comment on the manual swap. First, I do not like auto/paddle cars in general. So, when hearing of the swap for the CLK, it was like heaven to my ears. However, in digging in, there are some real issues that would give me pause. And to be honest, I am not in a position right now to buy and convert one, but will be at some not too far off date. but….
1. I do not believe that the box they are using can handle the torque output of the motor, especially with modifications. Yes, it will last in the short-term, but if driven hard and as designed, the TQ at lower RPMs can kill a box. The specs from the box they use just look too close to being maxed out in a CLKBS. And I would never keep the car stock. Long tubes, tune, airboxes, etc. The cars are just too damn good with all the bits, and they make over 100hp more with them! The flip side is that its not an auto with the downshift that instantly can over-torque the box, but still, I do like to heal toe on downshifts into corners, and I am concerned that such an action will eventually lead to a failure, and one at the worst moment!
2. I have raced for 15 years and was a chief instructor at Willow Springs. This is not to flex, its to give perspective to the next comment. I would NEVER want a CLK BS without ESP for a street car. Yes, I prefer it off, but not always. Wife driving – no way without ESP. Friend, valet, tired, raining – no way without ESP. The lack of this severely limits the usability of the car. You do NOT want to be driving one on a mountain road and all of a sudden you encounter a freak storm without ESP. And for the average driver without all the training and car control skill – NO WAY!
3. I have heard that ABS is also an issue? Can anyone confirm?
4. Losing push to start is an issue for me for the overall experience. It makes it feel too much “race car compromise” and is too far away from the original design. And I am not sure why this cannot be overcome (but I am sure there are reasons or a plan). But for me, if I wanted a car with those compromises I would buy the white one with the Motec and all the track mods (that we helped build back in the day) that is sitting in Florida and can be had for a great deal (as nobody wants a car that has lost so much “factory”)
The theory behind the swap is amazing. The current execution leaves too much of a gap for me.
I posted this on the BAT thread for the car that just closed, but thought it should live here too!I likely have as much or more track time in various CLK63 BS as anyone, so I wanted to comment on the manual swap. First, I do not like auto/paddle cars in general. So, when hearing of the swap for the CLK, it was like heaven to my ears. However, in digging in, there are some real issues that would give me pause. And to be honest, I am not in a position right now to buy and convert one, but will be at some not too far off date. but….
1. I do not believe that the box they are using can handle the torque output of the motor, especially with modifications. Yes, it will last in the short-term, but if driven hard and as designed, the TQ at lower RPMs can kill a box. The specs from the box they use just look too close to being maxed out in a CLKBS. And I would never keep the car stock. Long tubes, tune, airboxes, etc. The cars are just too damn good with all the bits, and they make over 100hp more with them! The flip side is that its not an auto with the downshift that instantly can over-torque the box, but still, I do like to heal toe on downshifts into corners, and I am concerned that such an action will eventually lead to a failure, and one at the worst moment!
2. I have raced for 15 years and was a chief instructor at Willow Springs. This is not to flex, its to give perspective to the next comment. I would NEVER want a CLK BS without ESP for a street car. Yes, I prefer it off, but not always. Wife driving – no way without ESP. Friend, valet, tired, raining – no way without ESP. The lack of this severely limits the usability of the car. You do NOT want to be driving one on a mountain road and all of a sudden you encounter a freak storm without ESP. And for the average driver without all the training and car control skill – NO WAY!
3. I have heard that ABS is also an issue? Can anyone confirm?
4. Losing push to start is an issue for me for the overall experience. It makes it feel too much “race car compromise” and is too far away from the original design. And I am not sure why this cannot be overcome (but I am sure there are reasons or a plan). But for me, if I wanted a car with those compromises I would buy the white one with the Motec and all the track mods (that we helped build back in the day) that is sitting in Florida and can be had for a great deal (as nobody wants a car that has lost so much “factory”)
The theory behind the swap is amazing. The current execution leaves too much of a gap for me.
and another interesting detail is, why not remove the paddle shift after installation and add the buttons to at least cover it... it just looks weird and a bit oversight
coming from someone that used to do this kind of work, I am impressed with the idea. Clearly they have a little way to go still as far as execution! But bravo for popping the cork on it!
Looks like DC Motorwerks has addressed my major concern (ESP) and I just signed the contract for the swap. They’ll do the work in the first quarter of 2026, or whenever I can get my car out there. Cameron (from the video) and I spoke for a half hour today. Ultimately, it was his transparency and patience with my questions which convinced me to pull the trigger.
I don’t drive my cars too aggressively, nor will i ever modify to increase power, so I feel pretty good about the gear box holding up. I did elect to install a newer gearbox from a diesel application, figuring it might be the more robust option.
Hope it goes well! Either way, it’ll be quite an interesting experience.
