Forged Pistons/Connecting Rods?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern Cali
W124
Forged Pistons/Connecting Rods?
Anyone know if there are forged pistons and connecting rods available for M103 engines. If its available it'll be something I would probably do in the future when its time for the current engine to retire.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
And you're sure M103 wasn't made with them at the factory?
According to 1988 "300 Class" brochure:
Light-alloy pistons
Forged steel connecting rods.
Forged steel crankshaft.
You're not going to be able to improve on this from hot rod sources.
According to 1988 "300 Class" brochure:
Light-alloy pistons
Forged steel connecting rods.
Forged steel crankshaft.
You're not going to be able to improve on this from hot rod sources.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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The rods and crank are forged from Benz. The pistons are gravity cast.
Unless you want to go forced induction, I would stay with stock cast pistons and the great piston to wall clearance they allow.
I just picked up a used 300 E engine and have some plans for it over the fall and winter this year. If I come up with some forgings, I will keep you updated. Of course, the 300 E I am building is going to have the an exhaust gas driven huffer hanging off the side
Don~
Unless you want to go forced induction, I would stay with stock cast pistons and the great piston to wall clearance they allow.
I just picked up a used 300 E engine and have some plans for it over the fall and winter this year. If I come up with some forgings, I will keep you updated. Of course, the 300 E I am building is going to have the an exhaust gas driven huffer hanging off the side
Don~
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern Cali
W124
I came across a spare engine. Nothing wrong with it, just a little tired. If I pick it up I'm thinking of taking it apart and rebuilding it w/ reinforced parts. Build it to withstand nitrous use. This is if I get it.
Junior Member
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Most gravity cast pistons dont like N20 for too long. So, forged slugs might be a worthwhile investment.
We run insane amounts of N20 in Diesels nowdays and I ran my share of it in gasser race cars in the 80/90's.
Forged pistons or really stout cast is a must for big gains and durability.
Don~
We run insane amounts of N20 in Diesels nowdays and I ran my share of it in gasser race cars in the 80/90's.
Forged pistons or really stout cast is a must for big gains and durability.
Don~
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 800
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From: Northern Cali
W124
That's what I'm after Don_M. I figure the format of the early M103 engines is perfectly suited to hide the lines and solenoid under the huge airbox. No one would notice it.
