Havoc's SL55 AMG Build Thread
 

Welcome to Havoc’s SL55 AMG Build Thread. :y

My build consists of extensive engine modifications, a silver carbon fiber interior kit, and HRE wheels. :naughty:

I decided to keep the exterior stock as I believe AMG made the SL55’s exterior perfect from the factory. :cool:

Here are some older pictures of my Beast!! :D

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267355

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267492

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267560

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267624

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267698

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267762

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267818

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244267869




Silver carbon fiber interior kit
-Steering wheel
-Door panels
-Center console

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286909

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244287115

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244287284

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244287329

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244287376




HRE 597R wheels
-8.5 x 20 front
-10.5 x 20 rear

Michelin PS2 tires
-245/35/20 front
-285/30/20 rear

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244344536

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244344660

Now let’s get started with the engine mods!!
 

I brought my SL55 AMG to Vadim with FEDOR DEZYN in Costa Mesa, CA.
Vadim is responsible for engine removal, engine installation, fabrication of intake and exhaust mods, and tuning. :y

All internal engine and head work was done by Victor with VRP located in Canada. :y

The VRP 55K/5.7L conversion bottom consists of:
-VRP all-bore 5.7L 55K block with iron cylinder sleeves
-VRP custom forged pistons with custom rings
-VRP knife-edged stock crank
-VRP ported stock oil pump
-VRP balanced and blueprinted

The VRP stage III 55K heads consists of:
-VRP custom race ported and polished
-VRP custom Ferrea oversized valves
-VRP three angle valve job
-VRP titanium retainers
-VRP custom tri-steel head gaskets
-VRP aggressive cams


My SL55 at Vadim’s shop in California as he starts the engine removal process.
One head is off!!

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244268059

Engine is coming out!! :eek:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244268716

My stock 55K is out!! :D

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244268838


The VRP all-bore 5.7L block with iron cylinder sleeves at Victor’s engine builder’s shop located in Canada. :naughty:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269181

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269315

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269372

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269428

Custom oversized forged pistons with custom rings. :y

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269496

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269611

Custom oversized forged pistons compared to stock 55K cast pistons. :eek:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269668

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269860

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269923

Stock 55K internals.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269990

The VRP balanced and blueprinted knifed-edged 55K crank. :naughty:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270101

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270199

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270245

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270324

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270371

Stock oil pump opening.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270461

Bored out VRP oil pump. :y

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270547

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270595

Engine Assembly. :eek:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244269181

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270654

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270747

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270805

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270847

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270906

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244270958

Checking piston to valve clearance. :y

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244271007




Engine Assembled!! :wootrock:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244271096

Completed 5.7L being crated for shipment back to California from Canada.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244271172

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244271455

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244271396

The 5.7L arrived back to Vadim’s shop in Costa Mesa, California. :D

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244271523

The Ferrea oversized exhaust valve looking through the ported exhaust runner!!

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244300066

Vadim installing the 5.7L into my SL55 AMG!!
Priceless photo!! :y

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244285577


Vadim then installed all the stock intake and exhaust parts back on while also keeping the boost and the engine management system stock. He put 800 miles on for break-in then put it on the dyno.

Blue run is a stock E55, Red is my 5.7L.

Torque limiting cuts in and dumps fuel and pulls timing, so both cars make the same HP, but the 5.7L has 40 ft. lbs. more TQ from the extra displacement and better flowing heads. :y

http://www.bouncethem.com/upload/062...36754c64e5.JPG




Vadim then changes the break-in oil and finds particles in the oil. :eek:
He takes apart the oil filter element and this is what he finds. :tear:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244285776

Vadim also hears a knock coming from the block. :mercy:

Victor advises us to take the engine out and ship it back to him in Canada for tear down and inspection. :y



The engine builder completely disassembled the 5.7L and found no heat marks, no broken material, no damage anywhere. He went the extra length and measured all the components and checked all tolerances and all parts were found to be perfect. :D

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244285839

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286032

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286083

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286137

I had an issue with the original VRP stage III heads that were on the 5.7L so Victor agreed to have another set built for me. :y

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286187

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286294

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286346

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286399

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286447

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286505

Completed VRP stage III 55K heads!! :eek:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286553

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286745



The disassembling of the 5.7L, inspection of all parts, getting a new set of VRP stage III heads built, and the shipping to and from Canada, all delayed the project by many months. However, having a lot of time on my hands and even more patience has kept me calm, for the most part, but still very excited about my engine build. :D



Which brings us to this passed week!!

