SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 Engine in an SLK55
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 12
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SLK55
SL55 Engine in an SLK55
Guys, I have learned much from this forum over the years I've owned an R171 SLK55. But I really need some help and I'm in relatively unchartered territory.
For me my SLK was always a keeper but I've had this recurring idea of fitting an SC from it's larger SL55 brother, knowing that they are essentially the same engine. I surmised that the combo of 400 kilos less weight and a 7 speed box should really make it killer!
A year ago I had the opportunity to buy a complete SL55 motor at the right price so I pulled the trigger. Problem was that while the SC fit nicely under the bonnet the sump was completely different and fouled the crossmember. I learned the hard way the lengths that AMG went to to shoehorn the 55 engine into the SLK's tiny body and it turned out that the oil feed was moved from the front of the block to the back and my best option was to fit all of the SL55's engine components into my block.
Long story but eventually we made it work, and work it did! After the addition of a custom exhaust and 180 pulley (and associated cooling of course) it's wheelspin at pretty much any speed!
Even the 7 speed works perfectly but, (and there is a but) I do have one annoying issue, which from my understanding may be a relatively common problem with SC 55 engines. I'm running the original clutched SC pulley and on activation, the engine has a significant power hesitation which my tuner has not been able to eliminate.
My question is does anyone know of a remedy and if not would a fixed pulley improve the situation? The engine is essentially an SL55 so I'm hoping this community may have an answer. The car is otherwise perfect so it's well worth while persevering. My car is so much fun
Thanks!
For me my SLK was always a keeper but I've had this recurring idea of fitting an SC from it's larger SL55 brother, knowing that they are essentially the same engine. I surmised that the combo of 400 kilos less weight and a 7 speed box should really make it killer!
A year ago I had the opportunity to buy a complete SL55 motor at the right price so I pulled the trigger. Problem was that while the SC fit nicely under the bonnet the sump was completely different and fouled the crossmember. I learned the hard way the lengths that AMG went to to shoehorn the 55 engine into the SLK's tiny body and it turned out that the oil feed was moved from the front of the block to the back and my best option was to fit all of the SL55's engine components into my block.
Long story but eventually we made it work, and work it did! After the addition of a custom exhaust and 180 pulley (and associated cooling of course) it's wheelspin at pretty much any speed!
Even the 7 speed works perfectly but, (and there is a but) I do have one annoying issue, which from my understanding may be a relatively common problem with SC 55 engines. I'm running the original clutched SC pulley and on activation, the engine has a significant power hesitation which my tuner has not been able to eliminate.
My question is does anyone know of a remedy and if not would a fixed pulley improve the situation? The engine is essentially an SL55 so I'm hoping this community may have an answer. The car is otherwise perfect so it's well worth while persevering. My car is so much fun
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
SLK55
Thanks, much appreciated! I only have old photos but the car looks like stock anyway. Will have to take some under bonnet shots but they will also be unexciting as only those who know what it should look like would pick the difference ... just the way I wanted it.
Here's a link to a short video posted by my exhaust fabricator. They hand built a beautiful set of headers and custom exhaust that's quite sedate until the the car is pushed and then all hell lets loose. How they did it without exhaust flaps is a mystery to me! The video doesn't do it justice but it's a taste
Hope this is allowed, I have no affiliation with the company other than as a satisfied customer.
https://www.facebook.com/hitechmufflers/videos/1168103049916733/
Here's a link to a short video posted by my exhaust fabricator. They hand built a beautiful set of headers and custom exhaust that's quite sedate until the the car is pushed and then all hell lets loose. How they did it without exhaust flaps is a mystery to me! The video doesn't do it justice but it's a taste
Hope this is allowed, I have no affiliation with the company other than as a satisfied customer.
https://www.facebook.com/hitechmufflers/videos/1168103049916733/
