R350 CDI to R63
05-03-2020, 07:41 AM
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merc r350
R350 CDI to R63
Hi All,
Thinking of doing a 6.3 litre conversion to my Mercedes R350 2012 (updated head light version).This is an Australian delivered W251 chassis with the long wheel base, the same chassis as the ML63. Has anyone done this before and if so what would be involved in terms of the conversion? Im thinking of buying a wrecked ML63 (complete car) side impact, which is of the same vintage. Any advice would be appreciated. Think it would be a cool and unique 7 seater with plenty of grunt to please. Or should I just go LS?
Thinking of doing a 6.3 litre conversion to my Mercedes R350 2012 (updated head light version).This is an Australian delivered W251 chassis with the long wheel base, the same chassis as the ML63. Has anyone done this before and if so what would be involved in terms of the conversion? Im thinking of buying a wrecked ML63 (complete car) side impact, which is of the same vintage. Any advice would be appreciated. Think it would be a cool and unique 7 seater with plenty of grunt to please. Or should I just go LS?
Last edited by Carshi D; 03-19-2021 at 03:15 AM.
05-04-2020, 05:16 PM
#2
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Hi All,
Thinking of doing a 6.3 litre conversion to my Mercedes R350 2012 (updated head light version).This is an Australian delivered W251 chassis with the long wheel base, the same chassis as the ML63. The R63 was actually released in Australia although only 2 made it into the country (old shape) which makes the car rarer than most. Has anyone done this before and if so what would be involved in terms of the conversion? Im thinking of buying a wrecked ML63 (complete car) side impact, which is of the same vintage. Any advice would be appreciated. Think it would be a cool and unique 7 seater with plenty of grunt to please. Or should I just go LS?
Thinking of doing a 6.3 litre conversion to my Mercedes R350 2012 (updated head light version).This is an Australian delivered W251 chassis with the long wheel base, the same chassis as the ML63. The R63 was actually released in Australia although only 2 made it into the country (old shape) which makes the car rarer than most. Has anyone done this before and if so what would be involved in terms of the conversion? Im thinking of buying a wrecked ML63 (complete car) side impact, which is of the same vintage. Any advice would be appreciated. Think it would be a cool and unique 7 seater with plenty of grunt to please. Or should I just go LS?
I love the enthusiasm, but I doubt you will find anyone with the experience here. The R-class itself is pretty rare and I can't imagine the R63 has the cachet attract tribute builders the way a rare sports car might. As an example, I've seen plenty of V-6 Camaro's converted to Z28's, but couldn't point to a Chrysler minivan that's had a Hemi swap.
The R63 reminds me of a Churchill quote, though I will use it out of context. "It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma"
With all that said I believe most AMG parts are shared between the R63 and the 2007 ML63. If you have either copious amounts of time and/or money please go right ahead! I enthusiastically encourage it and ask that you document it for everyone. The M156 is a majestic engine, even with it's well known warts.
I would not even consider an LS. The electronic nightmare would just ruin the car. It would take far more work to get everything to play together nicely and as apposed to swapping an LS into a Miata, there is just no aftermarket support.
05-04-2020, 10:59 PM
#3
Transforming an R350 into an R63 would be a money pit and nightmare. When done, it will still not be an R63, and any money you put into will be lost.
I think you would be better off doing:
1. An ECU tune and full EGR delete. This can easily add 100hp/150 lb torque giving you about 330hp and 550 torque. Some guys have broken their differental/transfer case due to this however lol
2. Wheels
3. Upgraded brakes (R63 calipers/pads etc)
Off the line, your torque would give an R63 a run for the money.
I think you would be better off doing:
1. An ECU tune and full EGR delete. This can easily add 100hp/150 lb torque giving you about 330hp and 550 torque. Some guys have broken their differental/transfer case due to this however lol
2. Wheels
3. Upgraded brakes (R63 calipers/pads etc)
Off the line, your torque would give an R63 a run for the money.
Last edited by rbtmak; 05-04-2020 at 11:06 PM.
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focalxplosion (05-04-2020)
05-07-2020, 06:51 AM
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Appreciate your feedback, I know it wont be an easy task. I am to keep the car long term and will keep my options open. A barra swap may be an option too, will fit straight in. You can work magic with plug and play engine managment systems. Not too fussed that the car will never be an R63, being unique is the aim here, taking something to the extreme. Perhaps the 156 engine is overated with its warts and all, head bolt issue, etc. I certainly don't want it to be the unicorn of my destruction. Perhaps I will go barra. They make a nice note too.
Barra swaps are quite poplar in Australia, a forged engine would blow the doors off any 63 and worth 1/4 of the price, rates to 1200hp with a stock bottom end..
Barra swaps are quite poplar in Australia, a forged engine would blow the doors off any 63 and worth 1/4 of the price, rates to 1200hp with a stock bottom end..
05-07-2020, 07:01 AM
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has been done successfuly in an e class
https://www.whichcar.com.au/events/d...challenge-2018
https://www.whichcar.com.au/events/d...challenge-2018
05-07-2020, 07:59 AM
#6
Which ever way you go, it sounds like an interesting project. In France, where I live, about the only mods people do are cosmetic. Any changes to the engine that increase the power, requires you to get the car recertified with a new registration.