The 5.7L has finally arrived back to Vadim’s shop in California!! :wootrock:



The 5.7L in crate as it arrived. :bow:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286801

The 5.7L with black valve covers getting prepped with stock parts before install. :naughty:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244286856



My Transmission is currently getting upgraded Maybach shafts and clutch packs and a custom higher stall torque converter. When my tranny returns next week, Vadim is going to put 1,000 miles on the 5.7L with all the stock intake and exhaust parts. Then he will add the FEDOR DEZYN headers and 3’ straight exhaust, VRP 175mm crank pulley, 82mm throttle body, intake FANGS, Xtreme belt wrap kit, HE cooling kit, and to include Vadim’s almost completed SLR type coolers. Then it’s off to the dyno to tune the ECU and TCU!! :v:

Stay tuned!! :y

So as we wait for Vadim to drive my beast all around town again, let’s enjoy some newer pics of my beast!! :p:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305403

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305448

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305487

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244307062

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305587

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305641

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305687

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305736

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244306360

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...g?t=1244305781

Very glad to hear that you are nearing completion on your project!

It looks awesome!!

What is the purpose of knife edging your crank? I have never heard of this.

Remove weight? Less oil resistance maybe?

Thanks for all the photos, very interesting read.

Kevin

What is this costing you if you don't mind me asking?

I don't believe that's Vadims paw installing engine:D this pic is rarer than Sasquatch sighting:y
https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f...g?t=1244285577

Glad the Cobwebs are off N' moving fwd bud...If it were me I'd be putting on the break-in mileage:naughty:

Whats your hp/tq goal with all these mods? And what are you expecting to run at the track?

Very impressive build, thank you for documenting this! :y

Thanks bro!! :y

I'm just trying to keep up with you!! :D

Great times btw... :naughty:

Havoc...congrats on seeing some light at the end of that very long tunnel. I hope you get to enjoy the car. Definitely keep us posted!!!!

Hey did you change your headlights?

wow.... thats crazy... props on on the time and money spent!

Thanks Kevin! :y

Yes, the purpose of knife edging the crank is to have less reciprocating mass and to help rev faster by slicing through the air pressure in the crankcase. :naughty:

Engine mods total just over $50K.

I love You Havoc. A real Horsepower-junkie Like we should find more !!!!! The thread is so good to read . I can't wait to see Top-mount intercooler on your engine, Who is maybe the first M113K engine in the whole world with increased displacement. Only a german company called vath offer such an upgrade but I(ve never seen it mounted on a car.

If you remember I PM'ed you once to ask if you considered the top mount intercooler as a good upgrade. I always thought it would be the "cherry on the cake " for your engine.

Congrats !!! Feed us with pics !!!

Thanks dude!! :y

Yeah, I wish I could put on the break-in mileage but I'm currently working overseas. :rolleyes:
I would much rather put mileage on once it's all completed!! :p:

Thanks Akademiks!! :y

Well, originally I was going for 1,000hp, but if I can get 750-800 crank hp with this setup, then I'll be happy. :D
As for as track times, mid to high 10's will work for me. :naughty:

Thanks AMGfan!! :y

It's been a long road and the journey is still not over yet, but I definitely will enjoy it and keep you posted! :D

btw... your SL65 AMG is just insane looking!! You did an outstanding job with it!! :bow:

No, I didn't change my headlights. I guess they look darker in some of the photos that were taken in the shade.

Thanks Wickedrsr!! :y

The project has taken almost 1 1/2 years, but I always told Victor and Vadim to take their time and not to rush the project.
As for the money spent, it cost what it cost. You have to pay in order to play!!

Havoc, props for creating a great SL55 build thread. Not a lot of guys have the cash and guts to do what you have done to your car, and these pics are awesome and a great view/read. Keep us posted with the final results and bring the beast out to a meet sometime!

$50k http://www.scuba2000.com/forum/images/smilies/eek2.gif& 1 1/2 yearshttp://www.scuba2000.com/forum/images/smilies/huh.gif I don't know which would hurt more let alone both:wall: You truly have backbone sir!

I held the title of fastest SL55 for a very short period of time due to some excellent modding by Urnext on his car.

I suspect you'll be on top for quite a bit longer than I was and kudos to you for pushing the envelope! :y

great thread and great pics, very interesting. Thanks