SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: sl 500 to 55 swap possile/worth it?

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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 03:05 AM
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iBkickinit's Avatar
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sl 500 to 55 swap possile/worth it?

I have an 03' SL500 and I have come across a good deal on an SL55 engine out of a wrecked donor car. Is it possible to swap and if so, is it pretty extensive work or somewhat of a bolt in (relative to any engine swap). My cost is 2-G's plus the 500 engine. Am I better off going for an upgrade for the 500 engine. as I recall, the 55 has beefier internals, no?
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 03:55 AM
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seattlecarfreak's Avatar
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Originally Posted by iBkickinit
I have an 03' SL500 and I have come across a good deal on an SL55 engine out of a wrecked donor car. Is it possible to swap and if so, is it pretty extensive work or somewhat of a bolt in (relative to any engine swap). My cost is 2-G's plus the 500 engine. Am I better off going for an upgrade for the 500 engine. as I recall, the 55 has beefier internals, no?
This isn't an old ford mustang.. you can't just replace engines.. no need to go into details, such as ecu, transmission, etc.. just don't bother thinking about it.. not gonna happen..
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 04:14 AM
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The SL55 has many other modifications to the rest of the car in order to handle the extra.. oh almost 200 hp

I think one of them is the axle is steel rather than aluminum.
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 08:38 AM
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2006 CLS 55 AMG
put in the kleemann
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Old Jun 29, 2006 | 01:28 AM
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That is not a smart swap. The 500 isn't set up to handle the power. The 55 has better suspension and brakes to start with. You would smarter to sell the 500 and buy an SL55 and a driver's school....you won't look back!
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Old Jun 29, 2006 | 01:40 AM
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I can certainly see what you guys are saying about overall addons. I may be able to get the other parts as well like brakes, suspension, drivetrain, electronics for a very good price. The kleeman stage 8 will give around 500 i believe, but how much more would that cost that a few grand for the 55 with necessary components plus installation.

Not arguing, just trying to play devils advocate. are there any particular components that are compatible and worth swapping?
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Old Jul 1, 2006 | 12:48 PM
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CLK55, CL500, Q45
I dont see the use in rebuilding your car, it will be more
aggrevation. Although, if you can get them, switch to
the AMG brakes on your 500. It will look ALOT better,
plus you will have more stopping power.
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