Engine swap question(s)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove, CA
'06 E55 AMG
Engine swap question(s)
Here’s a complicated question asked simply:
Is it possible to swap a late model Mercedes power-plant into an old car? I was thinking either M113K, M156, or M275 (if I can find one and if it will fit).
To answer my own question a little bit, yes, I can make it work using stand alone engine management, and a non electronically controlled transmission.
But, to get a little more specific, is it possible to do an engine swap and use the factory ECU, and trans w/ TCU?
Also, how integral to the engine and transmission management are the ancillary electronics / nannies (traction control, anti-theft, etc.)? Can one of the above listed engines run using the factory ECU/TCU and no other peripheral electronics, old school metal key ignition switch, no flappy paddle shift, no ESP, etc.?
Is it possible to swap a late model Mercedes power-plant into an old car? I was thinking either M113K, M156, or M275 (if I can find one and if it will fit).
To answer my own question a little bit, yes, I can make it work using stand alone engine management, and a non electronically controlled transmission.
But, to get a little more specific, is it possible to do an engine swap and use the factory ECU, and trans w/ TCU?
Also, how integral to the engine and transmission management are the ancillary electronics / nannies (traction control, anti-theft, etc.)? Can one of the above listed engines run using the factory ECU/TCU and no other peripheral electronics, old school metal key ignition switch, no flappy paddle shift, no ESP, etc.?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,558
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From: Sacramento, CA
Ducati
Theres a gent on the forums with the screen name WhippleM104 who sells a standalone 722.6 controller perfect for your application.
His controller has support for touchshift and paddles.
His controller has support for touchshift and paddles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Orlando
1967 Pro Touring turbo LSX Camaro
If you want to do it, do it with the standalones. The factory Mercedes ecu is a pain in the *** even in the cars they come in, and you are asking for punishment to use it in a nonstock app.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove, CA
'06 E55 AMG
Yeah, pretty much the replies I expected. I was hoping to avoid going the stand alone route. But looks like it would be easier. If the project goes forward, the sad reality of it is that the power will most likely be a small block chevy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,156
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From: Northern Va
Dirt Scooters
If someone was doing a standalone on these cars and somehow the trans and electronics all worked like factory I think a lot of us would be all over that. There's no way I would EVER consider using the stock ECM/TCU in a swap. Like stated above that's just setting yourself up for failure and tons of agrivation not to mention extra money spent on trying to tune it.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 437
Likes: 1
From: Central PA
'05 E55
Enthusiasts seem to avoid stand-alones like the plague. There's a bit more upfront effort needed, but after that it's like the difference between the "window view" and easy/convenience of tuning is worlds apart.
Some changed/additional sensors, revised wiring harness, a base-map and some patience and your're almost there. I installed one on my track car several years ago and tuned it on the street/track. Drive, wideband, log, tune; Drive, wideband,log, tune. After a few days of driving, it was 98% dialed PERFECTLY (to my car/environment) and was 99.99% (nothing is EVER perfect) after a month or so. Some of the modern systems even auto-tune based on inputs.
Free yourself from the kraut-shackles and go standalone! Ultimately, you'll save time and money.
Some changed/additional sensors, revised wiring harness, a base-map and some patience and your're almost there. I installed one on my track car several years ago and tuned it on the street/track. Drive, wideband, log, tune; Drive, wideband,log, tune. After a few days of driving, it was 98% dialed PERFECTLY (to my car/environment) and was 99.99% (nothing is EVER perfect) after a month or so. Some of the modern systems even auto-tune based on inputs.
Free yourself from the kraut-shackles and go standalone! Ultimately, you'll save time and money.
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